Is Altoona or Charlotte - Mecklenburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Altoona is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 35/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 51% lower. Altoona has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Altoona has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 23.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Altoona — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Altoona, PA
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Altoona | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,185.1 | 4,439.0 | -2,253.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 334.7 | 733.7 | -399.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 10.9 | -8.5 |
| Rape Rate | 75.4 | 24.9 | +50.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 73.1 | 130.4 | -57.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 183.9 | 567.0 | -383.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,850.4 | 3,705.3 | -1,854.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 332.4 | 427.1 | -94.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,402.5 | 2,518.2 | -1,115.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.5 | 760.0 | -644.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altoona or Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer?
Altoona is safer with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Altoona has a violent crime rate of 334.7 per 100K while Charlotte - Mecklenburg has 733.7. Altoona has lower violent crime.
About Altoona, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona was once a vital railroad town, home to the Pennsylvania Railroad's extensive shops. Its population of around 44,000 reflects a legacy of industrial heritage. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 42,424, Altoona has a total crime rate of 2,185.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Charlotte-Mecklenburg, a major financial hub, sits in the Carolina Piedmont. The region is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, reflecting its deep ties to motorsports. Its diverse population has grown significantly, making it North Carolina's largest county. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 1,003,130, Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a total crime rate of 4,439.0 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
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