Winston-Salem is a city in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, with a population of about 250,000.
It is known for its history, culture, and innovation, but how safe is it for its residents and visitors?
According to the latest data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Winston-Salem had a total of 2,008 violent crimes and 10,066 property crimes in 2020.
This translates to a violent crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 43.5 per 1,000 people.
These rates are lower than the national averages of 9.4 and 21.9, respectively.
However, when compared to other metro areas of similar size, Winston-Salem has a higher crime rate than most.
For instance, Worcester, MA had a violent crime rate of 5.8 and a property crime rate of 18.6 in 2020, while Omaha, NE had a violent crime rate of 6.3 and a property crime rate of 36.6.
Winston-Salem also ranks #41 out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. News Best Places to Live rankings for crime and safety.
The crime rate in Winston-Salem has been decreasing over the years, following the national trend.
The city’s crime index, which measures the relative severity of crimes based on their type and frequency, was 80 in 2020, down from 86 in 2019 and 97 in 2018.
The city’s crime index is also lower than the U.S. average of 100.
The most common types of violent crimes in Winston-Salem are aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder.
In 2020, there were 1,300 aggravated assaults, 436 robberies, 240 rapes, and 32 murders reported in the city.
The most common types of property crimes are larceny theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
In 2020, there were 7,467 larceny thefts, 1,973 burglaries, and 626 motor vehicle thefts reported in the city.
The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) is the primary law enforcement agency in the city, with about 570 sworn officers and 170 civilian employees.
The WSPD strives to prevent crime, protect life and property, and enhance public safety through community policing, problem-solving, and partnerships.
The WSPD also provides online resources for citizens to report crimes, request police services, access crime maps and statistics, and learn about crime prevention programs.
Winston-Salem is a vibrant and diverse city that offers many opportunities for education, entertainment, and employment.
However, like any urban area, it also faces challenges with crime and safety.
By being aware of the current crime trends and taking precautions to protect oneself and one’s property, one can enjoy living in or visiting Winston-Salem without fear.
