| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Valdese/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 79 | n/a (estimate) | 1,694 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 21.4 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 21.4 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 171.6 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 214 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 21 | n/a | 450.4 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 43 | n/a | 922.2 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 107.2 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 69 | n/a (estimate) | 1,480 | 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 Valdese crime rate is lower than the national average by 27.1%. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes in Valdese, equivalent to 214 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 42%. Furthermore, Valdese recorded 69 property crimes, amounting to 1480 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 24.3%.
Valdese showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Valdese, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Valdese presents a total crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Valdese experiences an average of 0.22 daily crimes, comprising 0.03 violent incidents and 0.19 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Valdese has decreased by 3.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Valdese, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 11.1%, while property crime has decreased by 5.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Valdese is a safe place to live.
In Valdese, the cost of living is 11.7% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Valdese stands at $120,300, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
In Valdese, the average rental rates are $586 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Valdese | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Drexel, NC | 1,725 | 0 | 114 | 114 |
| Northlakes, NC | 1,304 | 109 | 556 | 665 |
| Rutherford College, NC | 1,104 | 160 | 815 | 975 |
| Cedar Rock, NC | 284 | 164 | 834 | 997 |
| Glen Alpine, NC | 1,927 | 179 | 912 | 1,091 |
| Salem, NC | 1,479 | 193 | 984 | 1,177 |
| Cajah's Mountain, NC | 2,758 | 193 | 984 | 1,178 |
| Valdese, NC | 4,420 | 214 | 1,480 | 1,694 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Park Layne, OH | 4,420 | 266 | 1,615 | 1,881 |
| Hearne, TX | 4,421 | 620 | 797 | 1,417 |
| Jenkintown, PA | 4,418 | 80 | 421 | 501 |
| Winnfield, LA | 4,418 | 604 | 2,638 | 3,242 |
| Treasure Lake, PA | 4,418 | 150 | 794 | 944 |
| Valdese, NC | 4,420 | 214 | 1,480 | 1,694 |
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