First Ward Neighborhood, Charlotte
Crime Rate & Statistics
Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average
Safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Charlotte
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Charlotte
Is First Ward Safe?
No — crime is noticeably above average here. First Ward in Charlotte, NC has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 178, which is 78% above the national average of 100. First Ward is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Compared to the Charlotte average (crime index 115), First Ward is 63% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 137).
First Ward Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Charlotte city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Assault
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Rape
|
161 | +61% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
180 | +80% | High | |
How First Ward Compares
Crime index by category: First Ward vs Charlotte average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
First Ward Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
First Ward Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in First Ward, Charlotte?
First Ward in Charlotte, NC has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 178, which is 78% above the national average. Compared to the Charlotte average, crime in First Ward is 63% higher. First Ward is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Is First Ward a safe neighborhood in Charlotte?
First Ward has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 183), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 137).
How does First Ward compare to the rest of Charlotte?
First Ward's overall crime index is 178, compared to the Charlotte average of 115. This means crime in First Ward is 63% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 171, and for property crime it is 165. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in First Ward?
The most prevalent crime type in First Ward is Murder, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near First Ward?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fourth Ward and Third Ward. These areas are close to First Ward and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of First Ward?
First Ward has a population of approximately 3,200. The median household income is $67,707. The median home value is $349,989. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does First Ward crime compare to the national average?
First Ward's overall crime rate is 78% above the national average (index 178 vs 100). Within Charlotte, it is safer than 13% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.