Burlington, NC Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Burlington, NC Crime

What is Burlington's overall crime grade?

Burlington, NC earns an overall crime grade of C for 2026, placing it in the middle tier of U.S. cities for public safety. This grade reflects a mix of property and violent crime activity that is higher than the national average but comparable to many mid-sized Southern cities. With a population of 137,096 spread across roughly 699 residents per square mile, Burlington's density contributes to crime patterns that vary noticeably from one neighborhood to the next. A C grade means residents should stay informed and take reasonable precautions — it does not mean the city is broadly unsafe.

How does Burlington's poverty rate affect its crime statistics?

Burlington's poverty rate of 19.1% — well above the national average of roughly 12% — is one of the strongest demographic predictors of elevated crime in the city. Research consistently links economic hardship to higher rates of both property crime and violent crime. Combined with a median household income of $45,587 and an unemployment rate of 6%, certain Burlington neighborhoods face economic stressors that show up clearly in crime map data. Areas with concentrated poverty tend to cluster around older commercial corridors and lower-income residential pockets, while neighborhoods closer to newer retail development and higher-income housing — such as those near the Alamance Crossing area — generally see lower incident rates.

What types of crime are most common in Burlington, NC?

Property crimes make up the largest share of reported incidents in Burlington. Larceny-theft, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries are the most frequently logged offense types across the city's crime map. Violent crimes — including aggravated assault and robbery — account for a smaller but significant portion of total incidents and tend to concentrate in specific corridors rather than being evenly distributed citywide. Drug-related offenses also appear consistently in police reports and often correlate geographically with areas that show elevated violent crime. Burlington's C overall grade reflects this blend: property crime is the dominant driver, but violent incidents are frequent enough to matter for residents evaluating neighborhood safety.

Which Burlington neighborhoods have higher crime activity?

Burlington's crime map shows that incident density is not uniform across the city. Historically, areas closer to the downtown core and older industrial corridors have logged higher concentrations of both property and violent crime reports. Neighborhoods with lower median home values — well below the city's median of $135,246 — and higher renter populations (the city's median rent is $823) tend to appear more frequently on heat maps. By contrast, western and southern residential areas, including communities near South Burlington and neighborhoods adjacent to city parks, typically show lower crime density. Reviewing the interactive crime map with time filters set to the past 90 days gives the most current picture of where incidents are clustering.

Is Burlington, NC a safe place to live in 2026?

Burlington's C crime grade means safety outcomes depend heavily on where you live and work within the city. For context, a C grade indicates crime rates that are above average nationally but not in the highest-risk tier. The city's population of 137,096 and relatively low density of 699 people per square mile mean that many residential areas feel quiet day-to-day. Affordable housing — with a median home value of $135,246 — attracts families and first-time buyers, and many of those neighborhoods maintain strong community ties. Exercising standard precautions such as securing vehicles, participating in neighborhood watch programs, and regularly checking the Burlington Police Department's crime data will help residents in any part of the city stay ahead of local trends.

How does Burlington's crime rate compare to other North Carolina cities?

Among North Carolina cities in a similar population range, Burlington's C overall grade places it in the middle of the pack. Cities with stronger economic indicators — lower poverty rates and higher median incomes — tend to earn B or A grades, while Burlington's 19.1% poverty rate and 6% unemployment keep it from reaching those benchmarks. Burlington is not among the highest-crime cities in the state, but it does face more challenges than smaller, wealthier Piedmont communities. Comparing crime map data year over year is the best way to track whether Burlington is trending toward improvement or facing new pressure points in specific neighborhoods.