Gastonia, NC Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 53% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Gastonia Safe?
Mostly yes — Gastonia is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Gastonia has a crime rate that is 23% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 793.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Oakland earn an A+ safety grade, while Highland rates B+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Gastonia.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 793
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
67% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 58
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
6% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Gastonia Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
13 | -87% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Gastonia Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Gastonia?
Safety varies dramatically across Gastonia's 4+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 4Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 4 neighborhoods in Gastonia
All Gastonia Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland | A+ | 118 |
| 2 | Loray Village | A- | 175 |
| 3 | Highland | B+ | 168 |
| 4 | Downtown Gastonia | B+ | 178 |
Gastonia Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Gastonia zip codes.
Gastonia Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia, NC has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 23% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 793 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 58 chance for property crime. Gastonia has lower crime than 53% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Gastonia, NC safe to live in?
Gastonia is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 4 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Oakland is one of the safest areas, while Highland has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Gastonia is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Gastonia?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Gastonia are Oakland, Loray Village, Highland, and Downtown Gastonia. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Gastonia?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Gastonia include Highland, and Loray Village. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Gastonia?
The estimated violent crime rate in Gastonia is 126.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 67% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 793 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.9 per 100K (22% below average); aggravated assault at 34.4 per 100K (87% below average); robbery at 59.5 per 100K (19% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Gastonia?
The estimated property crime rate in Gastonia is 1,717.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 6% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 58 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 203.9 per 100K (24% below average); larceny/theft at 1,229.1 per 100K (12% below average); vehicle theft at 284.1 per 100K (11% below average).
How does Gastonia crime compare to the national average?
Gastonia's overall crime rate is 23% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (11% below average), while assault is 87% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Gastonia has lower crime than 53% of them.
Is Gastonia safe to visit?
Gastonia is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 6% below 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 Oakland, Loray Village, Highland.
How does Gastonia crime compare to the rest of North Carolina?
North Carolina as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Gastonia's crime rate is 23% below the national average, making it safer the typical North Carolina city.
What type of crime is most common in Gastonia?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Gastonia, with an estimated rate of 1,229.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 12% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,717 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (126 per 100K) in Gastonia, which is consistent with national trends.