Wilson, NC Crime Rate & Safety

Wilson, NC has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 101% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 120 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 20 chance for property crime. Wilson has higher crime than 95% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Wilson has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 44% of the city's 9 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Wilson Country Club is one of the safest areas, while Elvie Street has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Wilson is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Wilson are Wilson Country Club, Cavalier Terrace, The Village Country Club West, Five Points, and Northwest District. 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 Wilson include Elvie Street, Washington Carver Heights, Snowden, Daniel Street, and Five Points. 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 Wilson is 832.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 119% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 120 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 10.8 per 100K (116% above average); aggravated assault at 589.8 per 100K (120% above average); robbery at 162.5 per 100K (120% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Wilson is 5,074.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 177% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 20 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 532.4 per 100K (97% above average); larceny/theft at 3,715.1 per 100K (165% above average); vehicle theft at 826.9 per 100K (159% above average).

Wilson's overall crime rate is 101% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (165% above average), while burglary is 97% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Wilson has higher crime than 95% of them.

Visitors to Wilson should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 177% 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 Wilson Country Club, Cavalier Terrace, The Village Country Club West.

North Carolina as a whole has crime that is 11% above the national average. Wilson's crime rate is 101% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical North Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Wilson, with an estimated rate of 3,715.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 165% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,074 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (833 per 100K) in Wilson, which is consistent with national trends.