Lexington, NC Crime Rate & Safety

Lexington, NC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 36% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 179 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 32 chance for property crime. Lexington has higher crime than 84% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Lexington has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Lexington is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Lexington is 557.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 179 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.9 per 100K (38% above average); aggravated assault at 405.5 per 100K (51% above average); robbery at 100.3 per 100K (36% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Lexington is 3,093.2 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 381.1 per 100K (41% above average); larceny/theft at 2,212.5 per 100K (58% above average); vehicle theft at 499.6 per 100K (57% above average).

Lexington's overall crime rate is 36% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (58% above average), while rape is 34% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Lexington has higher crime than 84% of them.

Visitors to Lexington 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.

North Carolina as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Lexington's crime rate is 36% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical North Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Lexington, with an estimated rate of 2,212.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 58% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,093 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (558 per 100K) in Lexington, which is consistent with national trends.