Is Matthews or Raleigh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Matthews is safer than Raleigh (Safety Score 22/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 2,839 per 100,000 versus 3,308 for Raleigh — 14% lower. Matthews has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Matthews has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Raleigh is 15.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Matthews — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Raleigh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Matthews, NC
Raleigh, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Matthews | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,838.8 | 3,308.0 | -469.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 184.6 | 488.9 | -304.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 5.1 | -5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 36.1 | -17.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 63.7 | 86.7 | -23.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 101.8 | 361.0 | -259.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,654.2 | 2,819.2 | -165.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 350.1 | 279.1 | +71.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,119.5 | 2,058.9 | +60.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 184.6 | 481.3 | -296.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matthews or Raleigh safer?
Matthews is safer with a total crime rate of 2,839 per 100K vs 3,308 for Raleigh — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Matthews has a violent crime rate of 184.6 per 100K while Raleigh has 488.9. Matthews has lower violent crime.
About Matthews, NC
Matthews, a Charlotte suburb, was once a thriving cotton community. Located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, it's home to a diverse population of over 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 31,422, Matthews has a total crime rate of 2,838.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital, anchors the Research Triangle Park technology hub. Founded in 1792, it's known as the "City of Oaks" for its tree-lined streets and boasts a population exceeding 470,000. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 488,085, Raleigh has a total crime rate of 3,308.0 per 100,000 residents.