Rutherford County, NC Crime Statistics
Crime Overview
Rutherford County in NC is served by 5 law enforcement agencies. Over the past five years (2019-2024), the county recorded 1,891 violent crimes and 6,119 property crimes. The average violent crime rate stands at 46.8 per 100k residents, which is 56.0% below the national average. Property crime averages 229.4 per 100k, 40.2% above the national average. The most common offense was Property Crime, while Rape had the lowest rate. Data is sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and reflects totals from the most recent five-year period.
Violent Crimes
Violent Crime
Grade AAnnual Rate46.8 per 100k residents
National Avg: 106.2 per 100k
Total Incidents1,891 (2019-2023)
Homicide
Grade N/AInsufficient data to calculate annual rate.
Rape
Grade AAnnual Rate1.0 per 100k residents
National Avg: 3.5 per 100k
Total Incidents105 (2019-2023)
Robbery
Grade FAnnual Rate10.2 per 100k residents
National Avg: 5.8 per 100k
Total Incidents76 (2019-2023)
Aggravated Assault
Grade AAnnual Rate4.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.3 per 100k
Total Incidents497 (2019-2023)
Property Crimes
Property Crime
Grade DAnnual Rate229.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 163.6 per 100k
Total Incidents6,119 (2019-2023)
Burglary
Grade FAnnual Rate50.2 per 100k residents
National Avg: 24.0 per 100k
Total Incidents1,999 (2019-2023)
Larceny
Grade DAnnual Rate156.6 per 100k residents
National Avg: 116.4 per 100k
Total Incidents3,642 (2019-2023)
Motor Vehicle Theft
Grade CAnnual Rate22.0 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.2 per 100k
Total Incidents428 (2019-2023)
Summary Table
| Crime Type | Annual Rate (per 100k residents) | Grade | Total Incidents (2019-2023) | National Avg | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 46.8 | A | 1891 | 106.2 | -56.0% |
| Property Crime | 229.4 | D | 6119 | 163.6 | +40.2% |
| Homicide | 0.0 | A | 13 | 0.5 | -100.0% |
| Rape | 1.0 | A | 105 | 3.5 | -70.9% |
| Robbery | 10.2 | F | 76 | 5.8 | +75.8% |
| Aggravated Assault | 4.4 | A | 497 | 22.3 | -80.1% |
| Burglary | 50.2 | F | 1999 | 24.0 | +109.1% |
| Larceny | 156.6 | D | 3642 | 116.4 | +34.6% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 22.0 | C | 428 | 22.2 | -0.7% |
Crime Trends
Agencies
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
Forest City Police Department
Forest City, NC
Rutherfordton Police Department
Rutherfordton, NC
Lake Lure Police Department
Lake Lure, NC