Guilford County Crime & Safety

Guilford County, North Carolina

Safety Score

9/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2900.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

513.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2387.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

9/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#85

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Guilford County, North Carolina

Guilford's Crime Exceeds National Averages

Guilford County reports a total crime rate of 2900.7 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this volume, the county maintains a high safety score of 95.4 out of 100. This score reflects a community that remains relatively secure even with higher-than-average reporting.

Trailing the North Carolina Average

The county's total crime rate of 2900.7 is roughly 41% higher than the North Carolina state average of 2,050.0. Its safety score of 95.4 also trails the state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement agencies face a higher per-capita caseload than many of their statewide peers.

Safety Comparisons Across County Lines

Guilford County is slightly safer than neighboring Halifax County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2962.7 per 100,000. However, it experiences more frequent incidents than nearby Harnett County, where the rate is only 2051.0. These differences highlight the varying safety landscapes in this region of North Carolina.

Property Offenses Drive Local Totals

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, with a rate of 2387.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is reported at 513.6, which is higher than the national mark of 369.8. These figures suggest that while property theft is the primary concern, violent incidents occur more frequently than the US average.

Securing Your Guilford Residence

Since property crime is the most common threat, residents should prioritize visible home security measures. Motion-sensor lighting and smart doorbells serve as effective deterrents against theft and burglary. Staying informed about local trends helps residents take proactive steps to protect their property.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Guilford County, NC?

Guilford County has a total crime rate of 2900.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (513.6 per 100K) and property crimes (2387.1 per 100K).

Is Guilford County, NC safe?

Guilford County has a safety score of 9/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #85 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Guilford County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Guilford County?

Crime data for Guilford 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 Guilford County?

Guilford County has a safety score of 9/100, 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.