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

Unmasking North Carolina's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in violent 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 Rockingham

County: Richmond

584

Crime per 100,000 population

+74.54%

vs. North Carolina average

+44.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Rockingham from 2012 to 2022

Rockingham is an area in Richmond, North Carolina with population of 9,200. The violent crime rate in Rockingham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rockingham Police Department (NC0770300). Rockingham violent crime rate is 584 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 Rockingham

#24 Hamlet

County: Richmond

584

Crime per 100,000 population

+74.54%

vs. North Carolina average

+44.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Hamlet from 2012 to 2022

Hamlet is an area in Richmond, North Carolina with population of 6,098. The violent crime rate in Hamlet is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rockingham Police Department (NC0770300). Hamlet violent crime rate is 584 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 Hamlet

#23 Thomasville

County: Davidson

595

Crime per 100,000 population

+77.57%

vs. North Carolina average

+46.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Thomasville from 2012 to 2022

Thomasville is an area in Davidson, North Carolina with population of 26,941. The violent crime rate in Thomasville is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Thomasville violent crime rate is 595 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 Thomasville

#22 Oak Ridge

County: Guilford

595

Crime per 100,000 population

+77.57%

vs. North Carolina average

+46.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Oak Ridge is an area in Guilford, North Carolina with population of 7,461. The violent crime rate in Oak Ridge is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Oak Ridge violent crime rate is 595 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 Oak Ridge

#21 Kernersville

County: Forsyth

595

Crime per 100,000 population

+77.57%

vs. North Carolina average

+46.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Kernersville from 2012 to 2022

Kernersville is an area in Forsyth, North Carolina with population of 26,376. The violent crime rate in Kernersville is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). Kernersville violent crime rate is 595 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 Kernersville

#20 High Point

County: Guilford

595

Crime per 100,000 population

+77.57%

vs. North Carolina average

+46.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

High Point is an area in Guilford, North Carolina with population of 178,800. The violent crime rate in High Point is based on the nearest law agency agency, High Point Police Department (NC0410300). High Point violent crime rate is 595 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 High Point

#19 Zebulon

County: Wake

595

Crime per 100,000 population

+77.64%

vs. North Carolina average

+46.65%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Zebulon from 2012 to 2022

Zebulon is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 6,958. The violent crime rate in Zebulon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Zebulon Police Department (NC0920900). Zebulon violent crime rate is 595 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 Zebulon

#18 Wendell

County: Wake

595

Crime per 100,000 population

+77.64%

vs. North Carolina average

+46.65%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Wendell from 2012 to 2022

Wendell is an area in Wake, North Carolina with population of 9,847. The violent crime rate in Wendell is based on the nearest law agency agency, Zebulon Police Department (NC0920900). Wendell violent crime rate is 595 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 Wendell

#17 Wilmington

County: New Hanover

632

Crime per 100,000 population

+88.75%

vs. North Carolina average

+55.82%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Wilmington from 2012 to 2022

Wilmington is an area in New Hanover, North Carolina with population of 247,372. The violent crime rate in Wilmington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Wilmington violent crime rate is 632 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 Wilmington

#16 Silver Lake

County: New Hanover

632

Crime per 100,000 population

+88.75%

vs. North Carolina average

+55.82%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent 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 violent crime rate in Silver Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Silver Lake violent crime rate is 632 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 Silver Lake

#15 Myrtle Grove

County: New Hanover

632

Crime per 100,000 population

+88.75%

vs. North Carolina average

+55.82%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent 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 violent crime rate in Myrtle Grove is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilmington Police Department (NC0650200). Myrtle Grove violent crime rate is 632 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 Myrtle Grove

#14 Albemarle

County: Stanly

647

Crime per 100,000 population

+93.13%

vs. North Carolina average

+59.43%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Albemarle from 2012 to 2022

Albemarle is an area in Stanly, North Carolina with population of 16,318. The violent crime rate in Albemarle is based on the nearest law agency agency, Albemarle Police Department (NC0840100). Albemarle violent crime rate is 647 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 Albemarle

#13 Huntersville

County: Mecklenburg

652

Crime per 100,000 population

+94.65%

vs. North Carolina average

+60.69%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Huntersville from 2012 to 2022

Huntersville is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 60,166. The violent crime rate in Huntersville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pineville Police Department (NC0600300). Huntersville violent crime rate is 652 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 Huntersville

#12 Cornelius

County: Mecklenburg

652

Crime per 100,000 population

+94.65%

vs. North Carolina average

+60.69%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Cornelius from 2012 to 2022

Cornelius is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 30,925. The violent crime rate in Cornelius is based on the nearest law agency agency, Pineville Police Department (NC0600300). Cornelius violent crime rate is 652 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 Cornelius

#11 Selma

County: Johnston

667

Crime per 100,000 population

+99.27%

vs. North Carolina average

+64.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Selma from 2012 to 2022

Selma is an area in Johnston, North Carolina with population of 6,317. The violent crime rate in Selma is based on the nearest law agency agency, Selma Police Department (NC0510800). Selma violent crime rate is 667 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 Selma

#10 Reidsville

County: Rockingham

675

Crime per 100,000 population

+101.58%

vs. North Carolina average

+66.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Reidsville from 2012 to 2022

Reidsville is an area in Rockingham, North Carolina with population of 14,463. The violent crime rate in Reidsville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Reidsville Police Department (NC0790500). Reidsville violent crime rate is 675 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 Reidsville

#9 Pineville

County: Mecklenburg

699

Crime per 100,000 population

+108.85%

vs. North Carolina average

+72.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Pineville from 2012 to 2022

Pineville is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 10,317. The violent crime rate in Pineville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (NC0600100). Pineville violent crime rate is 699 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 Pineville

#8 Charlotte

County: Mecklenburg

699

Crime per 100,000 population

+108.85%

vs. North Carolina average

+72.41%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Charlotte from 2012 to 2022

Charlotte is an area in Mecklenburg, North Carolina with population of 1,516,107. The violent crime rate in Charlotte is based on the nearest law agency agency, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (NC0600100). Charlotte violent crime rate is 699 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 Charlotte

#7 Dunn

County: Harnett

723

Crime per 100,000 population

+115.98%

vs. North Carolina average

+78.3%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Dunn from 2012 to 2022

Dunn is an area in Harnett, North Carolina with population of 8,616. The violent crime rate in Dunn is based on the nearest law agency agency, Benson Police Department (NC0510200). Dunn violent crime rate is 723 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 Dunn

#6 Spring Lake

County: Cumberland

727

Crime per 100,000 population

+117.16%

vs. North Carolina average

+79.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Spring Lake is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 11,629. The violent crime rate in Spring Lake is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Spring Lake violent crime rate is 727 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 Spring Lake

#5 Fayetteville

County: Cumberland

727

Crime per 100,000 population

+117.16%

vs. North Carolina average

+79.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Fayetteville from 2012 to 2022

Fayetteville is an area in Cumberland, North Carolina with population of 328,827. The violent crime rate in Fayetteville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Fayetteville Police Department (NC0260100). Fayetteville violent crime rate is 727 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 Fayetteville

#4 Durham

County: Durham

752

Crime per 100,000 population

+124.5%

vs. North Carolina average

+85.33%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Durham from 2012 to 2022

Durham is an area in Durham, North Carolina with population of 399,762. The violent crime rate in Durham is based on the nearest law agency agency, Durham Police Department (NC0320100). Durham violent crime rate is 752 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 Durham

#3 Washington

County: Beaufort

818

Crime per 100,000 population

+144.29%

vs. North Carolina average

+101.67%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Washington from 2012 to 2022

Washington is an area in Beaufort, North Carolina with population of 9,754. The violent crime rate in Washington is based on the nearest law agency agency, Washington Police Department (NC0070100). Washington violent crime rate is 818 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 Washington

#2 Rocky Mount

County: Nash

922

Crime per 100,000 population

+175.14%

vs. North Carolina average

+127.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Rocky Mount is an area in Nash, North Carolina with population of 61,952. The violent crime rate in Rocky Mount is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rocky Mount Police Department (NC0330100). Rocky Mount violent crime rate is 922 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 Rocky Mount

#1 Nashville

County: Nash

922

Crime per 100,000 population

+175.14%

vs. North Carolina average

+127.14%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of violent crime rate in Nashville from 2012 to 2022

Nashville is an area in Nash, North Carolina with population of 5,626. The violent crime rate in Nashville is based on the nearest law agency agency, Rocky Mount Police Department (NC0330100). Nashville violent crime rate is 922 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 Nashville

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.

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-violent-crime