Fayetteville, NC Crime Rate & Safety

Fayetteville, NC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 32% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 206 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 32 chance for property crime. Fayetteville has higher crime than 83% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Fayetteville has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 75% of the city's 8 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Jack Britt is one of the safest areas, while Terry Sanford has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Fayetteville is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Fayetteville are Jack Britt, Seventy-First, King's Grant, Westover, and Douglas Byrd. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Fayetteville include Terry Sanford, Central Fayetteville, Bonnie Doone, Douglas Byrd, and Westover. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Fayetteville is 484.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 27% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 206 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.9 per 100K (37% above average); aggravated assault at 335.4 per 100K (25% above average); robbery at 102.6 per 100K (39% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Fayetteville is 3,095.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 69% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 32 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 389.3 per 100K (44% above average); larceny/theft at 2,215.3 per 100K (58% above average); vehicle theft at 490.6 per 100K (54% above average).

Fayetteville's overall crime rate is 32% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (58% above average), while rape is 18% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Fayetteville has higher crime than 83% of them.

Visitors to Fayetteville should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 69% 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. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Jack Britt, Seventy-First, King's Grant.

North Carolina as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Fayetteville's crime rate is 32% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical North Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Fayetteville, with an estimated rate of 2,215.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 58% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,095 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (485 per 100K) in Fayetteville, which is consistent with national trends.