North Carolina's 25 Safest Cities in Violent Crime - Updated 2023

Safe Havens Unveiled: Exploring the 25 Safest Cities in North Carolina

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world where safety and security are paramount, finding the perfect place to call home becomes a top priority. Join us on a journey as we uncover the 25 safest cities across North Carolina. From tranquil suburbs to vibrant urban centers, these communities offer not only peace of mind but also a high quality of life.

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 Smithfield

County: Johnston

102

Crime per 100,000 population

-69.44%

vs. North Carolina average

-74.77%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Smithfield from 2012 to 2022

Smithfield is an area in Johnston, North Carolina with population of 11,168. The violent crime rate in Smithfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Johnston County Sheriff's Office (NC0510000). Smithfield violent crime rate is 102 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Smithfield

#24 Hillsborough

County: Orange

98.29

Crime per 100,000 population

-70.67%

vs. North Carolina average

-75.79%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Hillsborough from 2012 to 2022

Hillsborough is an area in Orange, North Carolina with population of 9,342. The violent crime rate in Hillsborough is based on the nearest law agency agency, Orange County Sheriff's Office (NC0680000). Hillsborough violent crime rate is 98.29 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hillsborough

#23 Raleigh

County: Wake

97.65

Crime per 100,000 population

-70.86%

vs. North Carolina average

-75.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Raleigh from 2012 to 2022

Raleigh is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 1,062,018. The violent crime rate in Raleigh is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wake County Sheriff's Office (NC0920000). Raleigh violent crime rate is 97.65 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Raleigh

#22 Garner

County: Wake

97.65

Crime per 100,000 population

-70.86%

vs. North Carolina average

-75.94%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Garner from 2012 to 2022

Garner is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 30,859. The violent crime rate in Garner is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wake County Sheriff's Office (NC0920000). Garner violent crime rate is 97.65 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Garner

#21 Shelby

County: Cleveland

90.09

Crime per 100,000 population

-73.12%

vs. North Carolina average

-77.81%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Shelby from 2012 to 2022

Shelby is an area in Cleveland, North Carolina with population of 21,564. The violent crime rate in Shelby is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office (NC0230000). Shelby violent crime rate is 90.09 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Shelby

#20 Mills River

County: Henderson

85.95

Crime per 100,000 population

-74.35%

vs. North Carolina average

-78.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Mills River from 2012 to 2022

Mills River is an area in Henderson, North Carolina with population of 7,082. The violent crime rate in Mills River is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fletcher Police Department (NC0450300). Mills River violent crime rate is 85.95 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Mills River

#19 Fletcher

County: Henderson

85.95

Crime per 100,000 population

-74.35%

vs. North Carolina average

-78.83%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Fletcher from 2012 to 2022

Fletcher is an area in Henderson, North Carolina with population of 7,935. The violent crime rate in Fletcher is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fletcher Police Department (NC0450300). Fletcher violent crime rate is 85.95 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Fletcher

#18 Morrisville

County: Wake

70.82

Crime per 100,000 population

-78.87%

vs. North Carolina average

-82.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Morrisville from 2012 to 2022

Morrisville is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 28,824. The violent crime rate in Morrisville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Apex Police Department (NC0920200). Morrisville violent crime rate is 70.82 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Morrisville

#17 Holly Springs

County: Wake

70.82

Crime per 100,000 population

-78.87%

vs. North Carolina average

-82.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Holly Springs from 2012 to 2022

Holly Springs is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 40,198. The violent crime rate in Holly Springs is based on the nearest law agency agency, Apex Police Department (NC0920200). Holly Springs violent crime rate is 70.82 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Holly Springs

#16 Cary

County: Wake

70.82

Crime per 100,000 population

-78.87%

vs. North Carolina average

-82.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Cary from 2012 to 2022

Cary is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 171,603. The violent crime rate in Cary is based on the nearest law agency agency, Apex Police Department (NC0920200). Cary violent crime rate is 70.82 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Cary

#15 Apex

County: Wake

70.82

Crime per 100,000 population

-78.87%

vs. North Carolina average

-82.55%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Apex from 2012 to 2022

Apex is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 58,066. The violent crime rate in Apex is based on the nearest law agency agency, Apex Police Department (NC0920200). Apex violent crime rate is 70.82 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Apex

#14 Boone

County: Watauga

68.38

Crime per 100,000 population

-79.59%

vs. North Carolina average

-83.16%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Boone from 2012 to 2022

Boone is an area in Watauga, North Carolina with population of 18,055. The violent crime rate in Boone is based on the nearest law agency agency, Watauga County Sheriff's Office (NC0950000). Boone violent crime rate is 68.38 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Boone

#13 Asheboro

County: Randolph

55.87

Crime per 100,000 population

-83.33%

vs. North Carolina average

-86.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Asheboro from 2012 to 2022

Asheboro is an area in Randolph, North Carolina with population of 26,729. The violent crime rate in Asheboro is based on the nearest law agency agency, Liberty Police Department (NC0760300). Asheboro violent crime rate is 55.87 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Asheboro

#12 Harrisburg

County: Cabarrus

55.36

Crime per 100,000 population

-83.48%

vs. North Carolina average

-86.36%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Harrisburg from 2012 to 2022

Harrisburg is an area in Cabarrus, North Carolina with population of 18,415. The violent crime rate in Harrisburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office (NC0130000). Harrisburg violent crime rate is 55.36 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Harrisburg

#11 Concord

County: Cabarrus

55.36

Crime per 100,000 population

-83.48%

vs. North Carolina average

-86.36%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Concord from 2012 to 2022

Concord is an area in Cabarrus, North Carolina with population of 264,492. The violent crime rate in Concord is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office (NC0130000). Concord violent crime rate is 55.36 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Concord

#10 Havelock

County: Craven

51.62

Crime per 100,000 population

-84.6%

vs. North Carolina average

-87.28%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Havelock from 2012 to 2022

Havelock is an area in Craven, North Carolina with population of 17,570. The violent crime rate in Havelock is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pine Knoll Shores Police Department (NC0160700). Havelock violent crime rate is 51.62 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Havelock

#9 Elon

County: Alamance

47.01

Crime per 100,000 population

-85.97%

vs. North Carolina average

-88.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Elon from 2012 to 2022

Elon is an area in Alamance, North Carolina with population of 11,059. The violent crime rate in Elon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Elon Police Department (NC0010200). Elon violent crime rate is 47.01 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Elon

#8 Burlington

County: Alamance

47.01

Crime per 100,000 population

-85.97%

vs. North Carolina average

-88.42%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Burlington from 2012 to 2022

Burlington is an area in Alamance, North Carolina with population of 137,096. The violent crime rate in Burlington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Elon Police Department (NC0010200). Burlington violent crime rate is 47.01 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Burlington

#7 Etowah

County: Henderson

38.78

Crime per 100,000 population

-88.43%

vs. North Carolina average

-90.45%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Etowah from 2012 to 2022

Etowah is an area in Henderson, North Carolina with population of 7,464. The violent crime rate in Etowah is based on the nearest law agency agency, Laurel Park Police Department (NC0450200). Etowah violent crime rate is 38.78 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Etowah

#6 Kill Devil Hills

County: Dare

20.86

Crime per 100,000 population

-93.78%

vs. North Carolina average

-94.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Kill Devil Hills from 2012 to 2022

Kill Devil Hills is an area in Dare, North Carolina with population of 7,541. The violent crime rate in Kill Devil Hills is based on the nearest law agency agency, Southern Shores Police Department (NC0280400). Kill Devil Hills violent crime rate is 20.86 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Kill Devil Hills

#5 New Bern

County: Craven

19.06

Crime per 100,000 population

-94.31%

vs. North Carolina average

-95.3%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in New Bern from 2012 to 2022

New Bern is an area in Craven, North Carolina with population of 31,058. The violent crime rate in New Bern is based on the nearest law agency agency, Trent Woods Police Department (NC0250400). New Bern violent crime rate is 19.06 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in New Bern

#4 James City

County: Craven

19.06

Crime per 100,000 population

-94.31%

vs. North Carolina average

-95.3%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in James City from 2012 to 2022

James City is an area in Craven, North Carolina with population of 5,379. The violent crime rate in James City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Trent Woods Police Department (NC0250400). James City violent crime rate is 19.06 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in James City

#3 Lewisville

County: Forsyth

0.0

Crime per 100,000 population

-100.0%

vs. North Carolina average

-100.0%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Lewisville from 2012 to 2022

Lewisville is an area in Forsyth, North Carolina with population of 13,413. The violent crime rate in Lewisville is based on the nearest law agency agency, East Bend Police Department (NC0990400). Lewisville violent crime rate is 0.0 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lewisville

#2 Leland

County: Brunswick

0.0

Crime per 100,000 population

-100.0%

vs. North Carolina average

-100.0%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Leland from 2012 to 2022

Leland is an area in Brunswick, North Carolina with population of 22,794. The violent crime rate in Leland is based on the nearest law agency agency, Navassa Police Department (NC0101400). Leland violent crime rate is 0.0 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Leland

#1 Hampstead

County: Pender

0.0

Crime per 100,000 population

-100.0%

vs. North Carolina average

-100.0%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Hampstead from 2012 to 2022

Hampstead is an area in Pender, North Carolina with population of 7,037. The violent crime rate in Hampstead is based on the nearest law agency agency, Topsail Beach Police Department (NC0710200). Hampstead violent crime rate is 0.0 per 100,000 population, compared to North Carolina average of 335.11 per 100,000 population and United States average of 405.94 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hampstead

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in North Carolina

Safety Tips for Violent 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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