Key Takeaways
High Crime Rates in Small and Large Cities: High crime rates, ranging from violent offenses to property crimes, are a problem in North Carolina’s smaller towns like Whiteville and Rockingham as well as larger cities like Greensboro, Fayetteville, and Durham.
Impact of Social and Economic Factors: Albemarle and other cities show how high crime rates are largely caused by poverty, a lack of work opportunities, and a general poor quality of life.
Travelers should take certain safety precautions when in North Carolina. These include staying in well-lit areas, keeping windows closed in cars, keeping your car neat to ward off break-ins, and only bringing what you need to avoid being pickpocketed.
Wildlife Awareness: It’s crucial to be aware of wildlife, especially bears, and to maintain your composure when you come across them in places like North Carolina that are covered in mountains and lush vegetation.
Particularly High-Risk Areas: Some neighborhoods in cities such as Durham, Fayetteville, and Greensboro have higher rates of crime than others, so it is important to exercise extra caution, particularly at night.
10. Durham
According to Property Club, Durham, which has a population of 285,527, has a crime rate of 4,597 per 100,000 residents, which is 96% higher than the national average. A total of 2,455 violent crimes were reported, comprising 627 robberies, 1,665 assaults, and 36 murders. In Durham, there is a 1 in 115 risk of becoming a victim of violent crime. Over 11,000 occurrences of property crimes, such as thefts and burglaries, were reported, raising additional concerns. In Durham, there is a 1 in 26 chance of falling victim to a property crime.
9. Henderson
Due to its high crime rate, Henderson—dubbed the “murder capital” of North Carolina—is ranked among the worst places to live. With a population of about 15,000, the city has a rate of 20.12 violent crimes and 56.77 property crimes for every 1,000 residents. A total of 303 violent crime incidents were reported, involving 246 assaults, 41 robberies, and 10 murders. In Henderson, there is a one in fifty chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Property crime, which includes car thefts and break-ins, is also common; 855 incidents have been reported.
These statistics show how undesirable Henderson is as a place to live in North Carolina and emphasize how critical it is to implement efficient crime prevention measures.
8. Fayetteville
According to the Rochester Institute of Technology, Fayetteville routinely ranks among the most dangerous cities in North Carolina because of its high crime rate. The city recorded 7,240 property crimes and 2,065 violent crimes in 2022. In Fayetteville, there is a one in a hundred chance of falling victim to a violent crime. Property crimes have a 1 in 29 chance of occurring; in 2022, there were 1,328 reported burglaries and 5,423 thefts. Crime-related issues that the city faces include homicides, robberies, assaults, break-ins, and thefts.
7. Greensboro
With a population of 298,263 and a crime rate of 4,513 per 100,000, the city is regarded as dangerous, 71% more so than the national average. There is a 1 in 23 chance that a resident will fall victim to any kind of crime. Of the 2,713 recorded violent crimes, 59 murders, 584 robberies, and 1,972 assaults were reported. With 10,880 recorded incidents, including thefts, car thefts, and break-ins, property crimes were also common.
6. Whiteville
According to Travel Safe Abroad, Whiteville is among the most dangerous cities in North Carolina due to its high crime rates and small population of 5,000. In Whiteville, there is a 1 in 6 risk of becoming a victim of crime. Property crimes account for the majority of crimes in the city, with a startling rate of 107.33 per 1,000 residents. Moreover, violent crime is a serious problem; in 2022, 17.2 violent crimes per 1,000 persons were reported. The city’s crime problem is largely influenced by drug activity.
5. Gastonia
Gastonia, which has a population of about 81,000, has a crime rate of 48.49 per 1,000 residents, which is 113% greater than the national average, according to Property Club. Gastonian citizens have a one in twenty-one risk of falling victim to a violent crime. 3,173 property crimes and 726 violent crimes were reported in 2022. There were 556 assaults, 142 robberies, and 9 murders among the violent crimes. Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, are also prevalent in the city.
4. Rockingham
Because of its extraordinarily high crime rate, Rockingham—which has a population of just 9,031—is regarded as one of the most dangerous places in North Carolina to live. With a crime rate of 5,556, the city is 110% riskier than the state as a whole. Drug use and gang activity are major factors in Rockingham’s crime rate. There were 66 violent crimes reported in 2022, including 42 assaults, 14 robberies, and 4 murders. With 410 incidents recorded in 2022—110 burglaries and 16 auto thefts—property crime is also a concern.
3. Reidsville
Despite having a population of only 14,125, it is among the most dangerous cities in North Carolina. According to 97x.com, Reidsville has a crime rate of 56.71 per 1,000 residents, which is 124% higher than the state average. The likelihood of a resident becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 17. At 47.25 per 1,000 residents, property crimes are Reidsville’s main cause for concern. The city recorded 138 violent crimes in 2022, including 12 robberies, 115 assaults, and 6 murders.
2. Albemarle
NSESC.com lists Albemarle, which is close to the coast, as one of the most violent cities in North Carolina. With 16,628 residents, the city has a crime rate that is 149% higher than the state average at 6,588 per 100,000. The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 16 for Albemarle residents. The city’s problems with crime are related to things like overall quality of life, employment opportunities, and poverty. There were 156 violent crimes recorded in 2022, comprising 121 assaults, 17 robberies, and 6 murders.
They draw attention to the intricate interactions between social and economic variables that fuel crime and the necessity of all-encompassing policies that deal with these underlying issues in order to increase public safety and well-being.
1. Lumberton
Generally acknowledged as the most dangerous city in North Carolina, it is situated in Robeson County. The city has 19,025 residents and a disproportionately high crime rate of 132.30 per 1,000 state residents, according to Medium. This means that Lumberton is 435% more dangerous than the state average, with a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Even though property crimes are the most prevalent, violent crime is still a big issue. The rate of violent crime per 1,000 people in 2021 was 20.18, while the rate of property crime was 122.21. Drug activity in the area is largely to blame for the high crime rates in the city.
Remember to stay safe and watch out for yourself when travelling abroad especially in these cities.
