Discovering The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina With Highest Crime Rates

North Carolina is uniquely situated along the coast but shares borders with four other states. This location makes the area a bustling hub of activity as visitors from neighbouring regions pass through on their way to the beach and other attractions.

Asheville, a city in the far west, had the honour of being home to one of the wealthiest families of its time, the Vanderbilts. You can learn more about their history by visiting the Biltmore website. The Biltmore, their residence, is widely regarded as America’s castle and continues to be a major tourist attraction in the region.

Regarding North Carolina, there is no shortage of attractions and adventures to be had. However, the issue of safety often comes to mind for many. Come along with us as we embark on a journey through some of the most dangerous cities in the state.

Top 10 North Carolina Dangerous Cities with the Highest Crime Rates

Durham:

Durham, a city with a population of 285,527, has a high crime rate of 4,597 per 100,000 people, which is 96% higher than the national average. The city has been witness to 2,455 reported violent crimes, including 36 murders, 627 robberies, and 1,665 assaults. Unfortunately, the chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Durham are high, with 1 in 115 people being affected. Property crimes are also a major concern in the city, with over 11,000 incidents, including burglaries and thefts, reported. The odds of experiencing a property crime in Durham are 1 in 26, which is alarming.

Henderson

Henderson, North Carolina, is notorious for being the “murder capital” of the state. This reputation is due to the city’s high crime rates, making it one of the worst places to live. Despite having a relatively small population of around 15,000 people, the violent crime rate in Henderson is alarmingly high at 20.12 per 1,000 individuals. Property crime is also prevalent, with a rate of 56.77 per 1,000 people. The city has reported 303 incidents of violent crime, including 10 murders, 41 robberies, and 246 assaults. With these statistics, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Henderson is 1 in 50. Additionally, there were 855 reported incidents of property crime, such as burglaries and motor vehicle thefts.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville is often cited as one of the riskiest cities in North Carolina, mainly due to its high incidence of criminal activities. The latest stats from 2022 indicate that the city has reported a staggering 2,065 violent crimes and 7,240 property crimes. Shockingly, the likelihood of falling prey to any violent crime in Fayetteville is 1 in 100, while the same chance for property crimes is 1 in 29. In 2022 alone, 1,328 burglaries and 5,423 thefts were reported. The city is grappling with a myriad of crime-related issues, including but not limited to, murders, robberies, assaults, burglaries, and thefts.

Greensboro

The city has a population of 298,263 and is known for its high crime rate of 4,513 per 100,000 people, which is 71% higher than the national average. Residents are at a greater risk of becoming a victim of any type of crime, with a 1 in 23 chance. The city reported 2,713 violent crimes, including 59 homicides, 584 robberies, and 1,972 assaults. Property crimes were also prevalent, with 10,880 reported incidents, including burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts.

Whiteville

With a population of only 5,000, Whiteville is considered one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina, owing to its high crime rates. Shockingly, the chances of falling prey to crime in Whiteville are as high as 1 in 6, which is a cause for concern. The city’s crime statistics are dominated by property crimes, which occur at an alarming rate of 107.33 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, violent crime is also a significant issue, with a rate of 17.2 per 1,000 people reported in 2022. Drug-related activities are also a prominent contributor to the city’s crime situation.

Gastonia

Gastonia, with a population of around 81,000 people, has a crime rate of 48.49 per 1,000 residents, which is 113% higher than the national average. This means that the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Gastonia are 1 in 21. In the year 2022, there were 726 reported cases of violent crimes and 3,173 cases of property crimes in the city. Out of the violent crimes, 9 were murders, 142 were robberies, and 556 were assaults. Unfortunately, Gastonia also experiences high rates of property crimes, such as burglary and theft.

Rockingham

Despite its small population of 9,031, Rockingham is known for its high crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous places to live in North Carolina. The city’s crime rate stands at 5,556, which is 110% higher than the state average. The prevalence of gangs and drug activity is a significant contributor to the crime problem in Rockingham. In 2022, there were 66 reported violent crimes, including four murders, 14 robberies, and 42 assaults. Property crime is also a concern, with 410 incidents reported in 2022, including 110 burglaries and 16 motor vehicle thefts.

Reidsville

Reidsville, a small town in North Carolina with a population of only 14,125, has earned a reputation for being one of the state’s most dangerous cities. The crime rate in Reidsville is alarmingly high, standing at 56.71 per 1,000 residents, which is a staggering 124% higher than the state average. This means that residents face a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Although violent crimes are a major concern, property crimes are more prevalent in Reidsville, occurring at a rate of 47.25 per 1,000 residents. Shockingly, in 2022, there were 138 reported violent crimes in the city, which included 6 murders, 12 robberies, and 115 cases of assault.

Albemarle

Located near the coast, Albemarle is known for its high crime rate and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina. The city, with a population of 16,628, has a crime rate of 6,588 per 100,000 people, which is 149% higher than the state average. The probability of becoming a victim of crime in Albemarle is 1 in 16. Several factors contribute to the city’s crime issues, including poverty, unemployment, and overall quality of life. In 2022, there were 156 violent crimes, including 6 murders, 17 robberies, and 121 assaults, reported in Albemarle.

Lumberton

Lumberton, situated in Robeson County, is notorious for being the most perilous city in North Carolina. Despite having a population of only 19,025 people, the city’s crime rate is disproportionately high, standing at 132.30 per 1,000 residents. Shockingly, this means that there is a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of a crime in Lumberton, making it 435% more dangerous than the state average. Although property crimes are the most prevalent, violent crime remains a significant concern. As of 2021, the property crime rate was 122.21, and the violent crime rate was 20.18 per 1,000 people. The primary reason behind the city’s high crime levels is believed to be the drug activity in the area.

Conclusion

North Carolina, situated along the coast and bordering neighbouring states, offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences. However, it is important to consider the safety concerns in certain cities. Lumberton, Albemarle, Reidsville, Rockingham, Gastonia, Whiteville, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Henderson, and Durham are among the cities with the highest crime rates in the state.

These cities have above-average crime rates, including both property crimes and violent crimes, which are often linked to factors such as poverty, drug activity, and overall quality of life. While exploring North Carolina, taking necessary precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas, keeping your vehicle tidy, rolling up car windows, carrying only essential items, and being cautious of wildlife encounters is crucial.

Discovering The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina With Highest Crime Rates