Is Asheville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, beckons travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant arts and culture, and a burgeoning culinary scene.

For those seeking an adventure in the great outdoors, Asheville is a gateway to the stunning Appalachian Mountains.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” offers breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife watching.

Nearby Pisgah National Forest provides endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring pristine waterfalls.

Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains are also a big draw to this region, which spans from Knoxville to Asheville.

Art and culture thrive in Asheville.

The city is known for its numerous galleries, studios, and theaters.

The Asheville Art Museum showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art, while the River Arts District is a haven for art lovers, featuring a myriad of working studios.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by Asheville’s culinary offerings.

The city is a hub for farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and vibrant farmers’ markets.

Asheville’s historic charm is evident in places like the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the U.S., where you can tour the opulent mansion and its stunning gardens.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Grove Arcade also offer glimpses into the city’s rich history.

There’s a lot to love about Asheville, but a lot of safety concerns, too.

Let’s get started.

Warnings & Dangers in Asheville

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in Asheville. Although there's a lot to do in town and nearby, the crime rates are surging, and no clear end is in sight.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Asheville Rides Transit (ART) is the public bus system to get around town. Plenty of taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are available. If you plan to drive through the Smokies, you'll likely want your own car. All options are a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The city has averaged about 25 pickpockets or purse snatchings a year over the past five years, giving it a medium risk. Don't leave your personal stuff in your car, either. Nearly 32% of all thefts are due to car break-ins. Shoplifting is the biggest theft category.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You can get severe weather throughout the year here, so treat that with a medium risk. November and spring bring the risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Winter can bring snowstorms or ice storms. Flash flooding and dangerous lightning can ruin outdoor plans or make a trip to the mountains dangerous.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

At least 25% of robberies are highway robberies, so treat this as another medium risk. That's especially true with the robbery incident increasing 20% from 2021 to 2022.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, and your bigger concern should be the local crime rates. However, always report any suspicious activity you see.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Review the "Recognizing Scams and Con Artists" section of the city's website. While you're more likely to get panhandled than scammed, you should know the signs of a scammer. The risk is low, and there are far greater risks in Asheville.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women should use extra caution if traveling alone and at night. Due to the growing crime rates, it's not a city where you can just wander at will. Treat it with the same medium risk as the other categories.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Asheville's water has a low risk, and you can read the annual water quality report on the utility's website to learn more. I'd also bookmark that because there's an "AVL ALERT" section that shows past and current water issues with future scheduled outages. If you have any questions, call (828)251-1122.

Safest Places to Visit in Asheville

Explore Asheville is the name of the city’s tourism website.

You can download a digital version of the tourist guide or have one mailed to you.

I’d recommend using the digital guide so you don’t have to give any personal information.

For art enthusiasts, the Asheville Art Museum is a must-visit.

This dynamic cultural hub features a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art, showcasing the creative spirit of the region.

You can spend hours getting lost in the captivating world of visual arts.

Asheville’s craft beer scene is legendary, so be sure to explore the numerous breweries dotted around the city.

Many offer outdoor seating options, making it easy to enjoy a refreshing brew in a safe environment.

If you’re seeking a bit of spirituality, the Asheville Salt Cave provides a unique experience.

This underground sanctuary offers halotherapy sessions, which are said to promote relaxation and well-being.

For a taste of local history, consider visiting the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.

This historic site was the childhood home of the famous author and offers insights into his life and work.

Nature lovers will find solace in the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive that offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.

You can also embark on hiking adventures in nearby Pisgah National Forest, where trails cater to various skill levels.

Music enthusiasts should check out The Orange Peel, a renowned music venue that hosts a wide range of live performances, from indie rock to electronic dance music.

To satisfy your shopping cravings, the Grove Arcade is a charming architectural gem filled with boutique shops and eateries.

Lastly, don’t miss the chance to explore the scenic Botanical Gardens at Asheville.

These peaceful gardens are a great place to connect with nature while taking a leisurely walk.

If you’re looking for information on the Smoky Mountains, use VisitSmokies.org, as that covers the North Carolina side mostly.

VisitMySmokies.com is for the Gatlinburg side.

Places to Avoid in Asheville

Downtown Asheville has been a focal point of crime for a while.

Issues range from blight to homelessness to violent crimes.

A major city initiative is underway to clean up downtown and have residents help in the plan for a safer core community.

Some neighborhoods in Asheville, North Carolina, with higher crime rates include:

• East and West Asheville
• Deaverview
• Hillcrest
• Areas near Aston Park Tower

A lot of how dangerous these neighborhoods are will depend on where you are from.

It’s more likely you’d be surprised that a small town of just 100,000 people has such a high crime rate than feeling genuinely unsafe while visiting here.

Recently, crime has expanded from downtown to west and east Asheville, so it’s hard to find a place where you won’t face some risk of crime.

You can use the Community Crime Map on the city’s website to search for crimes near your chosen hotel or attractions.

It’s just not the charming Southern town you might expect… yet.

Bottom line – stick to an itinerary and don’t go to neighborhoods that you don’t have a reason to be in.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Asheville

So... How Safe Is Asheville Really?

Normally, this is the point where I’d go through a bunch of crime data to explain to you why a city is dangerous (or isn’t) and if the statistics back up the perceptions in the town.

In Asheville, I don’t need to do such a deep dive because all local leaders – including the police chief – say crime in the city at the end of 2022 was at historic levels.

That’s even after a slow climb of a 60% increase in crime since 2011.

Between 2021 and 2022, violent crime was up nearly 18% in just one year.

Over the past five years, most crimes have been among people who know each other, with just 20% of violent crimes targeting strangers.

“There are complex circumstances contributing to the safety issues that Asheville is currently seeing downtown, and it will take a community response to address these complexities,” the city said in a statement.

“Multiple City departments are coordinating a City government response, and we also need participation from community leaders and partners to address all the factors contributing to the rise in crime.”

I strongly encourage anyone visiting Asheville to read the developments of the downtown safety plan.

It went into effect in June 2023.

If you’re coming here to visit the Smokies, I would recommend staying closer to the park or the smaller tourist towns than Asheville.

If you are staying in the city, please use standard safety precautions as you would in any big city.

How Does Asheville Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

International guests need a visa or visa waiver, plus a passport to get through Customs and Border Patrol at the airport. You can see what visa you are eligible for on the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the only currency you can use here. Due to the increase in robberies and thefts, I'd recommend using only credit cards. If you do need cash, use a bank's services inside and avoid ATMs, especially at night.

Weather

You'll get the four typical seasons here, but plan for extra layers during spring and fall when temperatures can fluctuate. It's hot and humid here in the summer. You'll need bug spray and sunscreen. Winters can be cold, but check the forecast before you go so you don't bring more than you'll need.

Airports

Asheville Regional Airport is just 16 miles south of the city. It has service to 16 cities. I'd recommend using the much larger Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is two hours east.

Travel Insurance

We always recommend comprehensive travel insurance to tourist destinations and make sure you have health travel coverage, too.

Asheville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

North Carolina - Safety by City