CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Safety is an important factor in deciding where to call home. But how do you rank how safe a city or town truly is?
The website www.OnlyInYourState.com looked at FBI crime statistics from the past three years and broke it down based on two categories: violent crimes per capita and property crimes per capita.
Lumberton, which frequently finds itself at the top of these lists, came in at number one, with a one in seven chance of becoming a victim to property crime.
In our part of the state, Statesville ranked number five. According to the website, Statesville residents have a one in 139 chance of falling victim to a violent crime like rape, murder or assault.
Just this past weekend, NBC Charlotte reported on a father who murdered his two sons, before trying to kill himself.
Also in the top 10, Salisbury comes in at number nine. The risk of falling victim to a violent crime there? One in 128.
A man was found shot to death in a driveway Saturday, and many neighbors tell NBC Charlotte they've noticed a steady rise in crime.
But not everyone agrees with this list.
Since it was released, the FBI sent NBC Charlotte a statement, warning the public to take these rankings with a grain of salt.
An FBI spokesperson issued this statement:
Each year when Crime in the United States is published, some entities use the figures to compile rankings of cities and counties. These rough rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mold crime in a particular town, city, county, state, tribal area, or region. Consequently, they lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents. Valid assessments are possible only with careful study and analysis of the range of unique conditions affecting each local law enforcement jurisdiction. The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing statistical data of individual reporting units from cities, metropolitan areas, states, or colleges or universities solely on the basis of their population coverage or student enrollment.
Check out the full list:
