Asheville, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Asheville, NC

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 Asheville is 161.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 879 violent crimes reported in Asheville, equivalent to 938 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 153.6%. Additionally, Asheville recorded 4811 property crimes, amounting to 5133 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 162.6%.

In Asheville, the crime rate stands at 6071 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 161.19%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Asheville that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Asheville has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 938 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Asheville falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 107 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Asheville stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Asheville, a total of 12 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Asheville has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5133 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Asheville is 1 in 20, which is far higher than the national average.

With a total of 418 vehicle thefts last year, Asheville has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 446 per 100,000 people. This lands Asheville in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 225.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Asheville?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Asheville residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 247 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 30% of Asheville residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 70% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Asheville a Safe Place to Live?

Is Asheville a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Asheville has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 161%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 15.59 daily incidents, encompassing 2.41 violent crimes and 13.18 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Asheville as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Asheville Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Asheville. 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 Asheville has decreased by 0.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 24.9%, while property crime has decreased by 3.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Asheville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Asheville

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. Asheville currently has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

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 Asheville stands at $291,800, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Asheville, the average monthly rent stands at $1,084, while the national average is $949 per month.

Asheville crime map