Violent
Property
Total
Winston-Salem, NC Crime Rate & Safety
FBI-verified crime statistics for 2024 | Population: 254,041
Safety Score
Violent Crime Rate
Property Crime Rate
Is Winston-Salem, North Carolina Safe?
Winston-Salem has a safety score of 32/100 (Higher Crime Than Average). Based on FBI data for 2024, the city reported a total crime rate of 3,731.3 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000.
Winston-Salem ranks #55 out of 76 cities in North Carolina and #2657 out of 2971 nationally (safest first). This places it in the 11th percentile for safety — with higher crime than 89% of US cities.
The most elevated crime category in Winston-Salem is aggravated assault, at 655.0 per 100K — 2.0x the national average.
Year over year, Winston-Salem's total crime rate decreased by 4.4%, with violent crime declining 9%.
Winston-Salem Crime Statistics Breakdown (2024)
| Crime Type | Incidents | Rate per 100K | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 2,058 | 810.1 | 473.3 |
| Murder | 29 | 11.4 | 6.2 |
| Rape | 117 | 46.1 | 43.4 |
| Robbery | 247 | 97.2 | 93.0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1,664 | 655.0 | 330.0 |
| Property Crime | 7,421 | 2,921.2 | 2,279.1 |
| Burglary | 1,448 | 570.0 | 287.8 |
| Larceny-Theft | 5,073 | 1,996.9 | 1,638.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 900 | 354.3 | 352.4 |
| Arson | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Winston-Salem vs North Carolina Average
How does Winston-Salem's crime rate compare to the North Carolina state average?
| Metric | Winston-Salem | North Carolina Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime Rate | 810.1 | 556.7 | +45.5% |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,921.2 | 2,951.3 | -1.0% |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 9.0 | +27.2% |
| Total Crime Rate | 3,731.3 | 3,508.0 | +6.4% |
Winston-Salem Crime Rate Trends
Year-over-year crime rate changes for Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
| Year | Population | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 254,041 | 3,731.3 | 810.1 | 2,921.2 |
| 2023 | 252,132 | 3,901.1 | 890.0 | 3,011.1 |
| 2022 | 251,295 | 5,076.5 | 1,179.1 | 3,897.4 |
| 2021 | 249,998 | 5,209.2 | 1,157.2 | 4,052.0 |
| 2020 | 250,021 | 6,007.1 | 1,255.1 | 4,752.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winston-Salem, North Carolina safe?
Winston-Salem has a safety score of 32/100. With a total crime rate of 3,731.3 per 100,000 residents in 2024, Winston-Salem is higher than average in crime compared to the national average.
What is the crime rate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
According to FBI data for 2024, Winston-Salem has a violent crime rate of 810.1 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,921.2 per 100,000 residents.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the national average?
Winston-Salem's total crime rate of 3,731.3 per 100,000 can be compared to the national average. The city has a population of 254,041.
What types of crime are most common in Winston-Salem?
Based on FBI 2024 data, the most reported crimes in Winston-Salem include larceny-theft, aggravated assault, and burglary. Property crime is generally more common than violent crime.
Is Winston-Salem safe to visit?
Like any city, Winston-Salem has areas that are safer than others. The city's overall safety score is 32/100 based on FBI crime data. Standard travel precautions are recommended.