| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wilson/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,416 | n/a (estimate) | 2,980 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 10.5 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 12.6 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 41 | n/a | 86.3 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 193 | n/a | 406.2 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 245 | n/a (estimate) | 516 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 187 | n/a | 393.5 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 907 | n/a | 1,908.8 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 77 | n/a | 162.0 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,171 | n/a (estimate) | 2,464 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Wilson is 28.2% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Wilson, there were 245 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 516 per 100,000 individuals, 39.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1171 property crimes, amounting to 2464 per 100,000 residents, 26.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Wilson is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 5 murders in Wilson, which equates to 11 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Wilson being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Wilson residents. Out of the respondents (33 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Wilson were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Wilson is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Wilson has an overall crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.88 daily occurrences, comprising 0.67 violent crimes and 3.21 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Wilson as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Wilson. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Wilson has decreased by 6.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 13.4%, while property crimes have decreased by 4.6%. 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.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Wilson crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Wilson has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
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 Wilson, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.67, 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.
The median home price in Wilson is $146,000, compared to the national average of $184,700. 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 | Wilson | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 133 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Fremont, NC | 990 | 191 | 972 | 1,162 |
| Spring Hope, NC | 1,459 | 194 | 988 | 1,182 |
| Elm City, NC | 1,701 | 198 | 1,011 | 1,209 |
| Kenly, NC | 2,385 | 199 | 1,014 | 1,213 |
| Lucama, NC | 974 | 211 | 1,076 | 1,288 |
| Sharpsburg, NC | 1,418 | 232 | 1,182 | 1,414 |
| Stantonsburg, NC | 531 | 538 | 1,346 | 1,884 |
| Wilson, NC | 49,310 | 516 | 2,464 | 2,980 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Downers Grove, IL | 49,263 | 124 | 727 | 851 |
| Troy, NY | 49,253 | 673 | 3,351 | 4,023 |
| Harrisburg, PA | 49,247 | 432 | 2,285 | 2,717 |
| Cerritos, CA | 49,388 | 294 | 3,880 | 4,173 |
| Portage, MI | 49,224 | 318 | 3,315 | 3,632 |
| Wilson, NC | 49,310 | 516 | 2,464 | 2,980 |
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