Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Moines is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 10/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 14% lower. Charlotte - Mecklenburg has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Des Moines has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 4.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,439.0 | 3,831.4 | +607.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.7 | 704.9 | +28.8 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 4.3 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 24.9 | 51.1 | -26.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.4 | 75.0 | +55.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 567.0 | 572.5 | -5.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,705.3 | 3,126.5 | +578.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.1 | 462.6 | -35.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,518.2 | 2,142.0 | +376.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 760.0 | 521.9 | +238.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Des Moines safer?
Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a violent crime rate of 733.7 per 100K while Des Moines has 704.9. Des Moines has lower violent crime.
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.
About Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, sits on the Des Moines River. It's known for its thriving insurance industry and has a growing population, with a median age in the mid-30s. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 209,245, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,831.4 per 100,000 residents.
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