Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in North Carolina
North Carolina, known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, also faces challenges related to crime in some areas. From the mountains in the west to the coastal regions, the state offers a mix of experiences. However, safety can be a concern in certain cities. Let's explore the ten most dangerous cities in North Carolina based on crime rates in 2022.
1. Lumberton, North Carolina
Population: 19,025
Lumberton, located in Robeson County, is the most dangerous city in North Carolina. With a population of 19,025, it has a disproportionately high crime rate of 132.30 per 1,000 residents. This means 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. Property crimes are common, with a rate of 122.21 per 1,000 people, but violent crime is also a significant problem, with a rate of 20.18 per 1,000 people. Drug activity plays a major role in the city's high crime levels.
2. Albemarle, North Carolina
Population: 16,628
Albemarle, situated near the coast, is among the worst cities in North Carolina in terms of crime. With a population of 16,628, the city has a crime rate of 6,588 per 100,000 people, which is 149% higher than the state average. Residents of Albemarle face a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a crime victim. The city's crime issues can be linked to factors such as poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. In 2022, there were 156 violent crimes reported, including 6 murders, 17 robberies, and 121 assaults.
3. Reidsville, North Carolina
Population: 14,125
Reidsville, with a population of just 14,125, is another one of North Carolina's most dangerous cities. The crime rate in Reidsville stands at 56.71 per 1,000 people, which is 124% higher than the state average. Residents face a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Property crimes are the primary concern in Reidsville, occurring at a rate of 47.25 per 1,000 people. In 2022, there were 138 reported violent crimes in the city, including 6 murders, 12 robberies, and 115 cases of assault.
4. Rockingham, North Carolina
Population: 9,031
Despite its small population of 9,031, Rockingham is considered one of the most dangerous places to live in North Carolina due to its remarkably high crime rate. The city's crime rate stands at 5,556, making it 110% more dangerous than the state average. Gangs and drug activity contribute significantly to the crime problem in Rockingham. In 2022, there were 66 reported violent crimes, including 4 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.
5. Gastonia, North Carolina
Population: Approximately 81,000
Gastonia, with a population of approximately 81,000 people, has a crime rate of 48.49 per 1,000 people, making it 113% higher than the national average. Residents of Gastonia have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. In 2022, there were 726 reported violent crimes and 3,173 property crimes. Of the violent crimes, 9 were murders, 142 were robberies, and 556 were assaults. The city also experiences high rates of property crimes, including burglary and theft.
6. Whiteville, North Carolina
Population: 5,000
Whiteville, despite its small population of 5,000, has alarmingly high crime rates, making it one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina. The chances of becoming a crime victim in Whiteville are as high as 1 in 6. Property crimes dominate the city's crime statistics, occurring at a staggering rate of 107.33 per 1,000 people. Violent crime is also a significant issue, with a rate of 17.2 per 1,000 people reported in 2022. Drug activity plays a prominent role in the city's crime situation.
7. Greensboro, North Carolina
Population: 298,263
Greensboro, a city with a population of 298,263, is considered dangerous due to its crime rate of 4,513 per 100,000 people, making it 71% more dangerous than the national average. Residents face a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. There were 2,713 reported violent crimes, including 59 murders, 584 robberies, and 1,972 assaults. Property crimes were also prevalent, with 10,880 reported incidents, including burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts.
8. Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in North Carolina due to its high crime rates. In 2022, the city reported 2,065 violent crimes and 7,240 property crimes. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Fayetteville is 1 in 100. The same chance for property crimes is 1 in 29, with 1,328 burglaries and 5,423 thefts reported in 2022. The city faces challenges related to crime, including murders, robberies, assaults, burglaries, and thefts.
9. Henderson, North Carolina
Known as the "murder capital" of North Carolina, Henderson is considered one of the worst places to live due to its high crime rates. With a population of around 15,000, the city has a violent crime rate of 20.12 and a property crime rate of 56.77 per 1,000 people. There were 303 incidents of violent crime reported, including 10 murders, 41 robberies, and 246 assaults. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Henderson is 1 in 50. Property crime, including burglaries and motor vehicle thefts, is also prevalent, with 855 incidents reported.
10. Durham, North Carolina
Population: 285,527
Durham, with a population of 285,527, has a crime rate of 4,597 per 100,000 people, making it 96% higher than the national average. There were 2,455 reported violent crimes, including 36 murders, 627 robberies, and 1,665 assaults. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Durham is 1 in 115. Property crimes were also a concern, with over 11,000 incidents reported, including burglaries and thefts. The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Durham is 1 in 26.
While North Carolina offers a wide range of attractions and natural beauty, these cities face safety challenges that residents and visitors should be aware of when considering their options.