Violent
Property
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Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI 2024 crime data, Newton, NC has a Safety Score of 33/100 — higher crime than 67% of US cities — with a total crime rate of 2,307.3 per 100,000 residents, ranking #1,999 of 2,971 US cities and #26 of 76 in North Carolina.
Safety Score
Violent Crime Rate
Property Crime Rate
Is Newton, North Carolina Safe?
Newton, NC, seat of Catawba County, boasts a charming downtown with historic buildings like the 1924 courthouse. Located in the western Piedmont, its population is around 13,000, reflecting a blend of rural and suburban life.
Newton has a safety score of 33/100 (Higher Crime Than Average). Based on FBI data for 2024, the city reported a total crime rate of 2,307.3 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000.
Newton ranks #26 out of 76 cities in North Carolina and #1999 out of 2971 nationally (safest first). This places it in the 33rd percentile for safety — with higher crime than 67% of US cities.
The most elevated crime category in Newton is burglary, at 445.1 per 100K — 1.5x the national average. Conversely, robbery is relatively low at just 0.2x the national rate.
Year over year, Newton's total crime rate decreased by 2.9%, with violent crime rising 5.4%.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Newton Crime Statistics Breakdown (2024)
| Crime Type | Incidents | Rate per 100K | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 54 | 400.6 | 473.3 |
| Murder | 1 | 7.4 | 6.2 |
| Rape | 5 | 37.1 | 43.4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 22.3 | 93.0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 45 | 333.9 | 330.0 |
| Property Crime | 257 | 1,906.7 | 2,279.1 |
| Burglary | 60 | 445.1 | 287.8 |
| Larceny-Theft | 183 | 1,357.7 | 1,638.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 14 | 103.9 | 352.4 |
| Arson | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Newton vs North Carolina Average
How does Newton's crime rate compare to the North Carolina state average?
| Metric | Newton | North Carolina Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime Rate | 400.6 | 556.7 | -28.0% |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,906.7 | 2,951.3 | -35.4% |
| Murder Rate | 7.4 | 9.0 | -17.4% |
| Total Crime Rate | 2,307.3 | 3,508.0 | -34.2% |
Newton Crime Rate Trends
Year-over-year crime rate changes for Newton, North Carolina.
| Year | Coverage | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13,479 | 2,307.3 | 400.6 | 1,906.7 |
| 2023 | 13,424 | 2,376.3 | 379.9 | 1,996.4 |
| 2022 | 13,252 | 2,316.6 | 233.9 | 2,082.7 |
| 2021 | 13,253 | 3,516.2 | 415.0 | 3,101.2 |
| 2020 | 13,204 | 3,695.9 | 325.7 | 3,370.2 |
| 2019 | 13,153 | 3,831.8 | 349.7 | 3,482.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newton, North Carolina safe?
Newton has a safety score of 33/100, meaning it has less crime than about 33% of US cities in our FBI dataset. With a total crime rate of 2,307.3 per 100,000 residents in 2024, Newton is higher-crime than most US cities.
What is the crime rate in Newton, North Carolina?
According to FBI data for 2024, Newton has a violent crime rate of 400.6 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,906.7 per 100,000 residents.
How does Newton compare to the national average?
Newton's total crime rate of 2,307.3 per 100,000 can be compared to the national average. The data covers 13,479 residents.
What types of crime are most common in Newton?
Based on FBI 2024 data, the most reported crimes in Newton include larceny-theft, aggravated assault, and burglary. Property crime is generally more common than violent crime.
Is Newton safe to visit?
Like any city, Newton has areas that are safer than others. The city's overall safety score is 33/100 based on FBI crime data. Standard travel precautions are recommended.