Is Cary or Charlotte - Mecklenburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cary is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 60/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 1,389 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 69% lower. Cary has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Cary has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 5.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cary — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cary, NC
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cary | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,388.9 | 4,439.0 | -3,050.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 71.5 | 733.7 | -662.2 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 10.9 | -9.2 |
| Rape Rate | 6.6 | 24.9 | -18.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 12.7 | 130.4 | -117.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.1 | 567.0 | -517.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,317.4 | 3,705.3 | -2,387.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.6 | 427.1 | -338.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,110.6 | 2,518.2 | -1,407.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 118.3 | 760.0 | -641.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cary or Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer?
Cary is safer with a total crime rate of 1,389 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cary has a violent crime rate of 71.5 per 100K while Charlotte - Mecklenburg has 733.7. Cary has lower violent crime.
About Cary, NC
Cary, NC, a large town in the Research Triangle region, began as a railroad town. It consistently ranks among the most educated communities in the U.S., attracting a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 181,793, Cary has a total crime rate of 1,388.9 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.
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