Lumberton, NC Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Lumberton, NC

What is Lumberton's overall crime grade?

Lumberton, NC earns an overall crime grade of D for 2026, meaning crime levels are significantly higher than national benchmarks. This grade reflects both property and violent crime rates relative to comparable U.S. cities. Contributing factors include a poverty rate of 31.3% — roughly three times the national average — and an unemployment rate of 7.9%, both of which are strongly correlated with elevated crime in research literature. While a D grade signals a real concern, it does not mean every part of Lumberton is equally affected; crime tends to cluster in specific corridors rather than spread uniformly across the city.

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

Lumberton's 31.3% poverty rate is one of the most significant drivers behind its D crime grade. With a median household income of just $36,846 and a median home value of $105,915, many residents face economic pressures that research consistently links to higher rates of property crime such as theft and burglary. The city's 7.9% unemployment rate compounds this dynamic. Nationally, cities with poverty rates above 25% tend to score one to two letter grades lower on composite crime indices than cities with poverty rates under 15%, and Lumberton's data is consistent with that pattern.

What types of crime are most common in Lumberton?

Property crimes — including larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary — represent the largest share of reported incidents in Lumberton, which mirrors the national pattern where property offenses outnumber violent crimes roughly four to one. Violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, occur at rates above the national average, consistent with the city's D overall grade. Drug-related offenses also contribute meaningfully to the overall crime picture, influencing both property and violent crime tallies. Residents in higher-density corridors of the city report a disproportionate share of these incidents compared to lower-density residential areas.

Is Lumberton safe compared to other North Carolina cities?

Compared to North Carolina as a whole, Lumberton's D crime grade places it in the lower tier of the state's cities by safety. Larger NC metros like Cary and Apex consistently earn grades of A or B, while mid-size cities such as Fayetteville and Rocky Mount earn grades closer to C or D — putting Lumberton in similar company to other economically stressed small cities in the region. With a population of roughly 20,704 and a density of 450 residents per square mile, Lumberton is small enough that a relatively modest number of incidents can push per-capita rates well above state and national averages.

What are the safest areas in Lumberton?

Crime in Lumberton is not evenly distributed. Residential neighborhoods farther from the main commercial corridors and the downtown core generally report fewer incidents. Areas with stronger homeownership rates and active neighborhood engagement tend to correlate with lower crime concentrations on the city's crime map. Given the city's median rent of $665 and median home value of $105,915, neighborhoods with higher owner-occupancy rates often show more stability. Checking the interactive crime map regularly and consulting the Lumberton Police Department's crime statistics page will give you the most current, block-level picture of where incidents are concentrated.

Is Lumberton a good place to live given its crime grade?

A D crime grade is a serious consideration, but it must be weighed alongside Lumberton's genuine affordability advantages. A median home value of $105,915 and median rent of just $665 make Lumberton one of the more accessible housing markets in North Carolina. For households earning near or above the city's median income of $36,846, the cost-of-living benefit can be substantial. Many long-term residents report stable, quiet blocks even within a city that carries a lower overall grade. The key is using data tools — including this crime map — to evaluate specific neighborhoods rather than treating the D grade as a uniform descriptor of every street in the city.

How can I stay safe in Lumberton?

Given Lumberton's D overall crime grade and elevated property crime rates, practical precautions carry real value. Securing vehicles and residences is especially important given motor vehicle theft and burglary trends. Staying connected to community alert systems and the Lumberton Police Department's public reporting tools helps residents respond quickly to emerging hotspots. Neighborhood watch participation has been shown in studies to reduce property crime by 15–20% in active areas. Finally, reviewing the crime map before committing to a rental or purchase — particularly in blocks near high-incident commercial zones — can meaningfully improve your day-to-day safety outlook.