Deciding on a place to live is one of the most important choices you have to make. You want to live somewhere that fits your personal needs, which are different for everyone. Some needs, however, are universal, such as comfort and safety. Above all, you want to live somewhere that’s relatively safe for you and your loved ones. If you plan on moving to a new city, you want safety. Understanding the Charlotte, NC, crime rate can help you make your decision.
When considering a city’s crime rate, you should look at many different elements, including local defense lawyers you may need to speak to if you are ever accused of a crime yourself. The legal team at Plumides, Romano & Johnson, PC, can provide you with a strong defense through your legal issues, whether it’s a DWI/DUI, traffic ticket, or other criminal charges. The last thing you want is to be unprepared with no defense strategy if you are ever charged with a crime.
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You can almost always feel if a city is comforting or at least safe. It’s no secret that some cities in the country appear safer than others. Ultimately, the statistics are going to be a defining factor when deciding whether a city is safe enough to call home. Safety is a fairly subjective feeling to some. What might be an unsettling environment for one person could be a comforting presence for someone else. Still, a city’s overwhelming crime rate could end up being a deciding factor.
As of 2023, the population of Charlotte, North Carolina, is well over 900,000. That makes it the most populated city in the entire state and one of the most populous in the entire country. The city also has a population density of roughly 2,800 people per square mile, according to the most recent census data taken in 2020. The crime rate in Charlotte has gradually started to decrease, according to data from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) released in 2025.
According to data taken from the CMPD’s Quarterly Statistical Report released in January 2025, there has been a decrease in overall crime, particularly armed robbery and property crime, throughout the Charlotte area. The CMPD reported a total drop in crime victimization and incidents of criminal behavior by 3%.
The number of violent crimes reported in 2024 was 7,413, which was a modest increase from 2023, where the number was 7,215. A violent crime in North Carolina is considered any crime that involves the threat of force or the use of force against another person. These include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, domestic violence, and assault.
The number of homicides reported in 2024 was 111, which was a significant increase from 89 in 2023. Still, the clearance rate for the homicide department in Charlotte has remained at a firm 80% for the past five years, which ranks among the most successful in the entire country.
The number of aggravated assaults reported in 2024 was 5,679, a small increase from 2023, which reported 5,542. The number of armed robberies reported in 2024 was 868, which actually decreased from 890 reported in 2023. The same can be said for property crimes, which saw nearly 37,000 offenses reported in 2024, a drop from over 38,000 in 2023.
The CMPD announced its plan to continue to decrease crime in the Charlotte area in 2025, which uses three key points:
A: There are many areas of Charlotte that might be considered very safe. The neighborhoods in South Charlotte are largely considered the safest, such as Providence Crossing, Hembstead, and Providence Plantation. The areas around Lake Norman and Myers Park are also popular for their gorgeous views and low crime rates. The safer areas of the city also attract restaurants, shopping, good schools, and more.
A: The city with the lowest crime rate in North Carolina is Holly Springs. Holly Springs is known for its low property rates and even lower violent crime rates. Several city ranking sites have it listed as the safest city in the state. The crime rate in Holly Springs is 7.3 per 1,000 residents, which is a considerable drop from the areas in North Carolina with higher crime rates.
A: Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if Charlotte is a good place to live. Statistically, Charlotte is considered a potentially good place for families. The city’s crime rate has steadily dropped over the past year. There’s a thriving job market, with opportunities for newcomers and longtime residents alike. The cost of living is lower than the national average. Charlotte’s crime rate is higher than other cities, but that’s largely because of the city’s larger population.
A: Generally, South Charlotte is considered a safer place to live and work than North Charlotte. Some of South Charlotte’s safest and most popular neighborhoods include Ballantyne West, Barclay Downs, Chantilly, and Providence Crossing. While areas of North Charlotte, like South End and Uptown Charlotte, are considered somewhat safe, the area is overall still safer than West Charlotte, which generally has a higher crime rate.
No major city is going to be without its criminal element. Charlotte has its problematic areas, but it is mostly safe for its inhabitants and visitors. If you view safety as a top priority, Charlotte may be somewhere you consider. If you find yourself needing legal representation while in Charlotte, reach out to us for help.
The legal team at Plumides, Romano & Johnson, PC, can mount a strong legal defense or pursue a personal injury case. It depends on your needs. You don’t want to end up as a statistic on Charlotte’s crime data. Contact us to schedule a consultation and speak with a member of our team.
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