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North Carolina Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 209 people in North Carolina.

  • North Carolina's violent crime rate is higher than the national average. It stands at 4.79 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • North Carolina's property crime rate is higher than the national average. It is recorded at 28.74 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    by | Sep 24, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of North Carolina, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of North Carolina, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in North Carolina. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is North Carolina Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number47,227283,369110,041
    Rate per 10004.7928.7411.16

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in North Carolina. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    North Carolina’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    North Carolina has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In North Carolina, the rate of violent crimes is 4.79 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in North Carolina compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in North Carolina in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    North Carolina’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number1,0403,34534,8795,8401,814
    Rate per 10000.110.343.540.620.18
    Population9,859,219

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in North Carolina

    • North Carolina’s murder crime rate is 0.11, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 57%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.34, which is lower than the national average of 0.44 by 23%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 3.54, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 25%.
    • Robbery is not a concern in North Carolina, with a crime rate of 0.62, which is lower than the national average of 0.63 by 2%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.18, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 64%.

    North Carolina’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    North Carolina has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In North Carolina, the rate of property crimes is 28.74 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in North Carolina compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    North Carolina’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number36,5081,42061,076816158,15518,7796,615
    Rate per 10003.70.146.190.0816.041.90.67
    Population9,859,219

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in North Carolina

    • North Carolina experiences a burglary crime rate of 3.7, which is higher than the national average of 2.72 by 36%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.14, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 75%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in North Carolina, with a crime rate of 6.19, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 57%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.08, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 100%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 16.04 in North Carolina, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 15%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 1.9, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 29%.
    • North Carolina faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.67, which is 23% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    North Carolina’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number90,54218,670255574
    Rate per 10009.181.890.030.06
    Population9,859,219

     

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

    North Carolina’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a significant concern in North Carolina, with a rate of 9.18, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 136%.
    • Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.89, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 133%.

     

    Conclusion

    North Carolina has a murder crime rate slightly higher than the national average, but its rape and assault crime rates are lower. Robbery is less of a concern in the state compared to the national average. However, North Carolina faces challenges with burglary, arson, vandalism, theft, and drug offenses, which are higher than the national average. On a positive note, motor vehicle theft and identity theft rates are lower in the state. Addressing drug offenses and weapon law violations remains a key focus in North Carolina’s crime prevention efforts.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.