| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wilson/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,426 | n/a (estimate) | 2,982 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 12 | n/a | 25.1 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 27.2 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 30 | n/a | 62.7 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 222 | n/a | 464.2 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 277 | n/a (estimate) | 579 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 137 | n/a | 286.5 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 900 | n/a | 1,881.9 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 112 | n/a | 234.2 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,149 | n/a (estimate) | 2,403 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Wilson is 40.7% 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 277 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 579 per 100,000 individuals, 61.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1149 property crimes, amounting to 2403 per 100,000 residents, 36.5% 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 12 murders in Wilson, which equates to 25 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Wilson being a very dangerous place to live.
What do the local residents think about crime in Wilson? Well, based on a recent survey of 35 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 34% of Wilson residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 66% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Wilson is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Wilson has a total crime rate that is 41% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.91 daily crimes (0.76 violent daily crimes and 3.15 daily property crimes) in Wilson.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Wilson. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Wilson has decreased by 5.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 2.1%, while property crime has decreased by 6.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Wilson.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Wilson, the cost of living is 8.33% lower than the national average.
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.
Wilson has an average rental rate of $1,145 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| 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 |
| Spring Hope, NC | 1,506 | 168 | 877 | 1,044 |
| Elm City, NC | 1,767 | 184 | 964 | 1,149 |
| Kenly, NC | 2,443 | 200 | 1,044 | 1,244 |
| Stantonsburg, NC | 552 | 528 | 925 | 1,453 |
| Sharpsburg, NC | 1,454 | 513 | 1,254 | 1,766 |
| Sims, NC | 388 | 423 | 2,214 | 2,636 |
| Macclesfield, NC | 321 | 440 | 2,302 | 2,741 |
| Wilson, NC | 50,769 | 579 | 2,403 | 2,982 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cerritos, CA | 50,765 | 350 | 5,333 | 5,683 |
| Murray, UT | 50,780 | 278 | 3,319 | 3,597 |
| Harrisburg, PA | 50,810 | 762 | 1,993 | 2,755 |
| San Jacinto, CA | 50,682 | 254 | 1,727 | 1,982 |
| West Lafayette, IN | 50,904 | 94 | 1,205 | 1,298 |
| Wilson, NC | 50,769 | 579 | 2,403 | 2,982 |
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