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

Unmasking North Carolina's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in motor 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 Albemarle

County: Stanly

233

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.46%

vs. North Carolina average

-4.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Albemarle from 2012 to 2022

Albemarle is an area in Stanly, North Carolina with population of 16,318. The motor crime rate in Albemarle is based on the nearest law agency agency, Albemarle Police Department (NC0840100). Albemarle motor crime rate is 233 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Albemarle

#24 Spring Lake

County: Cumberland

234

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.88%

vs. North Carolina average

-4.58%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Spring Lake is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 11,629. The motor crime rate in Spring Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Spring Lake motor crime rate is 234 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Spring Lake

#23 Fayetteville

County: Cumberland

234

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.88%

vs. North Carolina average

-4.58%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Fayetteville from 2012 to 2022

Fayetteville is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 328,827. The motor crime rate in Fayetteville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Fayetteville motor crime rate is 234 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fayetteville

#22 Wilmington

County: New Hanover

240

Crime per 100,000 population

+63.56%

vs. North Carolina average

-1.77%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Wilmington from 2012 to 2022

Wilmington is an area in New Hanover, North Carolina with population of 247,372. The motor crime rate in Wilmington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Wilmington motor crime rate is 240 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Wilmington

#21 Silver Lake

County: New Hanover

240

Crime per 100,000 population

+63.56%

vs. North Carolina average

-1.77%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor 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 motor crime rate in Silver Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Silver Lake motor crime rate is 240 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Silver Lake

#20 Myrtle Grove

County: New Hanover

240

Crime per 100,000 population

+63.56%

vs. North Carolina average

-1.77%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor 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 motor crime rate in Myrtle Grove is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Myrtle Grove motor crime rate is 240 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Myrtle Grove

#19 Thomasville

County: Davidson

258

Crime per 100,000 population

+75.74%

vs. North Carolina average

+5.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Thomasville from 2012 to 2022

Thomasville is an area in Davidson, North Carolina with population of 26,941. The motor crime rate in Thomasville is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Thomasville motor crime rate is 258 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Thomasville

#18 Oak Ridge

County: Guilford

258

Crime per 100,000 population

+75.74%

vs. North Carolina average

+5.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Oak Ridge is an area in Guilford, North Carolina with population of 7,461. The motor crime rate in Oak Ridge is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Oak Ridge motor crime rate is 258 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Oak Ridge

#17 Kernersville

County: Forsyth

258

Crime per 100,000 population

+75.74%

vs. North Carolina average

+5.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Kernersville from 2012 to 2022

Kernersville is an area in Forsyth, North Carolina with population of 26,376. The motor crime rate in Kernersville is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Kernersville motor crime rate is 258 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Kernersville

#16 High Point

County: Guilford

258

Crime per 100,000 population

+75.74%

vs. North Carolina average

+5.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

High Point is an area in Guilford, North Carolina with population of 178,800. The motor crime rate in High Point is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). High Point motor crime rate is 258 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in High Point

#15 Hendersonville

County: Henderson

272

Crime per 100,000 population

+85.1%

vs. North Carolina average

+11.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Hendersonville from 2012 to 2022

Hendersonville is an area in Henderson, North Carolina with population of 14,878. The motor crime rate in Hendersonville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hendersonville Police Department (NC0450100). Hendersonville motor crime rate is 272 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hendersonville

#14 Durham

County: Durham

272

Crime per 100,000 population

+85.2%

vs. North Carolina average

+11.23%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Durham from 2012 to 2022

Durham is an area in Durham, North Carolina with population of 399,762. The motor crime rate in Durham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Durham Police Department (NC0320100). Durham motor crime rate is 272 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Durham

#13 Reidsville

County: Rockingham

275

Crime per 100,000 population

+86.72%

vs. North Carolina average

+12.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Reidsville from 2012 to 2022

Reidsville is an area in Rockingham, North Carolina with population of 14,463. The motor crime rate in Reidsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Reidsville Police Department (NC0790500). Reidsville motor crime rate is 275 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Reidsville

#12 Pineville

County: Mecklenburg

285

Crime per 100,000 population

+93.51%

vs. North Carolina average

+16.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Pineville from 2012 to 2022

Pineville is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 10,317. The motor crime rate in Pineville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (NC0600100). Pineville motor crime rate is 285 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pineville

#11 Charlotte

County: Mecklenburg

285

Crime per 100,000 population

+93.51%

vs. North Carolina average

+16.22%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Charlotte from 2012 to 2022

Charlotte is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 1,516,107. The motor crime rate in Charlotte is based on the nearest law agency agency, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (NC0600100). Charlotte motor crime rate is 285 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Charlotte

#10 Waynesville

County: Haywood

289

Crime per 100,000 population

+96.42%

vs. North Carolina average

+17.96%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Waynesville from 2012 to 2022

Waynesville is an area in Haywood, North Carolina with population of 10,087. The motor crime rate in Waynesville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Waynesville Police Department (NC0440200). Waynesville motor crime rate is 289 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Waynesville

#9 Forest City

County: Rutherford

330

Crime per 100,000 population

+124.43%

vs. North Carolina average

+34.79%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Forest City is an area in Rutherford, North Carolina with population of 7,330. The motor crime rate in Forest City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Forest City Police Department (NC0810100). Forest City motor crime rate is 330 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Forest City

#8 Sawmills

County: Caldwell

335

Crime per 100,000 population

+128.02%

vs. North Carolina average

+36.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Sawmills from 2012 to 2022

Sawmills is an area in Caldwell, North Carolina with population of 5,053. The motor crime rate in Sawmills is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lenoir Police Department (NC0140200). Sawmills motor crime rate is 335 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Sawmills

#7 Lenoir

County: Caldwell

335

Crime per 100,000 population

+128.02%

vs. North Carolina average

+36.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Lenoir from 2012 to 2022

Lenoir is an area in Caldwell, North Carolina with population of 18,205. The motor crime rate in Lenoir is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lenoir Police Department (NC0140200). Lenoir motor crime rate is 335 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lenoir

#6 Dunn

County: Harnett

337

Crime per 100,000 population

+128.95%

vs. North Carolina average

+37.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Dunn from 2012 to 2022

Dunn is an area in Harnett, North Carolina with population of 8,616. The motor crime rate in Dunn is based on the nearest law agency agency, Benson Police Department (NC0510200). Dunn motor crime rate is 337 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dunn

#5 Cullowhee

County: Jackson

340

Crime per 100,000 population

+131.09%

vs. North Carolina average

+38.78%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Cullowhee from 2012 to 2022

Cullowhee is an area in Jackson, North Carolina with population of 6,538. The motor crime rate in Cullowhee is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sylva Police Department (NC0500100). Cullowhee motor crime rate is 340 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cullowhee

#4 St. Stephens

County: Catawba

362

Crime per 100,000 population

+145.83%

vs. North Carolina average

+47.64%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

St. Stephens is an area in Catawba, North Carolina with population of 9,396. The motor crime rate in St. Stephens is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hickory Police Department (NC0180200). St. Stephens motor crime rate is 362 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in St. Stephens

#3 Hickory

County: Catawba

362

Crime per 100,000 population

+145.83%

vs. North Carolina average

+47.64%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Hickory from 2012 to 2022

Hickory is an area in Catawba, North Carolina with population of 211,042. The motor crime rate in Hickory is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hickory Police Department (NC0180200). Hickory motor crime rate is 362 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hickory

#2 Huntersville

County: Mecklenburg

509

Crime per 100,000 population

+245.55%

vs. North Carolina average

+107.52%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Huntersville from 2012 to 2022

Huntersville is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 60,166. The motor crime rate in Huntersville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pineville Police Department (NC0600300). Huntersville motor crime rate is 509 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Huntersville

#1 Cornelius

County: Mecklenburg

509

Crime per 100,000 population

+245.55%

vs. North Carolina average

+107.52%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of motor crime rate in Cornelius from 2012 to 2022

Cornelius is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 30,925. The motor crime rate in Cornelius is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pineville Police Department (NC0600300). Cornelius motor crime rate is 509 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 147.33 per 100,000 population and United States average of 245.33 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cornelius

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in North Carolina

Safety Tips for Motor 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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