F
67%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
16%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
76%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWaynesville/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime396n/a (estimate)3,8732,4692,324
Murder0n/a0.08.16.3
Rape5n/a48.930.540.0
Robbery2n/a19.654.966.1
Assault37n/a361.9311.6268.2
Violent crime44n/a (estimate)430405370
Burglary39n/a381.4370.8269.8
Theft300n/a2,934.01,494.01,401.9
Vehicle theft13n/a127.1199.3282.7
Property crime352n/a (estimate)3,4432,0641,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Waynesville, NC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Waynesville crime rate is 66.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Waynesville, there were 44 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 430 per 100,000 individuals, 16.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Waynesville recorded 352 property crimes, amounting to 3443 per 100,000 residents, 76.1% higher than the U.S. average.

Waynesville showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Waynesville?

AreaVibes surveyed 25 local residents in Waynesville to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 68% of people answered that there was very little crime in Waynesville and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 32% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Waynesville a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Waynesville a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Waynesville crime rate is 67% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.08 crimes per day - 0.12 violent crimes and 0.96 property crimes.

Has Crime in Waynesville Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Waynesville has decreased by 50.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Waynesville is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 13.7%, while property crime has decreased by 53.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Waynesville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Waynesville

Waynesville has a poverty rate of 20.4, 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. Waynesville currently has an unemployment rate of 1.3%, 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.

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 Waynesville, the average monthly rent stands at $794, while the national average is $949 per month.

Waynesville crime map



The Waynesville crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Waynesville as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Waynesville crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Waynesville crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Waynesville, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Waynesville crime rates are 67% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Waynesville are 16% higher than the national average
      • In Waynesville you have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Waynesville is safer than 16% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Waynesville has decreased by 49%

      Waynesville, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Waynesville (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Waynesville, North Carolina is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Waynesville are 1.57 times more than the North Carolina average and 1.67 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Waynesville are 1.06 times more than than North Carolina and 1.16 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Waynesville are 1.67 times more than than North Carolina and 1.76 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Waynesville (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Waynesville in comparison to other North Carolina communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Waynesville safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Waynesville being safer than 33% of cities in North Carolina and 16% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking North Carolina cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Waynesville. In conclusion, Waynesville ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Waynesville

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Waynesville is 1 in 233
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Waynesville is 1 in 30
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Waynesville is 1 in 26
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Waynesville, North Carolina you have a 1 in 233 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Waynesville.

        Year Over Year Crime In Waynesville (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Waynesville is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Waynesville has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 10% in Waynesville, while property crimes in Waynesville have decreased by 51%. Total crime has decreased by 49% year over year.

        Waynesville police department

        Item Waynesville North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4214,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.24.83.3
        There are a total of 42 Waynesville police officers. This results in 4.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 11.5% less than the North Carolina average and 30% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lake Junaluska, NC3,25299506606
        Clyde, NC1,483158806964
        West Canton, NC1,4321688591,027
        Forest Hills, NC3252081,0611,269
        Webster, NC3253381,7222,060
        Dillsboro, NC2193541,8032,157
        Cullowhee, NC6,7984002,0382,438
        Waynesville, NC10,1454303,4433,873

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wood River, IL10,1493572,3772,734
        Mentone, CA10,1415782,7063,284
        Snohomish, WA10,1412072,7162,923
        Lantana, TX10,152152807959
        Fountain Inn, SC10,1274511,7882,239
        Waynesville, NC10,1454303,4433,873
        Source: The Waynesville, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.