Kinston, NC Crime Rate & Safety

Kinston, NC has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 118% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 109 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 21 chance for property crime. Kinston has higher crime than 96% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Kinston has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Kinston is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Kinston is 916.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 141% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 109 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 10.9 per 100K (118% above average); aggravated assault at 679.2 per 100K (153% above average); robbery at 150.9 per 100K (104% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Kinston is 4,847.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 165% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 21 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 625.0 per 100K (132% above average); larceny/theft at 3,440.3 per 100K (145% above average); vehicle theft at 782.3 per 100K (145% above average).

Kinston's overall crime rate is 118% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (153% above average), while robbery is 104% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Kinston has higher crime than 96% of them.

Visitors to Kinston should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 165% 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. Kinston's crime rate is 118% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical North Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Kinston, with an estimated rate of 3,440.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 145% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,848 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (917 per 100K) in Kinston, which is consistent with national trends.