Cherokee County Crime & Safety

Cherokee County, North Carolina

Safety Score

13/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2497.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

291.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2206.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

13/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#78

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Cherokee County, North Carolina

Near National Safety Norms

Cherokee County reports a safety score of 96.1, which aligns closely with national security expectations. Its total crime rate of 2,497.6 per 100K is just slightly above the national average of 2,385.5.

Just Below State Averages

At 96.1, Cherokee's safety score sits slightly under the North Carolina average of 96.8. The county's crime rate of 2,497.6 per 100K is roughly 20% higher than the statewide average.

Active Mountain Safety Trends

Cherokee shows more crime activity than its neighbor Clay County, likely due to higher population density or reporting from three different agencies. This makes it a more active hub for law enforcement in the mountains.

Property Incidents Outpace Violence

The violent crime rate is 291.0 per 100K, while property crime is much higher at 2,206.6. Theft and burglary represent the vast majority of local criminal reports.

Securing Your Mountain Home

Protect your property by securing outbuildings and vehicles where many thefts occur. Staying informed about local trends helps residents maintain a secure household in Cherokee County.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Cherokee County, NC?

Cherokee County has a total crime rate of 2497.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (291.0 per 100K) and property crimes (2206.6 per 100K).

Is Cherokee County, NC safe?

Cherokee County has a safety score of 13/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #78 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

At 96.1, Cherokee's safety score sits slightly under the North Carolina average of 96.8. The county's crime rate of 2,497.6 per 100K is roughly 20% higher than the statewide average.

What types of crime are most common in Cherokee County?

The violent crime rate is 291.0 per 100K, while property crime is much higher at 2,206.6. Theft and burglary represent the vast majority of local criminal reports.

How is crime data measured and reported for Cherokee County?

Crime data for Cherokee 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 Cherokee County?

Cherokee County has a safety score of 13/100, 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.