Is Mooresville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Mooresville, North Carolina, a charming town steeped in history and innovation, offers a unique blend of past and present attractions that make it a must-visit destination.

This quaint town of 50,000 people, located just 30 miles north of Charlotte and roughly equidistant from Raleigh-Durham, boasts a rich history that dates back to the 18th century.

Founded in 1856, Mooresville has earned its nickname, “Race City USA,” thanks to its prominent role in the motorsports industry.

The town is home to the famous NASCAR Technical Institute and several racing team headquarters, making it a haven for racing enthusiasts.

Beyond the racetracks, Mooresville offers picturesque Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports.

Stroll through the downtown area, with its charming boutiques, eateries, and vibrant art scene.

This area was recently expanded to an entertainment district, offering the chance to carry alcoholic beverages around.

History buffs can delve into the past at the Mooresville Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building.

Meanwhile, the Lazy 5 Ranch offers a unique wildlife safari experience, perfect for families.

In Mooresville, you’ll find the perfect blend of small-town charm, rich history, and a vibrant present, all within easy reach of the bustling cities of Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham.

Warnings & Dangers in Mooresville

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Mooresville with crime rates that are anywhere from slightly below average to slightly above. Plus, you have a vibrant downtown and a nearby lake to explore.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The city, county, and region have public transportation options. The Mooresville Main information is on the city's website. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find, but a rental car allows you more freedom that will likely be cheaper than relying on rideshares.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The city averages about five pickpockets and purse snatchings a year. In 2021, the lone pickpocket was valued at more than $7000! The risk is low, but I can tell you that the five per year is one of the higher I've seen in communities of this size across the state.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You need to be weather aware and treat this as a medium risk because severe and disruptive weather can happen throughout the year. Hurricanes can make their way inland and cause flooding and thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes start firing up in spring through the end of summer. An occasional snowstorm could cause dangerous driving conditions.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Since 2018, robberies have gone down by nearly 70%, so the risk is low. However, you don't want to let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, but it's still important to report any suspicious activity you see. Even if you aren't sure you're seeing something that's dangerous, police still want to get a call.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Most scams here are focused on residents. You can review the latest scams on the police department and county sheriff's social media pages. The risk is low, but keep it low by knowing the common tactics.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There's a huge problem in Mooresville with domestic violence, but that issue would be more important if you were moving to Mooresville. As long as you use standard personal safety precautions, the risk stays low.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Mooresville does its own water quality testing and enlists a third party to verify the information, so you can rest assured the risk is low here.

Safest Places to Visit in Mooresville

You know a city is good for tourists when it has its own tourism website, and that’s just what you’ll find at VisitMooresville.com.

You can download the visitor’s guide for free without having to give personal information, which is always a bonus in my book.

There are a lot of racing and NASCAR spots in Mooresville and the region.

Start your journey by visiting the Memory Lane Museum, where you get in the fast lane of NASCAR history.

Explore a captivating collection of vintage race cars, memorabilia, and even an impressive collection of Dale Earnhardt’s cars.

For an adrenaline rush, head over to the GoPro Motorplex, a world-class karting facility where you can experience the thrill of racing on a challenging track.

They offer kart rentals and events suitable for both beginners and experienced racers.

Don’t miss the NASCAR Technical Institute, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and maintain the high-performance machines that dominate the racetracks.

Guided tours offer insight into the engineering and technology that drive the sport.

To witness racing action firsthand, check out the Charlotte Motor Speedway, located just a short drive away.

Depending on the season, you can catch NASCAR events, drag racing, or even the exhilarating Speedway Christmas lights display during the holiday season.

Wrap up your racing adventure with a visit to JR Motorsports, a premier racing team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Tour their facility and get up close to the race cars and equipment that power their success.

It’s a chance to see the inner workings of a NASCAR team in action.

Downtown Mooresville offers a charming mix of shops, eateries, and cultural attractions.

Stroll along Main Street, where you’ll find a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes.

The Mooresville Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s history, featuring exhibits on its development and significance in the racing world.

Lake Norman, a short drive from downtown, provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Spend a day on the lake fishing, boating, or simply relaxing on the shoreline.

Lake Norman State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a chance to spot local wildlife while enjoying scenic lake views.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, Lake Norman has several wineries like Daveste Vineyards and Treehouse Vineyards, where you can indulge in tastings and enjoy the serene vineyard settings.

End your day by taking a leisurely stroll along the Mooresville Town Square, a lovely park featuring a beautiful fountain and green space—a perfect spot to unwind and reflect on your day of exploration.

Places to Avoid in Mooresville

You aren’t going to find a dangerous neighborhood or a part of town that you should avoid.

Mooresville gets safer (and richer) the closer you get to the lake.

One thing locals love about Mooresville is that you aren’t outcast if you are from somewhere else, as is the assumption for many Southern towns.

A lot of people move here from somewhere else, as is evident by the 61% growth in population since 2010.

The city’s infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the growth, so you’ll find more traffic here than you might expect, but it’s nothing like you’ll see in Charlotte.

Just stay calm and give yourself plenty of time to move around.

That’s especially true if you’re there during a big event or heading to downtown at night or on weekends.

Other than that, there’s the standard advice of don’t go on the water or trail if a storm is approaching.

Never drive through a flooded roadway.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Mooresville

So... How Safe Is Mooresville Really?

Mooresville is no Mayberry, but it still ranks in the top 90 safest cities in North Carolina.

The violent crime rate is nearly 40% lower than the national average, but the theft rate is nearly 20% higher.

Domestic violence has been a problem in Mooresville since at least 2020, when numbers spiked 44%.

At the last report, police said that nearly 60% of all assaults in Mooresville were related to domestic violence.

If you see any concerning activity while you’re here between a couple, please report it to the police immediately.

Sometimes, victims are too afraid to come forward.

I gotta tell you – some of these police reports about domestic violence are brutal, from homicide in front of children to running over a partner with a car multiple times.

About 20% of all thefts are related to car break-ins or accessory thefts.

Make your car as unappealing as possible to a thief – lock the doors, remove all personal belongings, and take your rental car paperwork inside the hotel with you.

Try to rent a run-of-the-mill sedan and not a fancy car as well.

You should also review the boating and lake safety on the Go Outdoors North Carolina website if you’ll be spending time at the lake.

You’ll need a safety certificate to operate a boat.

There’s a lot of fun to be had in Mooresville, and no safety reasons to reconsider.

You still need to use common sense and personal safety tactics.

How Does Mooresville Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

To get through Customs and Border Patrol at the airport, you'll need a visa or visa waiver and a passport. You can review more specific rules, processes and timelines on the U.S. State Department website. If you are eligible for a visa waiver, that's the fastest option.

Currency

Exchange currency at your home bank to get the lowest fees. Charlotte's airport has currency exchange through CXI. You'll be using the U.S. Dollar (USD) here. If you are choosing to get cash, you should avoid large bills like $100s as those will catch the eye of a would-be thief.

Weather

Mooresville gets four full seasons but without heavy snow and bitterly cold weather in the winter. As a lake destination, you'll want comfortable and casual clothing. Bring bug spray and a tick-removal kit. Apply sunscreen often in the summer and keep a layer on year-round that's SPF 15 or higher.

Airports

Mooresville is less than an hour by road to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. You can also reach the Raleigh Durham International Airport in two hours. Charlotte has the most connecting flights and international destinations.

Travel Insurance

Any destination with unpredictable weather that could disrupt travel plans warrants travel insurance. Ensure you also have health coverage at your destination if your current plan only covers the US. Review rental car insurance provisions too so you know you're protected if there's a crash.

Mooresville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

North Carolina - Safety by City