Burke County, NC Crime Statistics
Crime Overview
Burke County in NC is served by 5 law enforcement agencies. Over the past five years (2019-2024), the county recorded 3,126 violent crimes and 7,537 property crimes. The average violent crime rate stands at 46.7 per 100k residents, which is 56.1% below the national average. Property crime averages 144.6 per 100k, 11.6% below 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 Rate46.7 per 100k residents
National Avg: 106.2 per 100k
Total Incidents3,126 (2019-2023)
Homicide
Grade N/AInsufficient data to calculate annual rate.
Rape
Grade AAnnual Rate0.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 3.5 per 100k
Total Incidents175 (2019-2023)
Robbery
Grade N/AInsufficient data to calculate annual rate.
Aggravated Assault
Grade AAnnual Rate7.3 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.3 per 100k
Total Incidents872 (2019-2023)
Property Crimes
Property Crime
Grade BAnnual Rate144.6 per 100k residents
National Avg: 163.6 per 100k
Total Incidents7,537 (2019-2023)
Burglary
Grade FAnnual Rate39.7 per 100k residents
National Avg: 24.0 per 100k
Total Incidents2,124 (2019-2023)
Larceny
Grade BAnnual Rate93.4 per 100k residents
National Avg: 116.4 per 100k
Total Incidents4,626 (2019-2023)
Motor Vehicle Theft
Grade AAnnual Rate11.1 per 100k residents
National Avg: 22.2 per 100k
Total Incidents754 (2019-2023)
Summary Table
| Crime Type | Annual Rate (per 100k residents) | Grade | Total Incidents (2019-2023) | National Avg | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 46.7 | A | 3126 | 106.2 | -56.1% |
| Property Crime | 144.6 | B | 7537 | 163.6 | -11.6% |
| Homicide | 0.0 | A | 18 | 0.5 | -100.0% |
| Rape | 0.4 | A | 175 | 3.5 | -88.4% |
| Robbery | 0.0 | A | 70 | 5.8 | -100.0% |
| Aggravated Assault | 7.3 | A | 872 | 22.3 | -67.2% |
| Burglary | 39.7 | F | 2124 | 24.0 | +65.1% |
| Larceny | 93.4 | B | 4626 | 116.4 | -19.7% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 11.1 | A | 754 | 22.2 | -49.8% |
Crime Trends
Agencies
Burke County Sheriff's Office
Morganton Police Department
Morganton, NC
Valdese Police Department
Valdese, NC
Drexel Police Department
Drexel, NC