| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salisbury/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,809 | n/a (estimate) | 4,947 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 11 | n/a | 30.1 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 57.4 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 53 | n/a | 145.0 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 266 | n/a | 727.5 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 351 | n/a (estimate) | 960 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 147 | n/a | 402.0 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,010 | n/a | 2,762.3 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 301 | n/a | 823.2 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,458 | n/a (estimate) | 3,988 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Salisbury is 133.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 351 violent crimes reported in Salisbury, equivalent to 960 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 167.3%. Additionally, Salisbury recorded 1458 property crimes, amounting to 3988 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 126.6%.
With a total of 4947 crimes per 100,000 people, the Salisbury crime rates stand at 133.46 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Salisbury, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
Salisbury has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 960 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Salisbury falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 105 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Salisbury has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 11 murders in Salisbury, which is 30 murders per 100,000 people.
Salisbury reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3988 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 26 chance of falling victim to property crime in Salisbury, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Salisbury is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Salisbury reported a total of 301 vehicle thefts, resulting in 823 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 122, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Salisbury. Based on the results of the surveys (77 responses), 29% of people felt that there was very little crime in Salisbury and felt safe walking alone at night. While 71% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Salisbury, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Salisbury presents a total crime rate that is 133% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Salisbury experiences an average of 4.96 daily crimes, comprising 0.96 violent incidents and 3.99 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Salisbury has increased by 9.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Salisbury is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 11.4%, while property crime has increased by 9.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Salisbury.
In Salisbury, 78.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Salisbury, there are 2.8 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
The median home price in Salisbury is $255,073, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| 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 |
| Faith, NC | 1,083 | 87 | 454 | 540 |
| Southmont, NC | 1,188 | 138 | 724 | 862 |
| Granite Quarry, NC | 3,084 | 153 | 799 | 952 |
| Rockwell, NC | 2,174 | 166 | 867 | 1,032 |
| Cooleemee, NC | 1,069 | 171 | 897 | 1,068 |
| Landis, NC | 3,214 | 180 | 941 | 1,120 |
| East Spencer, NC | 1,429 | 181 | 947 | 1,128 |
| Salisbury, NC | 35,060 | 960 | 3,988 | 4,947 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Adelanto, CA | 35,081 | 565 | 995 | 1,560 |
| Ken Caryl, CO | 35,038 | 267 | 1,453 | 1,719 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 35,091 | 236 | 2,787 | 3,023 |
| Sun Prairie, WI | 35,107 | 184 | 1,410 | 1,594 |
| Chester, PA | 35,117 | 831 | 1,989 | 2,819 |
| Salisbury, NC | 35,060 | 960 | 3,988 | 4,947 |
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