Wilson, NC Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Wilson, NC

Is Wilson, NC safe?

Wilson's safety picture is genuinely mixed. Across the 9 neighborhoods analyzed for the 2026 Wilson crime map, 44% earn a safe rating (grades A or B), while 33% fall into higher-crime territory (grades D or F). The city holds an overall crime grade of D+, though the city-wide safety rating lands at a moderate C when neighborhood populations are factored in. At the top end, Wilson Country Club (A+) and Cavalier Terrace (A) rank among the safest places to live — both carry median household incomes above $90,000 and represent the kind of low-crime environment many families seek. At the other end, Elvie Street (F) and Washington Carver Heights (F+) face the most significant safety challenges, with median incomes of $20,567 and $26,323 respectively — well below Wilson's citywide median of $43,126. In short, where you live within Wilson matters enormously for personal safety.

What is the crime rate in Wilson, NC?

Wilson carries an overall crime grade of D+ for 2026, placing it in the higher-risk tier compared to many similarly sized North Carolina cities. Breaking down the 9 analyzed neighborhoods by grade: 22.2% earn an A, 22.2% earn a B, 22.2% earn a C, 11.1% earn a D, and 22.2% earn an F. That means roughly 1 in 3 neighborhoods sits in the D or F range. Socioeconomic indicators help explain the pattern — Wilson's unemployment rate stands at 10% and its poverty rate at 23.2%, both of which are associated with elevated crime risk nationally. Neighborhoods like Snowden (D-), with a median income of $30,201, and Elvie Street (F), with a median income of just $20,567, illustrate how economic stress and crime grades track closely together across Wilson's neighborhoods.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Wilson, NC?

The five safest neighborhoods in Wilson for 2026, based on crime grade analysis, are:

1. Wilson Country Club — A+: The top-ranked neighborhood with a median income of $130,000. Its small population of 295 residents enjoys the lowest crime exposure in the city.
2. Cavalier Terrace — A: Home to 1,173 residents and a median income of $92,030, this is the safest mid-sized neighborhood in Wilson.
3. The Village Country Club West — B+: A small community of 104 with a median income of $58,689 and strong safety performance.
4. Five Points — B-: The largest safe-rated neighborhood at 1,582 residents, with a median income of $39,235 — notably near Wilson's citywide median, making it accessible for average earners who still want a safer address.
5. Northwest District — C+: With 290 residents and a median income of $44,686, this neighborhood sits at the upper end of the moderate range.

Combined, neighborhoods graded A or B account for 44% of all analyzed areas, offering meaningful options for safety-conscious residents and homebuyers.

Which neighborhoods in Wilson have the highest crime?

The three neighborhoods with the highest crime concern in Wilson are Elvie Street (F), Washington Carver Heights (F+), and Snowden (D-). Elvie Street ranks last citywide with a grade of F and a median household income of $20,567 — the lowest of any neighborhood analyzed. Washington Carver Heights, home to 1,015 residents, earns an F+ with a median income of $26,323. Snowden (611 residents, $30,201 median income) grades out at D-. Together, these three neighborhoods represent 33% of analyzed areas and house a combined population of roughly 2,483 people. Daniel Street (C-) and Five Points (B-) round out the higher-watch list, though Five Points' B- grade still reflects a relatively manageable safety profile compared to the F-rated areas.

Is Wilson, NC a good place to live?

Wilson offers a compelling affordability case — a median home value of $143,709 and median rent of just $747/month make it one of the more budget-friendly mid-sized cities in North Carolina. However, the city's D+ overall crime grade, 10% unemployment rate, and 23.2% poverty rate are real considerations. The quality-of-life calculus depends heavily on neighborhood choice. Residents in Wilson Country Club or Cavalier Terrace experience an A-level safety environment at a fraction of the cost of comparable neighborhoods in Raleigh or Charlotte. Meanwhile, areas like Elvie Street and Washington Carver Heights present more significant day-to-day safety concerns. For buyers and renters willing to research neighborhood-level data — which is exactly what the Wilson crime map is designed to support — the city can offer strong value. Those prioritizing safety above all else should focus their search on the 44% of neighborhoods graded A or B.

How does Wilson's crime compare to the rest of North Carolina?

With an overall crime grade of D+ and a poverty rate of 23.2% — nearly double the national average — Wilson faces more crime pressure than many North Carolina cities of similar size. The city's unemployment rate of 10% also exceeds statewide averages, a factor that correlates with higher property and violent crime rates. That said, Wilson is not monolithic: 22.2% of its neighborhoods earn an A grade, demonstrating that pockets of genuine safety exist within the city. Prospective residents comparing Wilson to nearby cities should use neighborhood-level grades rather than citywide averages, since a D+ overall grade can mask the A+ experience available in places like Wilson Country Club or the solid B- profile of Five Points.