Is Raleigh or Winston-Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Raleigh is safer than Winston-Salem (Safety Score 15/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100,000 versus 3,731 for Winston-Salem — 11% lower. Raleigh has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Raleigh has a 55% lower rate.
Raleigh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Winston-Salem — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Raleigh | Winston-Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,308.0 | 3,731.3 | -423.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 488.9 | 810.1 | -321.3 |
| Murder Rate | 5.1 | 11.4 | -6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 36.1 | 46.1 | -10.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 86.7 | 97.2 | -10.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 361.0 | 655.0 | -294.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,819.2 | 2,921.2 | -102.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 279.1 | 570.0 | -290.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,058.9 | 1,996.9 | +61.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 481.3 | 354.3 | +127.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raleigh or Winston-Salem safer?
Raleigh is safer with a total crime rate of 3,308 per 100K vs 3,731 for Winston-Salem — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Raleigh has a violent crime rate of 488.9 per 100K while Winston-Salem has 810.1. 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 Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC, a city born from the tobacco and textile industries, is nestled in the Piedmont Triad. Home to Wake Forest University, its population is diverse, reflecting a blend of old Southern charm and modern influences. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 254,041, Winston-Salem has a total crime rate of 3,731.3 per 100,000 residents.