Is Raleigh or Waynesville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Raleigh is safer than Waynesville (Safety Score 15/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100,000 versus 3,311 for Waynesville — 0% lower. Raleigh has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waynesville has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Raleigh is 45.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Raleigh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waynesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Raleigh, NC
Waynesville, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Raleigh | Waynesville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,308.0 | 3,310.8 | -2.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 488.9 | 499.4 | -10.6 |
| Murder Rate | 5.1 | 18.5 | -13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 36.1 | 101.7 | -65.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 86.7 | 18.5 | +68.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 361.0 | 360.7 | +0.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,819.2 | 2,811.4 | +7.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 279.1 | 259.0 | +20.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,058.9 | 2,460.0 | -401.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 481.3 | 92.5 | +388.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raleigh or Waynesville safer?
Raleigh is safer with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100K vs 3,311 for Waynesville — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Raleigh has a violent crime rate of 488.9 per 100K while Waynesville has 499.4. Raleigh has lower violent crime.
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.
About Waynesville, NC
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waynesville is Haywood County's largest town. Historically a resort destination, it maintains a small-town feel with a median age of around 48. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 10,813, Waynesville has a total crime rate of 3,310.8 per 100,000 residents.