Winston-Salem, NC Crime Rate – Latest Statistics

North Carolina ranks about average in terms of crime compared to other US states. Winston-Salem is the fifth most populous city in North Carolina and has a decreasing violent crime rate. If you live in the area or are planning to visit, it is important to know the most updated Winston-Salem, NC crime rate to keep your family and yourself safe.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has an estimated population of about 253,000 people. Being a relatively large city with an increasing population, it also experiences a considerable amount of crime. The crime rates only paint a small picture of safety in Winston-Salem, as some pockets of the city may experience more crime than others.

Overall Crime Rate

Overall, the crime rate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been decreasing over the past three years. The crime rate report comes from the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD), and it shows that both violent crimes and property crimes have decreased. Specifically, homicides have decreased significantly.

In 2024, there were 1,466 violent crimes reported, with 20 homicides, 79 rapes, 154 robberies, and 1,213 aggravated assaults. In the same year, 5,206 property crimes were reported, with 1,054 burglaries, 3,534 larcenies, and 618 motor vehicle thefts. This leads to a total of 6,672 total crimes reported.

Although the crime rates in Winston-Salem are decreasing, both property crimes and violent crimes are higher than the national average.

Violent Crime Data

According to FBI data, aggravated assaults were the most commonly reported violent crimes. The most likely offenders were between 30 and 39 years old, with most aggravated assaults occurring in a home or a residence. The chosen weapons for aggravated assaults were personal weapons or handguns.

Robbery was the second most commonly occurring violent crime in Winston-Salem, with most offenders being teenagers. Most robberies occurred near gambling facilities. The weapon of choice for robberies was also a handgun.

Although rape was not the highest reported crime for the most recent statistics, incidences of rape were the only crimes that increased from the previous year. Most rapes occurred in a home or residence and by a person that the victim knew intimately. As stated, homicide rates decreased in Winston-Salem considerably. Most homicides occurred at the residence of the victim with the use of a handgun. Aggravated assault was often associated with the homicide incident.

Property Crime Data

Larceny theft, the most commonly reported property crime, most often occurred in the victim’s home or residence. Offenders were more than likely to be someone the victim knew, with offenders being between 30 and 39 years old. Larceny was also commonly concurrent with vandalism or destruction of property.

Burglary, the second most common property crime committed, involves a person entering a building or residence illegally with the intention of committing a crime. All  burglaries occurred in a person’s home.

Motor vehicle theft was the least commonly reported crime. Motor vehicle theft can include stealing a person’s vehicle or attempting to steal their vehicle. Motor vehicle theft most commonly occurred at a person’s residence, while others commonly occurred in a parking lot or parking garage.

Most Common Crimes Committed in North Carolina

Property crimes are the highest reported incidents in Winston-Salem. Larceny, in particular, is the highest reported crime of all crimes committed in North Carolina. Larceny is defined as the stealing or theft of someone’s personal property without their permission. The penalty for larceny is dependent upon the value of the items stolen.

Least Common Crimes Committed in North Carolina

Homicide, which is the killing of another person, was the least commonly reported crime in Winston-Salem. There were only 20 homicides reported in 2024, which was a 39% decrease from 2023.

FAQs

Is Winston-Salem a Safe Place to Live?

Although the crime rate in Winston-Salem is higher than the national average, it is considered a relatively safe place to live, though caution should be taken when it comes to personal property. Since property crimes rank highest, specifically larceny, citizens should take caution about securing their property. If you have any further questions about the crime rate, you should contact an experienced lawyer.

What City in North Carolina Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

According to FBI crime report statistics, Holly Springs was ranked #1 for being the safest town in North Carolina. Holly Springs is a small town outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. The crime rate in Holly Springs is about 13 per 1,000 people compared to Winston-Salem, which is about 39 per 1,000 people.

What Is the Most Frequent Crime Committed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?

The most frequent crime committed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was larceny, which is theft of personal property. The overall number of reported incidences of larceny was 3,534, which was a 14% decrease from the previous year. Though the rates have decreased, residents and visitors should still take caution when it comes to securing their belongings.

What City in North Carolina Has the Worst Crime Rate?

Lumberton has the worst crime rate in North Carolina, with 13,334 crimes committed per 100,000 residents. Comparatively, Winston-Salem reported 1,176 crimes for the same amount of people. The high crime rate in Lumberton is largely attributed to narcotics cases. The city’s crime rate is significantly higher than North Carolina’s average, as well as the national average.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Crime can be committed anywhere at any time, and though Winston-Salem has decreasing crime rates, some reported crimes are still cause for alarm. As a citizen, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings and secure your valuables to reduce your chances of being a victim of a crime.

If you have been charged or accused of committing a crime in Winston-Salem, you have options. At LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, we are here to defend you and protect your rights should you find yourself on the wrong side of the law. We primarily focus on criminal defense, ensuring the law is properly applied to your case. Contact our office today for a consultation. We are happy to serve you.