| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Winston-Salem/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 9,478 | n/a (estimate) | 3,731 | 2,344 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 29 | n/a | 11.4 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 117 | n/a | 46.1 | 28.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 247 | n/a | 97.2 | 50.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,664 | n/a | 655.0 | 290.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,057 | n/a (estimate) | 810 | 376 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,448 | n/a | 570.0 | 323.9 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5,073 | n/a | 1,996.9 | 1,390.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 900 | n/a | 354.3 | 254.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 7,421 | n/a (estimate) | 2,921 | 1,968 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Winston-Salem crime rate is 76.1% 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 Winston-Salem, there were 2057 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 810 per 100,000 individuals, 125.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Winston-Salem recorded 7421 property crimes, amounting to 2921 per 100,000 residents, 66% higher than the U.S. average.
Winston-Salem ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 810 per 100,000 people, Winston-Salem is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 124 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Winston-Salem, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Winston-Salem 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 29 murders in Winston-Salem, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Winston-Salem residents. Out of the respondents (155 in total), 48% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Winston-Salem were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 52% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem has an overall crime rate that is 76% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 25.97 daily occurrences, comprising 5.64 violent crimes and 20.33 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Winston-Salem as a potential place to establish residency.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Winston-Salem crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Winston-Salem has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Winston-Salem has a population density of 1927.6 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Winston-Salem crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Winston-Salem has a median home price of $268,440, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
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 | Winston-Salem | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 705 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 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 |
| Bermuda Run, NC | 2,796 | 75 | 393 | 468 |
| Advance, NC | 1,160 | 77 | 401 | 477 |
| Tobaccoville, NC | 2,787 | 139 | 726 | 865 |
| Wallburg, NC | 3,169 | 141 | 738 | 879 |
| Germanton, NC | 1,160 | 142 | 743 | 885 |
| Bethania, NC | 363 | 152 | 795 | 947 |
| Rural Hall, NC | 3,296 | 176 | 922 | 1,098 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 255,400 | 810 | 2,921 | 3,731 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Gilbert, AZ | 255,869 | 132 | 968 | 1,100 |
| Glendale, AZ | 255,914 | 488 | 2,671 | 3,159 |
| North Las Vegas, NV | 256,144 | 389 | 1,961 | 2,350 |
| Reno, NV | 258,532 | 530 | 2,445 | 2,975 |
| Chesapeake, VA | 251,202 | 339 | 1,744 | 2,084 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 255,400 | 810 | 2,921 | 3,731 |
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