| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salisbury/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,632 | n/a (estimate) | 4,541 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 19.5 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 13.9 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 41 | n/a | 114.1 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 265 | n/a | 737.4 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 318 | n/a (estimate) | 885 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 169 | n/a | 470.3 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,005 | n/a | 2,796.5 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 140 | n/a | 389.6 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,314 | n/a (estimate) | 3,656 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
The Salisbury crime rates are 95.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 318 violent crimes in Salisbury (885 per 100,000 people), which is 139.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1314 property crimes (3656 per 100,000 residents) which is 87.1% higher than average.
With a crime rate of 4541 per 100,000 residents, Salisbury has a crime rate that is 95.39% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Salisbury that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
With a violent crime rate of 885 crimes per 100,000 residents, Salisbury is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Salisbury ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 114 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Salisbury stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Salisbury, there were a total of 7 murders, translating to 19 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Salisbury - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3656 per 100,000 people, Salisbury has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Salisbury residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 74 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 28% of Salisbury residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 72% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Salisbury is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Salisbury has a total crime rate that is 95% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.47 daily crimes (0.87 violent daily crimes and 3.6 daily property crimes) in Salisbury.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Salisbury. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Salisbury has decreased by 1.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 1%, while property crimes have decreased by 1.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Salisbury has a poverty rate that stands at 21.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Salisbury crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Salisbury, the cost of living is 10.39% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Salisbury, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.8, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Salisbury | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 95 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rockwell, NC | 2,090 | 161 | 818 | 979 |
| Southmont, NC | 1,165 | 169 | 859 | 1,028 |
| Granite Quarry, NC | 2,973 | 198 | 926 | 1,125 |
| Enochville, NC | 3,358 | 203 | 1,037 | 1,240 |
| Landis, NC | 3,119 | 210 | 1,072 | 1,282 |
| Tyro, NC | 3,239 | 223 | 1,134 | 1,357 |
| Cleveland, NC | 1,147 | 116 | 1,276 | 1,392 |
| Salisbury, NC | 33,961 | 885 | 3,656 | 4,541 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Ridgeville, OH | 33,961 | 41 | 392 | 433 |
| Sun Prairie, WI | 33,954 | 274 | 1,535 | 1,809 |
| Pullman, WA | 33,974 | 91 | 941 | 1,032 |
| Merritt Island, FL | 33,975 | 230 | 1,393 | 1,623 |
| Cookeville, TN | 33,922 | 246 | 2,332 | 2,578 |
| Salisbury, NC | 33,961 | 885 | 3,656 | 4,541 |
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