Lexington, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lexington, 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 Lexington is 56.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 95 violent crimes reported in Lexington, equivalent to 486 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 31.4%. Additionally, Lexington recorded 615 property crimes, amounting to 3147 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 61%.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Lexington has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 3 murders in Lexington, which is 15 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lexington?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lexington residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 55% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lexington were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 45% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Lexington a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Lexington, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Lexington presents a total crime rate that is 56% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Lexington experiences an average of 1.95 daily crimes, comprising 0.26 violent incidents and 1.68 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 Lexington Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Lexington. 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 Lexington has increased by 2.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 4%, while property crime has increased by 3.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Lexington.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lexington

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Lexington crime rates. In Lexington, the poverty rate stands at 25.1%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Lexington, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Lexington, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.87 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Lexington crime map