Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watertown is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 62/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 1,328 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 70% lower. Charlotte - Mecklenburg has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 42.8x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Watertown, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,439.0 | 1,328.1 | +3,110.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.7 | 303.2 | +430.5 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 0.0 | +10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 24.9 | 64.1 | -39.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.4 | 0.0 | +130.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 567.0 | 239.1 | +327.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,705.3 | 1,024.9 | +2,680.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.1 | 68.3 | +358.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,518.2 | 888.2 | +1,630.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 760.0 | 68.3 | +691.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,328 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a violent crime rate of 733.7 per 100K while Watertown has 303.2. Watertown 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 Watertown, SD
Watertown, named for its many lakes, is a regional hub in northeastern South Dakota. Home to Terry Redlin's art center, the city has a population of around 23,000. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 23,417, Watertown has a total crime rate of 1,328.1 per 100,000 residents.
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