List Of Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in North Carolina (2023)

North Carolina is a state that is quickly expanding, with a thriving economy and many entertainment options. Although there are many great places to live and raise a family in North Carolina, several locations are better avoided. In this article, we will explore the ten most dangerous cities in North Carolina based on their violent crime rates.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in North Carolina

1. Lumberton 

Lumberton, a city located in Robeson County, has earned the title of 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. The chances of falling victim to a crime in Lumberton are 1 in 27, 435% higher than the North Carolina average. Violent crimes plague the city, while property crimes are the most common. In 2021, the property crime rate was recorded at 122.21, and the violent crime rate at 20.18 per 1,000 people. The cause behind most of the crimes in Lumberton is tied to drug activity in the area.

2. Albemarle 

Unfortunately, Albemarle, located near the coast of North Carolina, has one of the highest crime rates in the state. With a population of 16,628 residents, the city has a crime rate of 6,588 per 100,000 people, 149% higher than the state average. This means that residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The town faces several issues, including poverty, lack of employment, and quality of life, contributing to its high crime rate. In 2022, Albemarle reported 156 violent crimes, including six murders, 17 robberies, and 121 assaults.

3. Reidsville

Reidsville, a city in North Carolina, is known for its high crime rate. Despite having a small population of only 14,125 people, the city has a crime rate of 56.71 per 1,000 people, which is 124% higher than the state average. This means that residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming victims of a violent crime. Property crime is the most common type in Reidsville, occurring at a rate of 47.25 per 1,000 people. In 2020, there were 138 violent crimes reported in the city, including six murders, 12 robberies, and 115 cases of assault.

4. Rockingham

With a population of only 9,031, Rockingham, North Carolina, has a disturbingly high crime rate, making it one of the worst places to live. The crime rate is 5,556, which is 110% more dangerous than North Carolina’s average. Drug activity and gang-related behaviour are the leading causes of the high crime rate in Rockingham. In 2020, the city had 66 violent crimes, including four murders, 14 robberies, and 42 assaults – a disproportionate amount for a small population. Property crime is also a significant issue in Rockingham, with 410 incidents reported in 2020. This includes 110 burglaries and 16 counts of vehicle theft.

5. Gastonia

Gastonia, a city with a population of approximately 81,000, has a crime rate of 48.49 per 1,000 people. This rate is 113% higher than the average crime rate in the United States. Unfortunately, residents of Gastonia have a 1 in 21 chance of falling victim to a violent crime. In 2020, the city reported 726 violent crimes and 3,173 property crimes. Among the violent crimes were nine murders, 142 robberies, and 556 assaults. Property crimes such as burglary and theft are also prevalent in the city.

6. Whiteville

Whitevale, located in North Carolina, has gained notoriety for being one of the most difficult cities in the region, primarily due to its high crime rates. Despite having a relatively small population of 5,000, the likelihood of falling victim to criminal activities is alarmingly high, with a ratio of 1 in 6. Property crimes are the most prevalent, with a staggering rate of 107.33 per 1,000 people, while violent crimes remain a significant issue, with a rate of 17.2 per 1,000 people in 2022. Most of these crimes are linked to drug activity, making it a cause of concern for the residents of Whitevale.

7. Greensboro

With a population of 298,263, Greensboro is considered a dangerous North Carolina city, with a crime rate of 4,513 per 100,000 people, making it 71% more difficult than the national average. The statistics indicate that residents have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. In 2020, there were 2,713 violent crimes reported, including 59 murders, 584 robberies, and 1,972 counts of assault. Additionally, property crimes were rampant, with 10,880 reported cases, including burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts. The city’s crime rate is a significant concern for its residents, and it is essential to take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.

8. Fayetteville

Fayetteville has consistently been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina, thanks to its high crime rates. As per the latest statistics, in 2022, Fayetteville reported 2,065 violent crimes and 7,240 property crimes. The probability of falling victim to a violent crime is 1 in 100, with 30 murders, 262 robberies, and 1,696 counts of assault reported in 2022. Similarly, 1,328 counts of burglary and 5,423 counts of theft were reported in Fayetteville in 2022, making the chance of becoming a victim of a property crime 1 in 29.

9. Henderson

Henderson, North Carolina, often referred to as the murder capital of the state, is among the worst places to reside in NC. Despite a population of around 15,000 individuals, the city has an alarmingly high violent crime rate of 20.12 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 56.77 per 1,000 people. Shockingly, in 2020, there were 303 reported violent crime cases, including ten murders, 41 robberies, and 246 assaults- a staggeringly disproportionate number. The possibility of being a victim of a violent crime in Henderson is 1 in 50. Moreover, property crime is rampant in this area, with 855 incidents reported in 2020, including 244 burglaries and 70 motor vehicle thefts.

10. Durham 

With a population of 285,527, Durham has a significantly higher crime rate than the national average, standing at 4,597 per 100,000 people. This means that the likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Durham is 96% higher than the national average. Shockingly, in 2020 alone, there were 2,455 violent crimes committed in Durham, including 36 murders, 627 robberies, and 1,665 assaults. This means that the chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Durham are 1 in 115. Additionally, there were over 11,040 incidents of violent crimes in 2020, including nearly 2,000 incidents of burglary and over 8,000 incidents of theft. The probability of becoming a victim of a property crime in Durham is 1 in 26.

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