Burke County Crime & Safety

Burke County, North Carolina

Safety Score

3/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

4059.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

539.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

3519.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

3/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#92

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Burke County, North Carolina

Burke County Faces Elevated Crime Challenges

Burke County reports a total crime rate of 4,059.3 per 100K, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a safety score of 93.6, which reflects higher reported activity across 9 agencies.

Lower Safety Ranking Within the State

The county's safety score of 93.6 is well below the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 4,059.3 per 100K is nearly double the state average of 2,050.0.

Comparing Burke to Nearby Caldwell

Burke County’s crime rate of 4,059.3 per 100K is significantly higher than neighboring Caldwell County’s rate of 2,408.5. This disparity highlights localized safety challenges that differ from nearby mountain communities.

High Property and Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Burke sits at 539.9 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 3,519.4 per 100K, which is substantially higher than national norms.

Prioritizing Home Security Solutions

Residents should take active measures to secure their property in light of high local rates. Reinforced door frames and monitored alarm systems can significantly lower the risk of becoming a statistic.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Burke County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Burke County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Burke County, NC?

Burke County has a total crime rate of 4059.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (539.9 per 100K) and property crimes (3519.4 per 100K).

Is Burke County, NC safe?

Burke County has a safety score of 3/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #92 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

How does Burke County crime compare to the North Carolina average?

The county's safety score of 93.6 is well below the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 4,059.3 per 100K is nearly double the state average of 2,050.0.

What types of crime are most common in Burke County?

Violent crime in Burke sits at 539.9 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 3,519.4 per 100K, which is substantially higher than national norms.

How is crime data measured and reported for Burke County?

Crime data for Burke County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Burke County?

Burke County has a safety score of 3/100, which is below the North Carolina average of 32/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.