Watauga County Crime & Safety
Watauga County, North Carolina
FBI UCRSafety Score
53/100
Higher = safer
Safety Rating
Average
Total Crime Rate
1059.7
per 100K population
Crime Statistics
Violent Crime Rate
73.3
per 100K population
National avg 380.7
Property Crime Rate
986.4
per 100K population
National avg 1954.4
Safety Score
53/100
Higher = safer
State avg 32/100
State Safety Rank
#18
of 100 counties (1 = safest)
Data Story
About Crime & Safety in Watauga County, North Carolina
High Safety Scores in the High Country
Watauga County is exceptionally safe, earning a safety score of 98.3 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,059.7 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers reflect the county's reputation as a secure and peaceful mountain community.
A Safety Leader in North Carolina
With a safety score of 98.3, Watauga County easily outperforms the state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,059.7 is significantly lower than the North Carolina average of 2,050.0. Four reporting agencies coordinate to ensure the safety of both residents and the large seasonal tourist population.
Mountain Safety vs. Regional Trends
Watauga County maintains much lower crime rates than many of its Piedmont and coastal peers across the state. While the state average sits at 2,050.0 crimes per 100,000, Watauga's rate is nearly 50% lower. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the western part of North Carolina.
Remarkably Low Violent Crime Rates
The violent crime rate in Watauga is just 73.3, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains low at 986.4 compared to the national figure of 2,015.7. Residents enjoy a high degree of protection against both personal harm and theft.
Preserving Your Mountain Home Security
Watauga's low crime rates are a point of pride, but maintaining security is still important. Simple efforts like locking vehicles at trailheads and securing vacation rentals help keep property crime numbers low. Community vigilance ensures the county remains a safe haven for everyone.
Crime Advisory: Watauga County
Safety Verdict
Watauga County has a safety score of 53/100, indicating a moderately safe area with moderate overall crime (1059.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, 2022 data).
Violent vs. Property Crime
Violent crime stands at 73.3 per 100K and property crime at 986.4 per 100K (2022 data). In this county, property crime dominates.
Data Coverage
This data reflects partial coverage from 4 law enforcement agencies in Watauga County for 2022. Figures may underrepresent actual crime levels due to incomplete reporting.
State Comparison
Compared to the rest of North Carolina, total crime is 48% below the North Carolina average and its safety score is 22 points above the state mean.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Watauga County, NC?
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Counties with Similar Safety Profile
Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.