Is Matthews Safe, Pros and cons of living in Matthews

Matthews, North Carolina, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. This town, situated in southeastern Mecklenburg County, is a popular choice for those seeking a high quality of life. Its well-regarded school system, diverse demographics, and thriving local economy contribute to its appeal.

The community boasts a median age of 40.1 years, indicating a balanced population of families and established residents. With a population that has seen steady growth, Matthews maintains a welcoming atmosphere. This town provides a suburban setting with the advantages of proximity to Charlotte, making it an attractive option for a wide range of individuals and families.

Is it Safe to Live in Matthews?

Matthews presents a mixed safety profile, with overall crime rates reported as higher than the national average. However, specific crime statistics show variations, with violent crime rates being lower than the national average in some reports. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can differ significantly depending on the specific neighborhood within Matthews, with some areas being considerably safer than others (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org).

When examining crime data, it’s important to consider both violent and property crimes. While violent crime rates in Matthews are reported as lower than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org), property crime rates are noted to be higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The overall crime rate in Matthews is 34% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent Crime

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Matthews is reported at 1 in 553, or a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This is lower than the North Carolina state average, where the chance is 1 in 266 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). CrimeGrade.org indicates a violent crime rate of 2.565 per 1,000 residents annually, and that Matthews ranks in the 59th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 59% of cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime

Property crime in Matthews is a more significant concern, with a rate of 26 per 1,000 population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means your chance of becoming a victim of property crime, such as burglary or larceny, is 1 in 38 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime levels in Matthews are reported as being about the same as North Carolina’s average level (as reported by IDcide).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Matthews is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. Housing expenses, in particular, tend to be higher than the national average. However, utility prices are typically lower than the national average, offering some cost savings.

For those considering a move, the median home value in Matthews was approximately $445,100 as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Renting an apartment can also be a significant expense, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $1,380 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing Costs

Housing expenses in Matthews are a key component of the cost of living, with the median home value reported at $445,100 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Matthews is 64.4% (as reported by Data USA). For renters, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,380 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), and for a two-bedroom apartment, it is around $1,648 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, everyday expenses such as groceries and healthcare contribute to the overall cost of living. Grocery prices in Matthews are about 2% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs in Matthews are notably higher, being 15% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Matthews boasts a robust job market and a diverse economy, with a mix of small businesses and larger corporations. The town has seen employment growth, with the number of employees increasing by 4% between recent years (as reported by Data USA). This economic vitality makes it an attractive place for professionals.

The most common employment sectors for residents include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include Novant Health Matthews Medical Center and Harris Teeter, Inc. – Headquarters (as reported by the Town of Matthews Employer Profile).

Major Employers

Several key organizations serve as significant employers in Matthews, contributing to the local economy and providing numerous job opportunities. Novant Health Matthews Medical Center is a prominent healthcare provider and employer in the region (as reported by the Town of Matthews Employer Profile). Harris Teeter, Inc. – Headquarters also plays a vital role, offering substantial employment within the town (as reported by the Town of Matthews Employer Profile).

Unemployment and Salaries

Matthews maintains a low unemployment rate, reported at 2.7% (as reported by ZoomProspector). The average annual salary in Matthews is approximately $48,256 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Matthews range between $33,158 and $60,129 annually, reflecting a broad spectrum of earning potential across different professions.

Climate and Weather

Matthews experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cool, wet winters. The temperature typically ranges from a low of 33°F in the winter to a high of 89°F in the summer, rarely dropping below 21°F or exceeding 96°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The town receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. August is typically the wettest month, with an average of 3.5 inches of rain, while May sees the least amount of rain, averaging 3.0 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 2 inches per year (as reported by Livability.com).

Seasonal Temperatures

Summers in Matthews are hot and muggy, with the hot season lasting from late May to mid-September, featuring average daily high temperatures above 81°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 89°F and lows of 70°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cool season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 59°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 34°F and highs of 52°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation Patterns

Rainfall is a consistent feature in Matthews throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 44 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The wettest month is August, receiving an average of 3.5 inches of precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier months are typically in the spring and fall, with May receiving the least amount of rain at 3.0 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Schools

Matthews is recognized for its strong public school system, with schools consistently ranking among the top in North Carolina. The average math proficiency score for students in Matthews is 75%, and the reading proficiency score is 69%, both significantly higher than the state averages (as reported by Niche).

The town’s schools have an average ranking of 10 out of 10, placing them in the top 5% of North Carolina public schools (as reported by Niche). Notable schools include Weddington High School, Weddington Middle School, and Weddington Elementary School, which are frequently highlighted for their academic excellence (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).

School Performance

Public schools in Matthews demonstrate high levels of academic achievement, with an average math proficiency of 75% and reading proficiency of 69% (as reported by Niche). These scores surpass the North Carolina state averages of 51% for math and 50% for reading proficiency (as reported by Niche). The schools in Matthews have an average ranking of 10/10, positioning them among the elite educational institutions in the state (as reported by Niche).

Student Demographics and Diversity

The student body in Matthews reflects the town’s diverse population, with minority enrollment at 51% (as reported by Niche). This demographic composition is slightly lower than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (as reported by Niche). The primary minority groups within the student population are Hispanic and Black students.

Demographics and Population

Matthews, North Carolina, is home to a population of approximately 30,600 residents (as reported by Data USA). The town’s population has experienced growth, with an increase of 12.85% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Matthews is 40.1 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial composition of Matthews is predominantly White, making up about 70.0% of the population. Other significant racial groups include Black or African American residents at 13.0%, and Asian residents at 6.4% (as reported by World Population Review).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The largest racial group in Matthews is White, comprising approximately 70.0% of the population (as reported by World Population Review). Following this are Black or African American residents at 13.0%, and Asian residents at 6.4% (as reported by World Population Review). Hispanic residents constitute about 6.0% of the population (as reported by World Population Review).

Age and Household Composition

The median age in Matthews is 40.1 years (as reported by World Population Review). The age distribution shows a balanced mix of age groups, with 21.6% of residents under 18 and 20.4% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The average household size is approximately 2.61 people (as reported by Wikipedia).

Pros and Cons of Living in Matthews

Matthews offers a desirable suburban lifestyle with numerous advantages, including a strong educational system and a generally stable job market. The town’s pleasant climate and community-focused atmosphere are also significant draws for residents. Its proximity to Charlotte provides access to a wider range of amenities and opportunities.

However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. The cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the national average. Additionally, crime rates, especially property crime, are a concern that warrants careful consideration when evaluating the safety of specific neighborhoods.

Advantages

Matthews is distinguished by its excellent public schools, which consistently rank among the best in the state (as reported by Niche). The job market is healthy, with low unemployment rates and growth in key sectors like healthcare and retail (as reported by ZoomProspector and Data USA). The town also enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it pleasant for outdoor activities year-round (as reported by Weather Spark).

Disadvantages

The cost of living in Matthews presents a challenge, with housing expenses being 13% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). While violent crime rates are relatively low, property crime rates are higher than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). This can contribute to a feeling of unease for some residents, despite the town’s many positive attributes.