Greenville, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Greenville, 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 Greenville is 41.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 508 violent crimes reported in Greenville, equivalent to 568 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 53.7%. Additionally, Greenville recorded 2438 property crimes, amounting to 2728 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 39.6%.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Greenville stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Greenville, 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Greenville?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Greenville residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 98 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 33% of Greenville 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, 67% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Greenville a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Greenville, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Greenville presents a total crime rate that is 42% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Greenville experiences an average of 8.07 daily crimes, comprising 1.39 violent incidents and 6.68 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Greenville Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Greenville has increased by 17.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Greenville, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 9.5%, while property crime has increased by 19.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Greenville is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Greenville

Greenville has a poverty rate of 27.3, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

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. Greenville currently has an unemployment rate of 5.5%, 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 educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Greenville, 88.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Greenville crime map