Poplar Forest Neighborhood, Matthews
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Matthews
Is Poplar Forest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Poplar Forest in Matthews, NC has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 21, which is 79% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Matthews average (crime index 51), Poplar Forest is 30% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 123, 23% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 11). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Poplar Forest Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Matthews city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
27 | -73% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
11 | -89% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
35 | -65% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
46 | -54% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
123 | +23% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
How Poplar Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Poplar Forest vs Matthews average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Poplar Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Poplar Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Poplar Forest, Matthews?
Poplar Forest in Matthews, NC has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 21, which is 79% below the national average. Compared to the Matthews average, crime in Poplar Forest is 30% lower.
Is Poplar Forest a safe neighborhood in Matthews?
Poplar Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Matthews, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 123), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 11).
How does Poplar Forest compare to the rest of Matthews?
Poplar Forest's overall crime index is 21, compared to the Matthews average of 51. This means crime in Poplar Forest is 30% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 30, and for property crime it is 74. 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 Poplar Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Poplar Forest is Burglary, with a crime index of 123 (23% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Poplar Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown Matthews, Providence Estates East and Marshbrooke. These areas are close to Poplar Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Poplar Forest?
Poplar Forest has a population of approximately 62. The median household income is $133,933. The median home value is $534,480. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Poplar Forest crime compare to the national average?
Poplar Forest's overall crime rate is 79% below the national average (index 21 vs 100). 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.