Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or San Rafael Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Rafael is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 19/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 32% lower. Charlotte - Mecklenburg has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Rafael has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 17.0x 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
San Rafael — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
San Rafael, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | San Rafael | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,439.0 | 3,015.1 | +1,424.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.7 | 559.0 | +174.7 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 1.7 | +9.2 |
| Rape Rate | 24.9 | 50.8 | -25.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.4 | 149.1 | -18.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 567.0 | 357.4 | +209.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,705.3 | 2,456.1 | +1,249.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.1 | 264.2 | +162.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,518.2 | 1,770.1 | +748.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 760.0 | 421.8 | +338.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or San Rafael safer?
San Rafael is safer with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a violent crime rate of 733.7 per 100K while San Rafael has 559.0. San Rafael 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 San Rafael, CA
Nestled in Marin County, San Rafael is a Bay Area city with a rich history, home to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, one of California's original missions. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents reflects a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 59,037, San Rafael has a total crime rate of 3,015.1 per 100,000 residents.
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