Optimist Park Neighborhood, Charlotte
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates
Safer than 10% of neighborhoods in Charlotte
Safety at a Glance
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in Charlotte
Is Optimist Park Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. Optimist Park in Charlotte, NC has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average of 100. Optimist Park is safer than 10% of neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Compared to the Charlotte average (crime index 115), Optimist Park is 80% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 197, 97% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 150).
Optimist Park 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
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Assault
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
197 | +97% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
173 | +73% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
196 | +96% | High | |
How Optimist Park Compares
Crime index by category: Optimist Park vs Charlotte average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Optimist Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Optimist Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Optimist Park, Charlotte?
Optimist Park in Charlotte, NC has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average. Compared to the Charlotte average, crime in Optimist Park is 80% higher. Optimist Park is safer than 10% of neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Is Optimist Park a safe neighborhood in Charlotte?
Optimist Park has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 197), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 150).
How does Optimist Park compare to the rest of Charlotte?
Optimist Park's overall crime index is 195, compared to the Charlotte average of 115. This means crime in Optimist Park is 80% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 185, and for property crime it is 179. 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 Optimist Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Optimist Park is Rape, with a crime index of 197 (97% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Optimist Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Plaza-Midwood. These areas are close to Optimist Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Optimist Park?
Optimist Park has a population of approximately 2,114. The median household income is $61,868. The median home value is $386,827. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Optimist Park crime compare to the national average?
Optimist Park's overall crime rate is 95% above the national average (index 195 vs 100). Within Charlotte, it is safer than 10% 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.