Burlington, NC Crime Rate & Safety

Burlington, NC has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 24% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 230 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 38 chance for property crime. Burlington has higher crime than 81% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Burlington has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Burlington is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Burlington is 435.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 230 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.3 per 100K (27% above average); aggravated assault at 319.7 per 100K (19% above average); robbery at 78.8 per 100K (7% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Burlington is 2,627.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 38 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 335.8 per 100K (24% above average); larceny/theft at 1,891.3 per 100K (35% above average); vehicle theft at 400.1 per 100K (25% above average).

Burlington's overall crime rate is 24% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (35% above average), while rape is 10% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Burlington has higher crime than 81% of them.

Visitors to Burlington should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 43% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

North Carolina as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Burlington's crime rate is 24% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical North Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Burlington, with an estimated rate of 1,891.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 35% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,627 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (435 per 100K) in Burlington, which is consistent with national trends.