Chatham County Crime & Safety

Chatham County, North Carolina

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

5152.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

446.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

4705.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#96

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Chatham County, North Carolina

Elevated Crime Rates in Chatham

Chatham County faces a total crime rate of 5,152.8 per 100K, which is more than double the national average. Consequently, its safety score of 91.9 is lower than that of many surrounding counties.

Chatham Trails State Safety Averages

The county’s safety score of 91.9 falls below the North Carolina average of 96.8. Local crime volume is significantly higher than the state average of 2,050.0 per 100K residents.

Unique Regional Safety Challenges

Data from five reporting agencies show Chatham has a much higher crime rate than nearby low-crime counties like Caswell. This increased activity is driven primarily by a surge in property-related incidents.

Property Crimes Drive the Numbers

Property crime dominates the landscape at 4,705.9 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 446.9. Residents are far more likely to experience theft or vandalism than physical violence in this jurisdiction.

Prioritize Your Home Security

Given the high property crime rate, installing a monitored alarm system is a smart investment for Chatham homeowners. Visible cameras and robust locks can help deter potential intruders.

SimpliSafe Home Security

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

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Chatham County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Chatham County, NC?

Chatham County has a total crime rate of 5152.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (446.9 per 100K) and property crimes (4705.9 per 100K).

Is Chatham County, NC safe?

Chatham County has a safety score of 2/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #96 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

The county’s safety score of 91.9 falls below the North Carolina average of 96.8. Local crime volume is significantly higher than the state average of 2,050.0 per 100K residents.

What types of crime are most common in Chatham County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Chatham County?

Crime data for Chatham 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 Chatham County?

Chatham County has a safety score of 2/100, 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.