North Carolina's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Homicide Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking North Carolina's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in homicide 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 Thomasville

County: Davidson

10.42

Crime per 100,000 population

+82.26%

vs. North Carolina average

+92.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Thomasville from 2012 to 2022

Thomasville is an area in Davidson, North Carolina with population of 26,941. The homicide crime rate in Thomasville is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Thomasville homicide crime rate is 10.42 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Thomasville

#24 Oak Ridge

County: Guilford

10.42

Crime per 100,000 population

+82.26%

vs. North Carolina average

+92.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Oak Ridge from 2012 to 2022

Oak Ridge is an area in Guilford, North Carolina with population of 7,461. The homicide crime rate in Oak Ridge is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Oak Ridge homicide crime rate is 10.42 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oak Ridge

#23 Kernersville

County: Forsyth

10.42

Crime per 100,000 population

+82.26%

vs. North Carolina average

+92.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Kernersville from 2012 to 2022

Kernersville is an area in Forsyth, North Carolina with population of 26,376. The homicide crime rate in Kernersville is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Kernersville homicide crime rate is 10.42 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Kernersville

#22 High Point

County: Guilford

10.42

Crime per 100,000 population

+82.26%

vs. North Carolina average

+92.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in High Point from 2012 to 2022

High Point is an area in Guilford, North Carolina with population of 178,800. The homicide crime rate in High Point is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). High Point homicide crime rate is 10.42 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in High Point

#21 Albemarle

County: Stanly

10.51

Crime per 100,000 population

+83.84%

vs. North Carolina average

+93.88%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Albemarle from 2012 to 2022

Albemarle is an area in Stanly, North Carolina with population of 16,318. The homicide crime rate in Albemarle is based on the nearest law agency agency, Albemarle Police Department (NC0840100). Albemarle homicide crime rate is 10.51 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Albemarle

#20 St. Stephens

County: Catawba

10.78

Crime per 100,000 population

+88.56%

vs. North Carolina average

+98.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

St. Stephens is an area in Catawba, North Carolina with population of 9,396. The homicide crime rate in St. Stephens is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hickory Police Department (NC0180200). St. Stephens homicide crime rate is 10.78 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in St. Stephens

#19 Hickory

County: Catawba

10.78

Crime per 100,000 population

+88.56%

vs. North Carolina average

+98.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Hickory from 2012 to 2022

Hickory is an area in Catawba, North Carolina with population of 211,042. The homicide crime rate in Hickory is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hickory Police Department (NC0180200). Hickory homicide crime rate is 10.78 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hickory

#18 Wilmington

County: New Hanover

11.18

Crime per 100,000 population

+95.56%

vs. North Carolina average

+106.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Wilmington from 2012 to 2022

Wilmington is an area in New Hanover, North Carolina with population of 247,372. The homicide crime rate in Wilmington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Wilmington homicide crime rate is 11.18 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Wilmington

#17 Silver Lake

County: New Hanover

11.18

Crime per 100,000 population

+95.56%

vs. North Carolina average

+106.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Silver Lake from 2012 to 2022

Silver Lake is an area in New Hanover, North Carolina with population of 5,690. The homicide crime rate in Silver Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Silver Lake homicide crime rate is 11.18 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Silver Lake

#16 Myrtle Grove

County: New Hanover

11.18

Crime per 100,000 population

+95.56%

vs. North Carolina average

+106.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Myrtle Grove from 2012 to 2022

Myrtle Grove is an area in New Hanover, North Carolina with population of 11,672. The homicide crime rate in Myrtle Grove is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Myrtle Grove homicide crime rate is 11.18 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Myrtle Grove

#15 Reidsville

County: Rockingham

11.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+100.1%

vs. North Carolina average

+111.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Reidsville from 2012 to 2022

Reidsville is an area in Rockingham, North Carolina with population of 14,463. The homicide crime rate in Reidsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Reidsville Police Department (NC0790500). Reidsville homicide crime rate is 11.44 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Reidsville

#14 Durham

County: Durham

11.51

Crime per 100,000 population

+101.33%

vs. North Carolina average

+112.32%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Durham from 2012 to 2022

Durham is an area in Durham, North Carolina with population of 399,762. The homicide crime rate in Durham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Durham Police Department (NC0320100). Durham homicide crime rate is 11.51 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Durham

#13 Selma

County: Johnston

11.63

Crime per 100,000 population

+103.43%

vs. North Carolina average

+114.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Selma from 2012 to 2022

Selma is an area in Johnston, North Carolina with population of 6,317. The homicide crime rate in Selma is based on the nearest law agency agency, Selma Police Department (NC0510800). Selma homicide crime rate is 11.63 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Selma

#12 Lumberton

County: Robeson

11.93

Crime per 100,000 population

+108.68%

vs. North Carolina average

+120.07%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Lumberton from 2012 to 2022

Lumberton is an area in Robeson, North Carolina with population of 19,186. The homicide crime rate in Lumberton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Robeson County Sheriff's Office (NC0780000). Lumberton homicide crime rate is 11.93 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lumberton

#11 Spring Lake

County: Cumberland

12.49

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.47%

vs. North Carolina average

+130.4%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Spring Lake is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 11,629. The homicide crime rate in Spring Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Spring Lake homicide crime rate is 12.49 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Spring Lake

#10 Fayetteville

County: Cumberland

12.49

Crime per 100,000 population

+118.47%

vs. North Carolina average

+130.4%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Fayetteville from 2012 to 2022

Fayetteville is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 328,827. The homicide crime rate in Fayetteville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Fayetteville homicide crime rate is 12.49 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fayetteville

#9 Tarboro

County: Edgecombe

12.84

Crime per 100,000 population

+124.59%

vs. North Carolina average

+136.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Tarboro from 2012 to 2022

Tarboro is an area in Edgecombe, North Carolina with population of 10,733. The homicide crime rate in Tarboro is based on the nearest law agency agency, Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office (NC0330000). Tarboro homicide crime rate is 12.84 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Tarboro

#8 Laurinburg

County: Scotland

14.78

Crime per 100,000 population

+158.53%

vs. North Carolina average

+172.64%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Laurinburg from 2012 to 2022

Laurinburg is an area in Scotland, North Carolina with population of 15,242. The homicide crime rate in Laurinburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Scotland County Sheriff's Office (NC0830000). Laurinburg homicide crime rate is 14.78 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Laurinburg

#7 Henderson

County: Vance

16.38

Crime per 100,000 population

+186.51%

vs. North Carolina average

+202.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Henderson from 2012 to 2022

Henderson is an area in Vance, North Carolina with population of 15,084. The homicide crime rate in Henderson is based on the nearest law agency agency, Vance County Sheriff's Office (NC0910000). Henderson homicide crime rate is 16.38 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Henderson

#6 Roanoke Rapids

County: Halifax

16.68

Crime per 100,000 population

+191.76%

vs. North Carolina average

+207.69%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Roanoke Rapids from 2012 to 2022

Roanoke Rapids is an area in Halifax, North Carolina with population of 15,294. The homicide crime rate in Roanoke Rapids is based on the nearest law agency agency, Halifax County Sheriff's Office (NC0420000). Roanoke Rapids homicide crime rate is 16.68 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Roanoke Rapids

#5 Carolina Beach

County: New Hanover

19.82

Crime per 100,000 population

+246.69%

vs. North Carolina average

+265.62%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Carolina Beach from 2012 to 2022

Carolina Beach is an area in New Hanover, North Carolina with population of 6,456. The homicide crime rate in Carolina Beach is based on the nearest law agency agency, Carolina Beach Police Department (NC0650100). Carolina Beach homicide crime rate is 19.82 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Carolina Beach

#4 Rocky Mount

County: Nash

20.37

Crime per 100,000 population

+256.31%

vs. North Carolina average

+275.76%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Rocky Mount from 2012 to 2022

Rocky Mount is an area in Nash, North Carolina with population of 61,952. The homicide crime rate in Rocky Mount is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rocky Mount Police Department (NC0330100). Rocky Mount homicide crime rate is 20.37 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Rocky Mount

#3 Nashville

County: Nash

20.37

Crime per 100,000 population

+256.31%

vs. North Carolina average

+275.76%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Nashville from 2012 to 2022

Nashville is an area in Nash, North Carolina with population of 5,626. The homicide crime rate in Nashville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rocky Mount Police Department (NC0330100). Nashville homicide crime rate is 20.37 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Nashville

#2 Rockingham

County: Richmond

25.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+344.99%

vs. North Carolina average

+369.29%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Rockingham from 2012 to 2022

Rockingham is an area in Richmond, North Carolina with population of 9,200. The homicide crime rate in Rockingham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rockingham Police Department (NC0770300). Rockingham homicide crime rate is 25.44 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Rockingham

#1 Hamlet

County: Richmond

25.44

Crime per 100,000 population

+344.99%

vs. North Carolina average

+369.29%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Hamlet from 2012 to 2022

Hamlet is an area in Richmond, North Carolina with population of 6,098. The homicide crime rate in Hamlet is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rockingham Police Department (NC0770300). Hamlet homicide crime rate is 25.44 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 5.72 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hamlet

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in North Carolina

Safety Tips for Homicide 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.

Shareable Link

Share this link with your friends and family to help them learn more about crime rates in North Carolina.

https://crimedata.io/blog/north_carolina-most-dangerous-cities-in-homicide-crime