Kinston, NC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kinston, NC

The Kinston crime rates are 70% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 137 violent crimes in Kinston (708 per 100,000 people), which is 91.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 627 property crimes (3242 per 100,000 residents) which is 65.9% higher than average.

Kinston has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 708 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Kinston falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 142 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Kinston is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 9 murders in Kinston, which equates to 47 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Kinston being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kinston?

AreaVibes surveyed 59 local residents in Kinston to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 19% of people answered that there was very little crime in Kinston and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 81% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Kinston a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Kinston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Kinston presents a total crime rate that is 70% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Kinston experiences an average of 2.09 daily crimes, comprising 0.38 violent incidents and 1.72 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Kinston Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kinston. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Kinston has decreased by 35.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 33.2%, while property crime has decreased by 36.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kinston.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kinston

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Kinston crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Kinston has an unemployment rate of 7.1%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Kinston, the cost of living is 14.87% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Kinston, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.57, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Kinston crime map