By North Carolina is experiencing rapid growth and boasts a strong economy along with a variety of entertainment options. Although there are numerous excellent places in North Carolina for raising a family and living, there are also certain areas that are best to be avoided due to their high levels of violent crime and overall danger. This list will outline the ten cities with the highest crime rates in North Carolina, making them less desirable places to live.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in North Carolina
- Lumberton
- Albemarle
- Reidsville
- Rockingham
- Gastonia
- Whiteville
- Greensboro
- Fayetteville
- Henderson
- Durham
1. Lumberton
Lumberton, located in Robeson County, stands out as the most dangerous city in North Carolina. With a population of 19,025, Lumberton has an alarmingly high crime rate of 132.30 per 1,000 residents.
This figure is disproportionately elevated, indicating a significant level of danger. In fact, the likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Lumberton is 1 in 27, making the city 435% more perilous than the average in North Carolina. Lumberton faces a particular challenge in terms of violent crime, although property crimes are more prevalent overall.
The rates for property crimes reach 122.21, while the rate for violent crimes is 20.18 per 1,000 individuals in 2021. Much of the criminal activity in Lumberton is directly linked to the drug trade within the area.
2. Albemarle
Albemarle, another city notorious for its crime rate, is considered one of the worst cities to live in North Carolina. Situated near the coast, Albemarle is home to a population of 16,628 and exhibits a concerning crime rate of 6,588 per 100,000 individuals.
This rate surpasses the state average by 149%, highlighting the elevated level of criminal activity in the area. Residents of Albemarle face approximately a 1 in 16 chance of falling victim to a crime.
The city grapples with various issues such as poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and a diminished quality of life, all of which contribute to its high crime rate. In the year 2022 alone, Albemarle witnessed 156 instances of violent crimes, including 6 murders, 17 robberies, and 121 assaults.
3. Reidsville
Reidsville, one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina, exhibits a high level of crime. Despite its small population of just 14,125 residents, Reidsville has a crime rate of 56.71 per 1,000 individuals, which is 124% higher than the state average.
This results in an alarming 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime for Reidsville residents. The city is primarily plagued by property crimes, occurring at a rate of 47.25 per 1,000 people. In the year 2020, Reidsville recorded 138 violent crimes, including 6 murders, 12 robberies, and 115 assaults. These statistics position Reidsville as one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina.
4. Rockingham
Rockingham, another city to be wary of in North Carolina, ranks among the worst places to live due to its alarmingly high crime rate. Despite its relatively small population of 9,031 residents, Rockingham records a crime rate of 5,556, making it 110% more dangerous than the state average.
The prevalence of gangs and drug-related activities contributes significantly to the city’s crime statistics. In the year 2020, Rockingham experienced 66 violent crimes, including 4 murders, 14 robberies, and 42 assaults, which is disproportionately high considering the population size.
Additionally, property crime poses a concern with 410 reported incidents in 2020, encompassing 110 burglaries and 16 vehicle thefts. The high crime rate in Rockingham makes it a city that should be approached with caution.
5. Gastonia
Gastonia, home to approximately 81,000 residents, is plagued by a high crime rate of 48.49 per 1,000 people, surpassing the US average by 113%. This indicates a significantly elevated level of danger within the city.
Overall, residents of Gastonia face a 1 in 21 chance of becoming victims of violent crimes. In the year 2020, the city recorded 726 violent crimes, including 9 murders, 142 robberies, and 556 assaults.
Additionally, property crimes such as burglary and theft were prevalent, with 3,173 incidents reported. The persistent occurrence of these crimes underscores the challenges Gastonia faces in maintaining a safe environment for its residents.
6. Whiteville
Whiteville, a city with a population of 5,000, stands out as one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina due to its alarmingly high crime rates. Residents of Whiteville face a significant 1 in 6 chance of falling victim to a crime.
The city is predominantly plagued by property crimes, occurring at an astounding rate of 107.33 per 1,000 individuals. However, violent crime is also a prevalent issue, with a rate of 17.2 per 1,000 people recorded in 2022.
The pervasive drug activity within Whiteville is closely associated with much of the criminal behavior observed in the area. The elevated crime rates make Whiteville a city that demands caution and attention to personal safety.
7. Greensboro
Greensboro, a city with a population of 298,263, is considered a dangerous place in North Carolina. It has a crime rate of 4,513 per 100,000 people, making it 71% more dangerous than the national average. On average, residents face a 1 in 23 chance of becoming victims of various crimes.
In the year 2020, the city witnessed 2,713 violent crimes, including 59 murders, 584 robberies, and 1,972 assaults. Additionally, there were 10,880 reported cases of property crimes, with incidents of burglaries, thefts, and vehicle theft being particularly prevalent.
These crime statistics highlight the challenges Greensboro faces in maintaining safety and security within the community.
8. Fayetteville
Fayetteville consistently earns its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina, primarily due to its persistently high crime rates. In the year 2022, Fayetteville reported a total of 2,065 violent crimes and 7,240 property crimes.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Fayetteville is approximately 1 in 100. Disturbingly, the city experienced 30 murders, 262 robberies, and 1,696 cases of assault in the same year.
The chances of falling victim to a property crime in Fayetteville are 1 in 29, with 1,328 reported incidents of burglary and 5,423 cases of theft in 2022. These figures underscore the challenges faced by Fayetteville in maintaining safety and security within the community.
9. Henderson
Henderson, often referred to as the murder capital of North Carolina, ranks among the worst places to live in the state. Despite its population of approximately 15,000, the city suffers from a high violent crime rate of 20.12 per 1,000 people, alongside a significant property crime rate of 56.77 per 1,000 individuals. In the year 2020, Henderson recorded 303 instances of violent crime, including 10 murders, 41 robberies, and 246 assaults.
These figures reveal a disproportionately high number of violent crimes for the city’s population, resulting in a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of such crimes. Additionally, property crime remains prevalent in Henderson, with 855 reported incidents in 2020, including 244 burglaries and 70 motor vehicle thefts.
These concerning crime rates contribute to the unfavorable living conditions in Henderson, highlighting the need for improved safety and security measures in the area.
10. Durham
Durham, with a population of 285,527, stands out for its high crime rate, which is 96% higher than the national average. The city records a crime rate of 4,597 per 100,000 people. In the year 2020, Durham witnessed 2,455 violent crimes, including 36 murders, 627 robberies, and 1,665 assaults.
These figures indicate a 1 in 115 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Durham. Property crimes were also prevalent, with 11,040 incidents reported, including nearly 2,000 burglaries and over 8,000 thefts.
The chances of falling victim to a property crime in Durham are 1 in 26. These statistics highlight the challenges faced by the city in maintaining safety and security for its residents.
Most Dangerous Cities in North Carolina: Bottom Line
As North Carolina experiences continuous growth, it is important to acknowledge that certain cities on this list still struggle with crime. Despite their overall development, cities such as Durham and Greensboro grapple with high crime rates in specific areas.
Therefore, if you are contemplating a relocation, conducting thorough research into the crime rates of your prospective area will significantly assist your transition. By being well-informed, you can make more informed decisions about where to settle and ensure a smoother adjustment to your new surroundings.
