Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in NC in 2024 [Updated]

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Durham is home to research and educational institutions and has a property crime rate of 3,136 per 100,000 residents. While property crime is more prevalent, violent crime is also an issue.

Contributing Factors:

• Economic Disparities: Durham’s growth as a research and educational hub has created economic disparities, with some areas experiencing poverty. Economic inequality drives crime as people in poorer areas turn to illegal activities.
• Urbanization: As Durham grows, urbanization brings crime and safety challenges. Urban areas see higher crime rates due to anonymity and increased opportunity for crime.
• Substance Abuse: Durham has substance abuse issues which leads people to commit crimes to support their addiction.

9. Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city, has a property crime rate of 3,196 per 100,000 residents. While violent crime is an issue, property crime is more prevalent.

Contributing Factors:

• Urban Density: As a large metro area, Charlotte faces urban crime including property and violent crime. High population density means more anonymity and opportunity for crime.
• Economic Inequality: Charlotte’s economic disparities contribute to crime with some areas of the city experiencing high poverty. Economic inequality leads to crime as people in poorer areas turn to illegal activities.
• Gang Activity: Charlotte has gang activity which contributes to violent crime. Gang-related crime includes violence, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.

8. Greensboro

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Greensboro, one of North Carolina's largest cities, has a property crime rate of 3,374 per 100,000 residents. The city also has violent crime issues although property crime is more prevalent.

Contributing Factors:

• Urban Challenges: As a major urban area, Greensboro faces urban issues like poverty and crime. Urban areas see higher crime rates due to anonymity and increased opportunity for crime.
• Economic Disparities: Greensboro has areas of significant economic disparities with some neighborhoods experiencing high poverty rates. Economic inequality leads to higher crime rates as people in poorer areas turn to illegal activities.
• Population Diversity: Greensboro’s diverse population can sometimes lead to social tensions which can contribute to crime. Diversity brings social integration and economic opportunity challenges.

7. Wilmington

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Wilmington, a port city, has a property crime rate of 3,542 per 100,000 residents. The city also faces challenges with the uptick in violent crimes reported, although property crimes are more prevalent.

Contributing Factors:

• Tourism and Economic Inequality: Wilmington’s popularity as a tourist destination contributes to higher property crime rates. Tourists are targets for theft and other crimes and the influx of visitors puts pressure on local law enforcement.
• Substance Abuse: Wilmington has substance abuse issues which contributes to higher crime rates. Substance abuse leads people to commit crimes to support their addiction.
• Economic Challenges: Economic inequality in Wilmington contributes to crime as areas with lower income levels see higher crime rates. Population density and local economic conditions also play a role in the city’s crime rates.

6. Fayetteville

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Fayetteville, home to Fort Bragg, has one of the highest property crime rates in North Carolina at 3,782 per 100,000 residents. While violent offenses are not as prevalent, property crime like theft and vandalism is a big issue.

Contributing Factors:

• Military Influence: The presence of a large military base brings a transient population which affects crime rates. Transient populations bring housing, employment, and community cohesion issues which can lead to crime.
• Economic Disparities: Fayetteville has economic disparities with some areas struggling with poverty and lack of opportunity. Economic inequality leads to crime as people in poorer areas turn to illegal activities.
• Suburban Crime: As a larger city Fayetteville’s suburban areas can see higher crime rates, especially for property crime. Suburban crime includes burglary, car theft, and vandalism.

5. Rocky Mount

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Rocky Mount, straddling Nash and Edgecombe counties, has a violent crime rate of 971 per 100,000 residents. The city also has a high rate of property crimes, such as burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Contributing Factors:

• Economic Pressures: Rocky Mount has a 20.6% poverty rate and a median household income of $41,685. The city’s economic struggles reflected in its 6.3% unemployment rate lead to higher crime rates. Poverty and unemployment often lead to crime as people lack legal means to support themselves.
• Urban Decay and Blight: Some areas of Rocky Mount have urban decay with abandoned buildings and a lack of investment which contributes to higher crime. Blighted areas become hotbeds for illegal activities like drug trafficking and gang-related violence.
• Socioeconomic Disparities: Economic inequality in the city leads to social tensions and crime. Income and living conditions disparities create an environment where crime thrives.

4. Goldsboro

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Goldsboro in Wayne County has a violent crime rate of 1,003 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also an issue with frequent burglaries and thefts.

Contributing Factors:

• Poverty and Unemployment: Goldsboro has a 24.1% poverty rate and a median household income of $36,437. High poverty and unemployment (5.1%) lead to economic instability which leads to crime. Limited economic opportunities lead to higher rates of theft, burglary, and other property crimes.
• Military Presence: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's presence brings a transient population which sometimes correlates with higher crime rates. Transient populations put pressure on local resources and affect crime dynamics.
• Urban Challenges: As an urban center, Goldsboro faces city issues like overcrowding and social inequality which contribute to crime. Urban areas see higher crime rates due to anonymity and increased opportunity for criminal behavior.

3. Kinston

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Kinston in Lenoir County has a violent crime rate of 1,066 per 100,000 residents making it one of the most dangerous cities in the state. Property crime including theft and burglary is also an issue.

Contributing Factors:

• Economic Struggles: Kinston has a 28.4% poverty rate and a median household income of $33,066. Economic conditions can drive residents to crime as perpetrators or victims. Limited job opportunities and high poverty often correlate with higher criminal behavior.
• Socioeconomic Challenges: The city’s economic issues are compounded by a lack of access to quality education and healthcare which are critical for long-term economic stability. These factors create a cycle of poverty and crime that’s hard to break.
• Demographic Factors: A diverse population with varying income levels can sometimes lead to disparities that fuel crime. Kinston’s demographic mix has a significant portion of low-income residents which contributes to higher crime rates.

2. Henderson

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Henderson, located in Vance County, is the state's second most dangerous city with a violent crime rate of 1,230 per 100,000 residents. The city's historically high violent crime rates earned it the title of North Carolina's murder capital. Henderson also has high property crime rates with frequent burglaries and thefts.

Contributing Factors:

• Poverty and Income: Henderson has a 29.8% poverty rate and a median household income of $31,909 which reflects significant economic distress. Poverty creates an environment where crime is more likely to happen especially when combined with low educational attainment and limited economic mobility.
• Unemployment: With an unemployment rate of 5.9% many residents are job insecure which may lead to higher crime rates. Economic instability often correlates with higher crime as individuals may resort to crime as a means of survival.
• Geographic and Demographic Factors: Henderson has a population density of 2,246 people per square mile. The close-knit community structure can sometimes lead to higher crime reporting but also to actual higher crime rates due to economic stressors.

1. Lumberton

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Lumberton, the county seat of Robeson County, consistently ranks as the most dangerous city in North Carolina. With a violent crime rate of 1,542 per 100,000 residents, it’s far above the national average. Property crime is also an issue with high rates of burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft contributing to the city’s overall crime index.

Contributing Factors:

• Economic Hardship: Lumberton has a 35.1% poverty rate—one of the highest in the state. Median household income is $32,728 which is below the national median. A high poverty rate can lead to higher crime as individuals may turn to illegal activities out of desperation or lack of opportunities.
• Unemployment: The city’s unemployment rate is 7.2% higher than the national average which further strains the local economy. Limited job opportunities contribute to economic instability and crime.
• High Population Density: While Lumberton is not a big city by population, its density can magnify social issues leading to more conflicts and criminal activities. Urban areas with high density often face challenges such as inadequate housing, limited social services, and strained community resources which can escalate crime rates.

Tips for Ensuring Your Safety in NC's Most Dangerous Cities

1. Be Aware: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. Don’t look at your phone while walking.
2. Lock Up: Lock your home and vehicle to prevent theft. Use deadbolts on doors and consider installing security bars on windows.
3. Avoid High-Crime Areas: Stay away from neighborhoods with high crime, especially at night. Use crime mapping tools to know the crime hotspots in your area.
4. Install Security Systems: Consider installing an outdoor smart camera to monitor your home. Modern security systems can give you real-time alerts and remote monitoring.
5. Stay Informed: Use mobile apps to stay updated about crime in your area. Many cities have apps that provide real-time crime updates and alerts.

Arming Your Property

If you’re moving to North Carolina or already living in one of its cities, remember, crime statistics don’t define the whole state. But if you have safety concerns and want to beef up your home’s security, installing a security system is a great place to start. Here are the key components to consider:

• Video Doorbells: A video doorbell is your first line of defense. It allows you to see and talk to visitors at your door and provides real-time video footage of your entryway. Many modern video doorbells have motion sensors that start recording even before someone presses the bell.
• Smart Cameras: Smart cameras are for keeping an eye on different parts of your property, indoors and outdoors. These can be accessed remotely via mobile apps and some models have advanced features like night vision, two-way communication and AI-based threat detection which can distinguish between a person, animal or a moving object reducing false alarms.
• Motion-Activated Lights: These lights can be placed around your property to illuminate dark areas whenever movement is detected. Not only do they deter intruders by exposing their presence but also provides visibility for you and your family when you get home at night. Motion-activated floodlights can be paired with smart home systems to send alerts when triggered adding an extra layer of security.
• Smart Alarms: Smart alarm systems provides comprehensive security for your home by integrating door and window sensors, motion detectors and cameras into one network. They can be programmed to send alerts to your phone, sound a siren and even notify local authorities when triggered.

FAQ

What city has the highest crime rate in NC?

Lumberton has the highest crime rate in North Carolina, with a violent crime rate of 1,542 per 100,000 residents.

Where does NC rank in crime?

North Carolina ranks higher than the national average for crime, with some cities experiencing significantly higher rates of violent and property crimes.

Which cities in North Carolina have the lowest crime rate?

Cities such as Cary, Apex, and Chapel Hill are known for having some of the lowest crime rates in North Carolina.

Which part of North Carolina is safe to live?

Suburban areas around Raleigh and Charlotte, as well as smaller towns like Boone and Davidson, are generally considered safe.

What are the biggest risks of living in North Carolina?

The biggest risks include crime in urban areas, hurricanes along the coast, and economic disparities that may contribute to crime.

Why is crime so high in Asheville NC?

Crime in Asheville is influenced by factors such as economic challenges, drug activity, and a growing population.

What are the poorest counties in NC?

Robeson, Scotland, and Halifax counties are among the poorest in North Carolina, with high poverty and unemployment rates.

Is NC a good state to live in?

Despite crime in some areas, North Carolina offers diverse job opportunities, a mild climate, and a variety of natural and cultural attractions, making it a good place to live for many.