| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Shelby/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 757 | n/a (estimate) | 3,443 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 9.1 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 59.1 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 24 | n/a | 109.1 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 160 | n/a | 727.6 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 199 | n/a (estimate) | 905 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 113 | n/a | 513.9 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 395 | n/a | 1,796.3 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 50 | n/a | 227.4 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 558 | n/a (estimate) | 2,538 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Shelby crime rate is higher than the national average by 48.1%. Specifically, there were 199 violent crimes in Shelby, equivalent to 905 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 144.7%. Furthermore, Shelby recorded 558 property crimes, amounting to 2538 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 29.8%.
Shelby ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 905 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Shelby stand at 1 in every 111 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Shelby residents. Out of the respondents (38 in total), 24% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Shelby were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 76% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Shelby a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Shelby crime rate is 48% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.07 crimes per day - 0.55 violent crimes and 1.53 property crimes.
In Shelby, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 4.17 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Shelby is $132,900, compared to a national average of $184,700.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Shelby, the average monthly rent stands at $684, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Shelby | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 85 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.2 | 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 |
| Ellenboro, NC | 794 | 216 | 1,101 | 1,317 |
| Bessemer City, NC | 5,536 | 305 | 1,365 | 1,670 |
| Boiling Springs, NC | 4,580 | 303 | 1,545 | 1,849 |
| Cherryville, NC | 6,018 | 194 | 1,824 | 2,018 |
| East Gaffney, SC | 3,043 | 355 | 1,670 | 2,025 |
| Kings Mountain, NC | 10,885 | 482 | 2,254 | 2,736 |
| Blacksburg, SC | 2,101 | 371 | 2,439 | 2,810 |
| Shelby, NC | 20,046 | 905 | 2,538 | 3,443 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 20,044 | 106 | 639 | 745 |
| Amherst Center, MA | 20,037 | 194 | 331 | 525 |
| West Chester, PA | 20,033 | 167 | 883 | 1,050 |
| Glassboro, NJ | 20,069 | 232 | 1,506 | 1,738 |
| Port Angeles, WA | 20,071 | 670 | 3,785 | 4,455 |
| Shelby, NC | 20,046 | 905 | 2,538 | 3,443 |
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