| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sylva/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 130 | n/a (estimate) | 4,820 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 37.1 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 37.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 37.1 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 407.9 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 519 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 889.9 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 86 | n/a | 3,188.7 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 222.5 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 116 | n/a (estimate) | 4,301 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
The Sylva crime rates are 127.5% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 14 violent crimes in Sylva (519 per 100,000 people), which is 44.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 116 property crimes (4301 per 100,000 residents) which is 144.4% higher than average.
In Sylva, the crime rate stands at 4820 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 127.45%. 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 Sylva 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.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Sylva stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Sylva, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 37 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Sylva faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4301 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Sylva stands at 1 in 24, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Sylva. Based on the results of the surveys (8 responses), 38% of people felt that there was very little crime in Sylva and felt safe walking alone at night. While 63% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Sylva is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Sylva has an overall crime rate that is 127% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.36 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.32 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Sylva as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sylva. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sylva has increased by 10.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 30%, while property crimes have increased by 18.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Sylva crime rates. For instance, in Sylva, the population density stands at 878.8 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Sylva, 80.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Sylva, the cost of living is 1.29% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Sylva | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.4 | 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 |
| Lake Junaluska, NC | 3,344 | 106 | 557 | 664 |
| Glenville, NC | 103 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| Cherokee, NC | 2,165 | 166 | 868 | 1,034 |
| Webster, NC | 336 | 239 | 1,253 | 1,492 |
| Cullowhee, NC | 7,021 | 268 | 1,401 | 1,669 |
| Dillsboro, NC | 223 | 341 | 1,786 | 2,128 |
| Bryson City, NC | 1,829 | 602 | 1,538 | 2,140 |
| Sylva, NC | 2,804 | 519 | 4,301 | 4,820 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cokato, MN | 2,804 | 126 | 784 | 910 |
| Oak Trail Shores, TX | 2,803 | 222 | 1,166 | 1,388 |
| Middlebush, NJ | 2,805 | 63 | 411 | 474 |
| Stanley, ND | 2,803 | 188 | 1,406 | 1,594 |
| Greenwich, NJ | 2,805 | 69 | 454 | 524 |
| Sylva, NC | 2,804 | 519 | 4,301 | 4,820 |
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