| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wilkesboro/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 205 | n/a (estimate) | 5,613 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 54.8 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 27.4 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 273.8 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 356 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 629.8 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 162 | n/a | 4,435.9 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 191.7 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 192 | n/a (estimate) | 5,257 | 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 Wilkesboro is 164.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 13 violent crimes reported in Wilkesboro, equivalent to 356 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 0.9%. Additionally, Wilkesboro recorded 192 property crimes, amounting to 5257 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 198.7%.
Wilkesboro has a crime rate of 5613 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 164.88%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Wilkesboro. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
The violent crime rate in Wilkesboro closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 356 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Wilkesboro as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
In the latest reported crime year, Wilkesboro recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Wilkesboro reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5257 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to property crime in Wilkesboro, 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Wilkesboro to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 50% of people answered that there was very little crime in Wilkesboro and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 50% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Wilkesboro, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wilkesboro presents a total crime rate that is 165% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wilkesboro experiences an average of 0.56 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.53 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 data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Wilkesboro crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Wilkesboro has decreased by 40.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 40.9% and property crime has decreased by 40%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Wilkesboro currently has an unemployment rate of 0.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Wilkesboro, 70.4% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Wilkesboro, the average rental rates are $951 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Wilkesboro | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 6.7 | 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 |
| Mulberry, NC | 2,096 | 141 | 740 | 881 |
| Millers Creek, NC | 1,512 | 147 | 770 | 917 |
| Moravian Falls, NC | 2,129 | 149 | 777 | 926 |
| Fairplains, NC | 1,819 | 167 | 874 | 1,041 |
| Hays, NC | 1,414 | 175 | 918 | 1,093 |
| Cricket, NC | 2,504 | 190 | 992 | 1,181 |
| North Wilkesboro, NC | 4,279 | 254 | 2,059 | 2,313 |
| Wilkesboro, NC | 3,593 | 356 | 5,257 | 5,613 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Desert Edge, CA | 3,594 | 368 | 1,575 | 1,944 |
| Valhalla, NY | 3,594 | 72 | 328 | 400 |
| St. James City, FL | 3,594 | 51 | 270 | 321 |
| Forsyth, IL | 3,591 | 82 | 484 | 566 |
| Cedar Grove, FL | 3,596 | 170 | 902 | 1,071 |
| Wilkesboro, NC | 3,593 | 356 | 5,257 | 5,613 |
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