Everyone wants to live somewhere they can feel safe and protected against the likelihood of becoming a victim of property crimes or violent offenses. It can be helpful to conduct your own research to learn more about the Shelby, NC, crime rate, whether you are a current resident, looking to move, or visiting.

Crime Rates in North Carolina Compared to National Rates

Based on 2022 data compiled of reported crimes from 18,000 local law enforcement agencies across the country, the state of North Carolina has an equivalent overall crime rate when compared to the national average. Furthermore, the state also has comparable reported violent and property crime rates to the country’s rates of property and violent offenses.

2022 data found that North Carolina had over 264,000 total violent and property crimes reported, with an average crime rate of 24.69 per 1,000 people. The state’s rate of violent crimes was 4.05, compared to the national violent crime rate of four per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in NC are one in 247.

North Carolina’s rate of reported property crimes was 20.64, and your chances of being victimized by a property crime in North Carolina are 1 in 48. A recent survey of North Carolinians reports that 40 percent of participants have security cameras installed, and 37 percent of individuals said they have a guard dog as a form of security, making these the two most popular measures for property protection in the state.

What Is it Like Living in Shelby, North Carolina?

Shelby, North Carolina, is in Cleveland County. With a population of just under 22,000 residents, the small town possesses a sparse, suburban feel. Shelby is known for its diverse demographic, specifically pertaining to economic and ethnic diversity. In addition, 54 percent of residents are female, and 46 percent are male.

Twenty-three percent of the town’s population is 17 years old or younger, six percent of residents are aged 18-24, 11 percent are between 25 and 34 years old, and 24 percent are between 35 and 54. Fifty-five-64-year-olds make up 13 percent of the population, and 23 percent of Shelby residents are 65 years old or older.

Shelby is especially noted for its above-average public schools, cost of living, and available outdoor activities, making it a good place to live for growing families with children. The town also has above-average weather, available housing, and access to fitness facilities. Shelby’s commute to urban areas and job opportunities are also above average.

The median household income is about $46,000, and 61 percent of residents own their house, as opposed to renting. Despite the town’s upsides, the overall reported crime rate of Shelby, North Carolina, is above the national average. However, the median rent of $844 is significantly lower than the national average of $1,268, making it a less expensive place to live.

Crime in Shelby, NC Vs Nationwide Crime

The overall rate of murder crimes reported in Shelby, according to one survey, was 9.1 – notably higher than the national reported murder crime rate of 6.1 per 100,000 residents. Shelby reported a much higher rate of assault violations, 727.6, in comparison to the national rate of 282.7 per 100,000 people. Rates of rape were also higher than the national average, but robbery rates were lower.

Rates of property crime are not as high when compared to the national average. Shelby’s burglary rate is 513.9, which is a bit higher than the national average of 500.1. The rate of reported incidents of theft in Shelby was slightly lower than that reported nationally; Shelby’s rate of theft was 1,796.4 per 100,000 residents compared to 2,042.8 nationwide. In addition, Shelby sees a lower rate of motor vehicle theft than the national average of 284.

FAQs

Q: Is Shelby, NC, a Nice Place to Live?

A: Whether an individual would consider Shelby, NC, a good place to live will depend on the person’s unique experience. Influencing factors may include the size of their family, their age, the age of their children, their career, personal goals, safety concerns, security options, budget, and resources, among other factors.

Shelby, NC, may be considered a nice town to live in for families and young professionals who are looking for quality public schools and job opportunities, along with a low cost of living.

Q: What City in North Carolina Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

A: According to one recent survey, data suggests that the town of Pinehurst, NC, is the safest city in the state – with its overall crime rate consistently going down over the past couple of years. Pinehurst’s frequency of reported property crimes dropped to a rate of 6.2 in 2023 from a property crime rate of 7.9 the previous year. Additionally, the town’s rate of reported violent crimes was only 1.1 in 2022 and lowered even further to 0.6 the following year.

Q: Which City Has the Highest Crime Rate in North Carolina?

A: Compiled data from 2021 suggests that Lumberton, NC, has the highest crime rate of any city in the state; Lumberton reported a violent crime rate of 16.54 per 1,000 people, including crimes of robbery, assault, and homicide, along with a property crime rate of 148.22. The city is followed by Albemarle, with a violent crime rate of 13.94.

Q: What Are the Demographics of Shelby, NC?

A: Shelby, NC, is known for its diverse ethnic and economic population. Of the town’s population of just below 22,000 people, 55 percent of residents are white, 33 percent are African American, and 11 percent of residents are either Hispanic, Asian, or mixed race.

Nine percent of residents have earned their master’s degree or higher, 15 percent of the population has their bachelor’s degree, and 33 percent of residents have earned their associate’s degree or have some college education.

Accused of a Violent or Property Crime? A Skilled Defense Attorney Can Help

At The Schweppe Law Firm, P. A., our professional criminal defense team has over 40 years of legal experience. Reach out to us to speak with a criminal defense attorney who’s qualified to represent individuals charged with DWIs and other traffic violations, drug offenses, and violent crimes, such as assault and domestic violence.