Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Merced Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Merced is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 12/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 19% lower. Charlotte - Mecklenburg has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Merced has a 33% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 10.4x 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
Merced — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Merced, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,439.0 | 3,577.3 | +861.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.7 | 784.8 | -51.1 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 7.3 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 24.9 | 103.0 | -78.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.4 | 166.5 | -36.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 567.0 | 507.9 | +59.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,705.3 | 2,792.6 | +912.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.1 | 569.3 | -142.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,518.2 | 1,738.2 | +780.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 760.0 | 485.0 | +275.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Merced safer?
Merced is safer with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a violent crime rate of 733.7 per 100K while Merced has 784.8. Charlotte - Mecklenburg 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 Merced, CA
Merced, a Central Valley city known for its proximity to Yosemite, serves as a significant agricultural hub. This community, home to a University of California campus, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 96,077, Merced has a total crime rate of 3,577.3 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Charlotte - Mecklenburg
- Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer than New York City, NY?
- Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer than Los Angeles, CA?
- Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer than Chicago, IL?
- Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer than Houston, TX?
- Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer than Las Vegas Metro, NV?
- Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg safer than Phoenix, AZ?