Asheville Crime Rate and Statistics

By Doug Edwards

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Mar 02, 2024

The Current State of Asheville

As of now, the crime rate in Asheville has been declining from its 2022 peak. According to 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, Asheville has a combined crime rate of approximately 47 per 1,000 residents, placing it above 95% of North Carolina communities. Violent crime sits at 796 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime at 3,895 per 100,000, both significantly above the national average.

The highest number of violent crimes was recorded in 2022, with 727 incidents. By 2023, that figure had dropped to 596, the lowest recorded in a six-year span going back to 2018, representing an 18% drop in violent crime and a 13% reduction in property crime from the year prior.

In 2025, the Asheville Police Department reported 451 violent crimes, a 24% decrease from 2024 and the lowest total in recent memory. Homicides fell from 13 in 2024 to just 6 in 2025, a 54% reduction. Traffic fatalities also declined 35%, dropping to 15 fatal accidents involving 16 deaths. Property crime, however, rose modestly, with 4,038 incidents reported in 2025, a 10% increase that APD attributed in part to improved shoplifting reporting.

2024: A Mixed Year

The year 2024 presented a more complicated picture. While overall crime fell about 8% compared to 2023, the city recorded 13 homicides, an all-time high surpassing the previous record of 12 set in 2022. APD Chief Mike Lamb attributed the spike to guns, domestic disputes, and drug use, with more than half of the homicides occurring in public housing developments.

Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina in late 2024, also directly affected crime statistics. APD documented a surge in aggravated assaults in the downtown area, tied specifically to FEMA placements of displaced residents in downtown motels and hotels in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Looting incidents were also reported near Wood Avenue and Swannanoa River Road. Property crimes, by contrast, fell 13% compared to 2023, with reductions in larcenies, motor vehicle break-ins, and home thefts.

Confronting Crime

The significant rise in violent crime in 2022 is largely considered to be the result of a serious police staffing crisis the city experienced at the time. As public safety began to be significantly affected, city leaders announced plans to roll out a new initiative to target the problem head-on. According to a 2023 article regarding the situation, the initiative included:

• A substantial increase in police presence downtown using a combination of foot, bike, and vehicle patrols in the city’s parks and metropolitan areas.
• Increased attention toward littering, particularly used needles and biological waste that is often found in downtown areas.
• Increased attention toward rampant drug use and vagrancy in the downtown area, as well as enforcing graffiti laws on public property.
• Working with Duke Energy to find and replace burned-out streetlights, as well as making an effort with nonprofit organizations to identify other maintenance projects.
• Launching the Community Responder Pilot Program led by the Asheville Fire Department to provide a more visible public safety presence downtown.

As a result of a more attentive approach toward public safety and a larger police presence downtown, crime rates dropped substantially, and people started feeling safer in Asheville for the first time since before the pandemic.

The downward trend has continued into 2025. The department expanded the use of license plate readers, drones, and drone-first-responder systems, and created a new technology and intelligence division. Officer proactivity rose 15% from 2024 to 2025, adding roughly 3,000 additional hours of street-level police work. 

According to WLOS reporting on the 2025 year-end data, Interim Chief Jackie Stepp said the department’s focus in 2026 will be expanding community partnerships and preventing crime before it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Asheville, North Carolina, Have a Crime Problem?

Yes, Asheville, North Carolina, has a crime problem. However, the city has made significant progress since the 2022 peak. Violent crime fell 24% in 2025, reaching the lowest level in recent years. That said, the city’s crime rate remains well above the national average, and property crime has trended upward slightly.

Is Asheville, North Carolina, a Safe City to Visit?

Generally speaking, Asheville is a safe city to visit if you remain vigilant. Its crime rate is higher than that of most American cities of comparable size, though the gap has narrowed in recent years. Asheville has a friendly, welcoming environment during the day, and it is recommended that you stay in popular, well-lit areas at night for your own safety.

Is Asheville Safe to Walk Through at Night?

Whether Asheville is safe to walk through at night is debatable. It is generally not recommended to walk through any major city alone at night, including Asheville. If you do have to walk through the city at night, stay in well-lit and crowded areas to reduce risk. Crime has gone down and is still decreasing, but that does not mean one should not exercise common sense. Stay vigilant and protect yourself, but do not expect the worst.

Is Downtown Asheville Safe?

Many people consider downtown Asheville safe, although the city has a higher crime rate than many other areas in America. It has shops, local color, enjoyable restaurants, and a strong tourist scene. Violent crime has gone down in recent years thanks to initiatives by city leaders and law enforcement. Downtown remains an area of proactive police focus, with officers logging over 2,000 proactive patrol hours there in a recent four-month period.

What Crimes Are Most Common in Asheville?

According to 2024 FBI UCR data, larceny-theft is the most common crime in Asheville, accounting for roughly 63% of all reported offenses, with approximately 2,815 incidents. Motor vehicle theft is also notably high, with Asheville ranking among the nation’s highest rates for that category. Among violent crimes, aggravated assault is the most frequently reported offense.

How Did Hurricane Helene Affect Asheville Crime?

Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina in late September 2024, directly contributed to a spike in certain crime categories. APD Chief Lamb reported that FEMA placements of displaced residents in downtown motels led to a surge in aggravated assaults and robberies in the immediate aftermath. Looting incidents were also reported. These conditions inflated the 2024 violent crime totals in ways that are unlikely to recur.

Is Asheville Crime Getting Better or Worse?

The trend is improving. Violent crime peaked in 2022 at 727 incidents and has fallen every year since: 596 in 2023 to just 451 in 2025, a 24% drop. Homicides fell from a record 13 in 2024 to just 6 in 2025. Property crime is the main area of concern, rising 10% in 2025, though APD attributed part of that increase to improved reporting practices.

What Do the Locals Have to Say?

A survey conducted by AreaVibes interviewed 247 Asheville locals about their thoughts on local crime. Roughly 30% of residents felt secure and safe in their daily lives and were comfortable walking the city after dark. However, 70% believed crime was a real problem and would not go walking after dark. APD Interim Chief Stepp has acknowledged the gap between data and perception, noting that education and open dialogue with the community are essential to closing it.

If You Need Legal Representation in Asheville, Reach Out Today

The legal team at Edwards Law, PLLC, represents criminal defendants in Asheville as experienced criminal defense lawyers and DUI lawyers. We believe in the importance of providing strong legal representation in a city known for its higher-than-average crime rate. We can help you make sense of any criminal charges you may be facing or are about to face, and we can help build you a solid defense.

We know how the local courts work, and we have extensive knowledge in trial law. You can trust us to deliver sound legal counsel, a strong defensive strategy, and complete transparency. If you are being charged with a crime in the Asheville area, contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can. We can pursue every avenue to protect you, your rights, and your interests.