North Carolina's 25 Most Dangerous Cities - Updated 2023

Unmasking North Carolina's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in total crime

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across North Carolina. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.

Where does the crime data come from?

This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in North Carolina is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.

How do we rank the cities?

Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in North Carolina. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in North Carolina.

To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in North Carolina with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.

The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within North Carolina. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.

#25 Wendell

County: Wake

2,428

Crime per 100,000 population

-12.11%

vs. North Carolina average

-16.6%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Wendell from 2012 to 2022

Wendell is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 9,847. The total crime rate in Wendell is based on the nearest law agency agency, Zebulon Police Department (NC0920900). Wendell total crime rate is 2,428 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Wendell

#24 Stokesdale

County: Guilford

2,832

Crime per 100,000 population

+2.51%

vs. North Carolina average

-2.74%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Stokesdale from 2012 to 2022

Stokesdale is an area in Guilford, North Carolina with population of 5,895. The total crime rate in Stokesdale is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mayodan Police Department (NC0790400). Stokesdale total crime rate is 2,832 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Stokesdale

#23 Mebane

County: Alamance

3,014

Crime per 100,000 population

+9.08%

vs. North Carolina average

+3.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Mebane from 2012 to 2022

Mebane is an area in Alamance, North Carolina with population of 17,192. The total crime rate in Mebane is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mebane Police Department (NC0010400). Mebane total crime rate is 3,014 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mebane

#22 St. Stephens

County: Catawba

3,119

Crime per 100,000 population

+12.89%

vs. North Carolina average

+7.12%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in St. Stephens from 2012 to 2022

St. Stephens is an area in Catawba, North Carolina with population of 9,396. The total crime rate in St. Stephens is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hickory Police Department (NC0180200). St. Stephens total crime rate is 3,119 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in St. Stephens

#21 Hickory

County: Catawba

3,119

Crime per 100,000 population

+12.89%

vs. North Carolina average

+7.12%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hickory from 2012 to 2022

Hickory is an area in Catawba, North Carolina with population of 211,042. The total crime rate in Hickory is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hickory Police Department (NC0180200). Hickory total crime rate is 3,119 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hickory

#20 Hope Mills

County: Cumberland

3,351

Crime per 100,000 population

+21.28%

vs. North Carolina average

+15.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hope Mills from 2012 to 2022

Hope Mills is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 17,421. The total crime rate in Hope Mills is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hope Mills Police Department (NC0260200). Hope Mills total crime rate is 3,351 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hope Mills

#19 Southern Pines

County: Moore

3,402

Crime per 100,000 population

+23.11%

vs. North Carolina average

+16.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Southern Pines from 2012 to 2022

Southern Pines is an area in Moore, North Carolina with population of 15,156. The total crime rate in Southern Pines is based on the nearest law agency agency, Aberdeen Police Department (NC0630100). Southern Pines total crime rate is 3,402 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Southern Pines

#18 Pinehurst

County: Moore

3,402

Crime per 100,000 population

+23.11%

vs. North Carolina average

+16.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Pinehurst from 2012 to 2022

Pinehurst is an area in Moore, North Carolina with population of 17,250. The total crime rate in Pinehurst is based on the nearest law agency agency, Aberdeen Police Department (NC0630100). Pinehurst total crime rate is 3,402 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pinehurst

#17 Aberdeen

County: Moore

3,402

Crime per 100,000 population

+23.11%

vs. North Carolina average

+16.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Aberdeen from 2012 to 2022

Aberdeen is an area in Moore, North Carolina with population of 8,333. The total crime rate in Aberdeen is based on the nearest law agency agency, Aberdeen Police Department (NC0630100). Aberdeen total crime rate is 3,402 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Aberdeen

#16 Albemarle

County: Stanly

3,485

Crime per 100,000 population

+26.11%

vs. North Carolina average

+19.66%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Albemarle from 2012 to 2022

Albemarle is an area in Stanly, North Carolina with population of 16,318. The total crime rate in Albemarle is based on the nearest law agency agency, Albemarle Police Department (NC0840100). Albemarle total crime rate is 3,485 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Albemarle

#15 Gastonia

County: Gaston

4,177

Crime per 100,000 population

+51.16%

vs. North Carolina average

+43.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Gastonia from 2012 to 2022

Gastonia is an area in Gaston, North Carolina with population of 194,190. The total crime rate in Gastonia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Belmont Police Department (NC0360100). Gastonia total crime rate is 4,177 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Gastonia

#14 Dallas

County: Gaston

4,177

Crime per 100,000 population

+51.16%

vs. North Carolina average

+43.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Dallas from 2012 to 2022

Dallas is an area in Gaston, North Carolina with population of 5,777. The total crime rate in Dallas is based on the nearest law agency agency, Belmont Police Department (NC0360100). Dallas total crime rate is 4,177 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dallas

#13 Forest City

County: Rutherford

4,246

Crime per 100,000 population

+53.65%

vs. North Carolina average

+45.79%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Forest City from 2012 to 2022

Forest City is an area in Rutherford, North Carolina with population of 7,330. The total crime rate in Forest City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Forest City Police Department (NC0810100). Forest City total crime rate is 4,246 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Forest City

#12 Sawmills

County: Caldwell

4,357

Crime per 100,000 population

+57.7%

vs. North Carolina average

+49.63%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Sawmills from 2012 to 2022

Sawmills is an area in Caldwell, North Carolina with population of 5,053. The total crime rate in Sawmills is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lenoir Police Department (NC0140200). Sawmills total crime rate is 4,357 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Sawmills

#11 Lenoir

County: Caldwell

4,357

Crime per 100,000 population

+57.7%

vs. North Carolina average

+49.63%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Lenoir from 2012 to 2022

Lenoir is an area in Caldwell, North Carolina with population of 18,205. The total crime rate in Lenoir is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lenoir Police Department (NC0140200). Lenoir total crime rate is 4,357 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lenoir

#10 Spring Lake

County: Cumberland

4,389

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.84%

vs. North Carolina average

+50.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Spring Lake from 2012 to 2022

Spring Lake is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 11,629. The total crime rate in Spring Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Spring Lake total crime rate is 4,389 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Spring Lake

#9 Fayetteville

County: Cumberland

4,389

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.84%

vs. North Carolina average

+50.72%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Fayetteville from 2012 to 2022

Fayetteville is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 328,827. The total crime rate in Fayetteville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Fayetteville total crime rate is 4,389 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fayetteville

#8 Waynesville

County: Haywood

4,627

Crime per 100,000 population

+67.45%

vs. North Carolina average

+58.89%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Waynesville from 2012 to 2022

Waynesville is an area in Haywood, North Carolina with population of 10,087. The total crime rate in Waynesville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Waynesville Police Department (NC0440200). Waynesville total crime rate is 4,627 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Waynesville

#7 Hendersonville

County: Henderson

4,692

Crime per 100,000 population

+69.79%

vs. North Carolina average

+61.1%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hendersonville from 2012 to 2022

Hendersonville is an area in Henderson, North Carolina with population of 14,878. The total crime rate in Hendersonville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hendersonville Police Department (NC0450100). Hendersonville total crime rate is 4,692 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hendersonville

#6 Reidsville

County: Rockingham

4,899

Crime per 100,000 population

+77.3%

vs. North Carolina average

+68.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Reidsville from 2012 to 2022

Reidsville is an area in Rockingham, North Carolina with population of 14,463. The total crime rate in Reidsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Reidsville Police Department (NC0790500). Reidsville total crime rate is 4,899 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Reidsville

#5 Huntersville

County: Mecklenburg

4,921

Crime per 100,000 population

+78.08%

vs. North Carolina average

+68.97%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Huntersville from 2012 to 2022

Huntersville is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 60,166. The total crime rate in Huntersville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pineville Police Department (NC0600300). Huntersville total crime rate is 4,921 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Huntersville

#4 Cornelius

County: Mecklenburg

4,921

Crime per 100,000 population

+78.08%

vs. North Carolina average

+68.97%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Cornelius from 2012 to 2022

Cornelius is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 30,925. The total crime rate in Cornelius is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pineville Police Department (NC0600300). Cornelius total crime rate is 4,921 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cornelius

#3 Cullowhee

County: Jackson

5,406

Crime per 100,000 population

+95.63%

vs. North Carolina average

+85.63%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Cullowhee from 2012 to 2022

Cullowhee is an area in Jackson, North Carolina with population of 6,538. The total crime rate in Cullowhee is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sylva Police Department (NC0500100). Cullowhee total crime rate is 5,406 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cullowhee

#2 Rockingham

County: Richmond

5,851

Crime per 100,000 population

+111.73%

vs. North Carolina average

+100.9%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Rockingham from 2012 to 2022

Rockingham is an area in Richmond, North Carolina with population of 9,200. The total crime rate in Rockingham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rockingham Police Department (NC0770300). Rockingham total crime rate is 5,851 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Rockingham

#1 Hamlet

County: Richmond

5,851

Crime per 100,000 population

+111.73%

vs. North Carolina average

+100.9%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hamlet from 2012 to 2022

Hamlet is an area in Richmond, North Carolina with population of 6,098. The total crime rate in Hamlet is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rockingham Police Department (NC0770300). Hamlet total crime rate is 5,851 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 2,763.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hamlet

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in North Carolina

Safety Tips for Total Crime in North Carolina

Explore More on Crime Rates in North Carolina

Interested in learning more about crime rates in North Carolina? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in North Carolina for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in North Carolina.

Explore More on Crime Rates in United States

Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.

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