Is Asheville, NC, Safe? Crime Rate & Safety Guide

By Doug Edwards

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on May 11, 2026

Are you wondering, “Is Asheville, NC, safe?” This depends on where you live or visit in Asheville, what types of crime you’re focused on, and how frequently you venture out at night to popular tourist destinations or entertainment districts.

Asheville attracts visitors from all over North Carolina to our mountains each year to explore arts, breweries, outdoor activities, and history. Property crime, drug offenses, and certain violent crimes have also been on the rise, like many other expanding cities over the past few years.

Asheville Crime Rates in 2026

Crime in Asheville includes both property crime and violent crime. The city has its fair share of crime. According to NeighborhoodScout, Asheville is only safer than 2% of cities in the United States. The total crime rate is 47 per 1,000 residents. This is a relatively high rate compared to other cities in the nation.

People moving to Asheville might want to take a look at crime maps and spend time in the area at different times of the day to assess different neighborhoods. Crimes are separated into two categories: property crimes and violent crimes.

Asheville Property Crimes

Property crimes are consistently among the most frequent criminal offenses reported by Asheville citizens. Non-violent crimes typically involve stealing or damaging someone else’s property instead of harming another person. Some common offenses include:

• Burglary
• Shoplifting
• Identity theft
• Motor vehicle theft
• Vandalism

In an average year, Asheville has a property crime rate of 27.78 per 1,000 residents. The northeast of Asheville is typically regarded by locals as the safest area of the city. In Asheville, NC the likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime varies by neighborhood. In the central neighborhoods, it is 1 in 13, while in the northeast, it is 1 in 84.

The North Carolina court system can impose felony penalties for multiple convictions or organized theft crimes. Asheville citizens can use local crime trends to recognize potential dangers and better understand Asheville crime statistics.

Asheville Violent Crimes

Violent crimes often garner the most attention from local residents and news outlets. Violent crimes in Asheville typically include allegations that the defendant harmed or threatened physical injury against another person. These crimes include: 

• Aggravated assault
• Robbery
• Homicide
• Domestic violence
• Sex crimes

In an average year, Asheville has a violent crime rate of 5.721 per 1,000 residents. The northeast of Asheville is considered the safest area of the city, according to locals. The likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, from 1 in 57 in the central neighborhoods to 1 in 260 in the northeast.

Violent crimes don’t occur as frequently as property crimes, but can influence Asheville residents’ and travelers’ perception of safety. Motives for crime vary based on the defendant and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Most crimes in Asheville are prosecuted through the Buncombe County court system. The Buncombe County Courthouse at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, is the main courthouse in Asheville.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

While not everyone needs legal representation, some people decide to hire a criminal defense lawyer after their arrest or investigation. Criminal charges that involve violence, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, or sex offenses are serious and usually require an intensive investigation by prosecutors.

Defense lawyers review police investigation reports, interviews with witnesses, search warrants, social media accounts, and forensic evidence to build a criminal defense. In North Carolina, your Asheville criminal defense attorney can begin working on your defense the day you are arrested. Early decisions can make a difference in your case.

Remember, you are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Everyone should treat criminal charges as accusations rather than convictions.

About Edwards Law, PLLC

Doug Edwards has spent the last 15 years focusing solely on criminal defense laws in both State and Federal Courtrooms in North Carolina. Doug Edwards represents individuals charged with the most serious felony and misdemeanor offenses, including high-profile cases, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, and sex crimes.

Doug also counsels licensed professionals, police officers, doctors, lawyers, and public officials who find themselves the target of criminal investigations or facing prosecution throughout Western North Carolina.

FAQs

Does Tourism Affect Crime Rates in Asheville?

Tourism impacts local crime data due to Asheville receiving many tourists annually. Places with high foot traffic around hotels, restaurants, breweries, and nightlife offer more chances for property crime, car break-ins, and alcohol violations. More people in public also increase police presence and reports. Tourism can also promote economic development, downtown growth, and funding towards public safety across Buncombe County and other municipalities.

What Crimes Are Most Commonly Reported in Asheville?

Property crimes are very common in Asheville. Crimes against property can range from larceny to shoplifting to burglary or vandalism to motor vehicle theft. Drug arrests, as well as crimes associated with alcohol consumption, also consistently show up within city criminal courts. Violent crime is not as prevalent in Asheville as property crimes.

How Does Asheville Handle Repeat Offenders?

In North Carolina, defendants with previous convictions could face more severe punishments, especially if they are charged with a felony or have multiple convictions for property crimes. If you have prior convictions, you could be exposed to increased sentencing, restrictions on probation, or mandatory supervision depending on the charges against you.

Judges in Buncombe County consider past convictions, probation records, and a history of repeat offenses when handing down sentences in criminal matters.

Can Criminal Charges Affect Professional Licenses in North Carolina?

Yes. Criminal charges in North Carolina can have an effect on professional licensing boards, particularly for fields like medicine, law, education, nursing, and law enforcement. Even charges that do not result in a conviction may need to be reported or could result in an investigation by the respective licensing board.

The result of a criminal charge could lead to suspension hearings, ethics investigations, disclosure requirements, or future employment restrictions.

Contact Edwards Law, PLLC, Today

If you have been charged with Edwards Law, PLLC, we can help build you a strong criminal defense strategy if you have been charged with a crime in Asheville. Contact us today for a consultation.