Wilkes County Crime & Safety

Wilkes County, North Carolina

Safety Score

33/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1581.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

240.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1341.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

33/100

Higher = safer

State avg 32/100

State Safety Rank

#44

of 100 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Wilkes County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Wilkes County maintains a strong safety score of 97.5, significantly higher than many areas nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1,581.9 per 100K people sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Secure Choice in North Carolina

The county's safety score of 97.5 exceeds the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Local authorities report a total crime rate that is nearly 500 points lower than the state average of 2,050.0.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Wilkes County is notably safer than neighboring Wilson County, which sees 2,103.8 crimes per 100K residents. The local crime rate of 1,581.9 offers a more peaceful environment for mountain residents.

Understanding the Local Crime Landscape

Property crime accounts for 1,341.4 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 240.5. These figures demonstrate that violent incidents are rare compared to national benchmarks.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

Homeowners can maintain this high level of safety by installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras. Since property crimes are more common than violent ones, visible deterrents are highly effective here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Wilkes County, NC?

Wilkes County has a total crime rate of 1581.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (240.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1341.4 per 100K).

Is Wilkes County, NC safe?

Wilkes County has a safety score of 33/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #44 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

The county's safety score of 97.5 exceeds the North Carolina state average of 96.8. Local authorities report a total crime rate that is nearly 500 points lower than the state average of 2,050.0.

What types of crime are most common in Wilkes County?

Property crime accounts for 1,341.4 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 240.5. These figures demonstrate that violent incidents are rare compared to national benchmarks.

How is crime data measured and reported for Wilkes County?

Crime data for Wilkes 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.

Why is Wilkes County safer than the North Carolina average?

Wilkes County has a safety score of 33/100, which is above the North Carolina average of 32/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.