The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina


The most dangerous places in North Carolina are Lumberton and Wadesboro for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in North Carolina research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in North Carolina.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 118 North Carolina cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in North Carolina is Lumberton based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in North Carolina is 2,400 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in North Carolina is 11,230 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in North Carolina is Pinehurst.

  • North Carolina is the 17th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


You’ll be hard-pressed to find a good dose of Southern hospitality in North Carolina’s most dangerous cities. These cities are more concerned with cleaning up their neighborhoods and fighting crime.

We’re not talking about choosing tomato-based BBQ sauce instead of vinegar, or even worse, not being a Durham Bulls fan.

We are here to tell you where people commit the most crimes in the Tarheel State per capita. Using Saturday Night Science, we compared FBI data for violent and property crimes per capita in North Carolina cities with a population of 5,000. That left 118 cities.

The Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina For 2024

  1. Lumberton
  2. Wadesboro
  3. Laurinburg
  4. Henderson
  5. Goldsboro
  6. Williamston
  7. Roxboro
  8. Asheville
  9. Dunn
  10. Winston-Salem

So, what is the most dangerous place in North Carolina? The most dangerous place in North Carolina is Lumberton.

The state as a whole ranks as the 17th most dangerous state in the country.

To see how your city of interest in North Carolina faired, take a look below.

For more North Carolina reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In North Carolina For 2024

Lumberton, NC

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 18,583
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,400 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 11,230 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 8
More on Lumberton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Lumberton, located in Robeson County, North Carolina, has been ranked as the most dangerous place to live in the state for 2024. This ranking is based on the high rate of violent and property crimes per capita.

Lumberton reported 446 violent crimes, including 8 murder cases, 16 rapes, 61 robberies, and 361 aggravated assaults.

Wadesboro, NC

Source: Wikipedia User Indy beetle | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

1
/10

Population: 5,036
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,621 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 7,764 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Wadesboro: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Taking the #2 spot on our list of North Carolina’s most dangerous places is Wadesboro, a town of 5,036 about an hour southeast of Charlotte.

Wadesboro had the highest violent crime rate in North Carolina. That’s mostly due to 117 aggravated assault cases, but having the 13th highest rate of rape cases also doesn’t help.

While the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for animals, humans of Wadesboro are on their own for finding safety.

Laurinburg, NC

Source: Wikipedia User Gerry Dincher from Hope Mills, NC | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

2
/10

Population: 15,199
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,559 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,467 (11th most dangerous)
Murders: 7
More on Laurinburg: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The Laurinburg Police Department sure has their work cut out for them. Why’s that? Well, residents had a 1 in 64 of finding themselves the victim of a violent crime in 2022, the fifth highest odds in North Carolina.

On top of that, Laurinburg had the fifth highest burglary rate in the state, with about one happening each and every day, on average. In fact, there were more burglaries than larcenies in Laurinburg, which is extremely rare.

Henderson, NC

Source: Wikipedia User KimWrenn | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 14,806
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,769 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,173 (14th most dangerous)
Murders: 7
More on Henderson: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Welcome to Henderson. The city of 14,806 had 7 murders in 2022, the second highest rate statewide.

All forms of violent crime are quite prevalent in Henderson, where residents had a 1 in 56 shot of being the victim of an attack over the year.

Property crime is also all too common in Henderson, so be sure nobody steals your catch after a day out fishing on Kerr Lake.

Henderson is located about 40 miles northeast of Durham.

Goldsboro, NC

Source: Wikipedia User | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 32,464
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,127 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,113 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 6
More on Goldsboro: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The next stop on our list of North Carolina’s most dangerous places for 2024 takes us to Goldsboro, a city of 32,464 in Wayne County. Goldsboro is no stranger to violence — anyone can visit the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield, site of a Civil War battle with 15,000 soldiers.

These days, violence is slightly less prevalent, but there were still 366 violent crimes recorded in 2022.

On top of that, Goldsboro averaged more than five property crimes each day in 2022, so you’ll want to keep your doors locked and your eyes peeled for porch pirates here.

Williamston, NC

Source: Wikipedia User | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

2
/10

Population: 5,047
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,644 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,121 (15th most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Williamston: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Williamston motto might be “easy living with hometown values,” but there’s nothing easy about living in the place with the sixth highest crime rates in North Carolina.

Williamston is home to a Western theme park, Deadwood, but there’s plenty of wild west style crime going on in the town itself. For example, the town has the highest rate of rape cases in the state and the fourth highest violent crime rate overall.

The bad news doesn’t stop there. Williamston also recorded 37 burglaries, so be sure to keep your doors locked here.

Roxboro, NC

Source: Wikipedia User FotoDawg | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

1
/10

Population: 8,079
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,287 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,418 (13th most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Roxboro: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located in Person County, North Carolina, the city of Roxboro crime statistics reveal a darker side to this city of 8,079 residents. Roxboro is noted as the seventh most dangerous place in the state, with a high rate of both violent and property crimes.

The city witnessed 104 incidents of violent crimes, ranking it as the sixth highest in the state. The city also recorded 357 cases of property crime.

Asheville, NC

Source: Wikipedia User AbeEzekowitz | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 93,729
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 937 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,132 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 12
More on Asheville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Asheville, located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, between the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, ranks as the eighth most dangerous in the state. It’s the largest city in Western North Carolina, with a population of 93,729. Asheville has reported chilling crime stats.

The city saw 879 violent crimes including 12 murders, making it the 35th most dangerous in terms of murder rate per capita. Property crime is also rampant, with 4,811 incidents reported.

Dunn, NC

Source: Wikipedia User Gerry Dincher from Hope Mills, NC | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 8,426
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 854 (17th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,581 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Dunn: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Dunn was once at the center of nationally discussed paddling controversy. In 1981, a local school official punished a student with a spanking. Eventually, this spiraled into a lawsuit and an investigation by the U.S. Senate.

Whatever your opinion of corporal punishment, you might be forced to agree that the youth of current-day Dunn could use a little more disciple. The local residents can get unruly, especially when it comes to property crimes. The town suffers the number 6 worst rate of burglaries in North Carolina.

Winston-Salem, NC

Source: Wikipedia User tweber1 | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 251,295
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,175 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,893 (21st most dangerous)
Murders: 30
More on Winston-Salem: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Winston-Salem, the tenth most dangerous place to live in North Carolina, is a city that faces significant crime challenges. With a population of 251,295, Winston-Salem experiences a high rate of violent crime, including 2,954 incidents reported.

Property crimes also pose a significant threat in Winston-Salem, with a staggering 9,785 incidents reported. These include 1,796 burglaries, among other property-related offenses.

Crime By City In North Carolina

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Lumberton 18,583 13,630 2,400 11,230 8
2 Wadesboro 5,036 10,385 2,621 7,764 2
3 Laurinburg 15,199 6,026 1,559 4,467 7
4 Henderson 14,806 5,943 1,769 4,173 7
5 Goldsboro 32,464 6,240 1,127 5,113 6
6 Williamston 5,047 5,765 1,644 4,121 1
7 Roxboro 8,079 5,706 1,287 4,418 5
8 Asheville 93,729 6,070 937 5,132 12
9 Dunn 8,426 5,435 854 4,581 3
10 Winston-Salem 251,295 5,069 1,175 3,893 30
11 Statesville 28,420 5,017 1,140 3,877 2
12 Forest City 7,353 7,466 679 6,786 0
13 Roanoke Rapids 15,025 5,331 738 4,592 1
14 Rockingham 8,865 5,211 767 4,444 4
15 Reidsville 14,481 4,820 987 3,832 2
16 Smithfield 12,042 5,771 622 5,148 0
17 Monroe 35,204 4,726 786 3,939 6
18 Gastonia 81,937 4,725 787 3,938 8
19 Clinton 8,004 4,610 987 3,623 2
20 Salisbury 35,938 4,541 884 3,656 7
21 Burlington 60,069 4,611 832 3,778 4
22 Greensboro 298,719 4,604 819 3,785 40
23 Pineville 10,718 9,535 513 9,022 0
24 Hillsborough 9,732 6,124 513 5,610 2
25 Fayetteville 208,980 4,434 978 3,456 35
26 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 955,466 4,121 746 3,374 108
27 Albemarle 16,819 4,114 582 3,531 1
28 Rocky Mount 53,668 3,650 881 2,768 19
29 Siler City 7,969 3,902 727 3,174 1
30 Kinston 19,342 3,949 708 3,241 9
31 Durham 286,377 4,003 687 3,316 42
32 Hickory 43,756 4,031 530 3,501 8
33 Shelby 21,989 3,442 904 2,537 2
34 Conover 8,525 4,375 387 3,988 2
35 Zebulon 9,003 3,676 588 3,087 1
36 Hope Mills 17,843 4,169 442 3,726 4
37 Asheboro 27,275 4,249 410 3,838 2
38 Spring Lake 11,603 3,628 560 3,068 0
39 Garner 32,577 3,929 457 3,471 0
40 Marion 7,633 4,349 248 4,100 2
41 Greenville 89,363 3,296 568 2,728 12
42 Elizabeth City 18,751 3,354 538 2,815 8
43 Wilmington 119,159 3,397 532 2,865 12
44 Waynesville 10,225 3,872 430 3,442 0
45 Lexington 19,544 3,632 486 3,146 3
46 Lincolnton 11,651 4,016 377 3,639 1
47 Hendersonville 15,122 4,172 244 3,928 0
48 High Point 114,280 3,239 547 2,691 15
49 Oxford 8,895 2,844 730 2,113 3
50 Morganton 17,568 3,739 409 3,329 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in North Carolina for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in North Carolina. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in North Carolina, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for North Carolina.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered North Carolina cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 118 cities in North Carolina.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 118 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in North Carolina — Lumberton. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in North Carolina and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In North Carolina FAQs

Yes, North Carolina is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #17 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in North Carolina ranks 2most dangerous in the United States — 13.39% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Tar Heel State ranks 16th most dangerous in the United States — 13.92% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

No, Raleigh is not a dangerous city. Raleigh ranks as the #148 safest out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Raleigh might be considered safe you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Glenwood is the safest in Raleigh, while Central is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Raleigh ranks 156th highest in America — 9.71% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 188th highest in the United States — 14.44% better than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In North Carolina

Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In North Carolina

So what is the most dangerous city in North Carolina? After analyzing 118 cities in North Carolina, Lumberton takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in North Carolina based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Lumberton ranks as the most dangerous city in North Carolina for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in North Carolina are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Lumberton and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

So, what is the most dangerous place in North Carolina? The most dangerous place in North Carolina is Lumberton.

The state as a whole ranks as the 17th most dangerous state in the country.

To see how your city of interest in North Carolina faired, take a look below.

Learn more about the safest places in North Carolina.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in North Carolina:

  1. Mint Hill (Pop. 26,728)
  2. Apex (Pop. 66,024)
  3. Holly Springs (Pop. 45,406)
  4. Elon (Pop. 11,369)
  5. Rolesville (Pop. 10,549)
  6. Waxhaw (Pop. 22,613)
  7. Fuquay-Varina (Pop. 39,037)
  8. Whispering Pines (Pop. 5,235)
  9. Davidson (Pop. 15,189)
  10. Pinehurst (Pop. 18,426)

For more North Carolina reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

58 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina

  1. I see that Salisbury came in 9 on the list of crime-ridden cities in the State of North Carolina. No surprise there. If you go into the downtown area, you’d better be packing heat, ladies and gentlemen. I have twice been approached by shiftless young men, asking, “Can we talk?”

    I’m no Joan Rivers, so I shouted, “No sir.” It took a second shout to send them on. The next time it happened just a couple months ago. These guys didn’t take “no” for an answer, until I pulled a 38 special out of my purse and held it by my side as I walked away. I heard one shout, “She has a gun!” Then both of them ran as fast as they could.

    Both instances were in broad daylight. And I know a lady who was robbed at knife point by a street thief in broad daylight in Salisbury, too. Stay away from that place, unless you absolutely have no choice. Criminal gangs rule the streets there.

    1. I have lived two blocks from Main St., Downtown Salisbury, for 15 years….. walk my dogs through downtown everyday and on the streets that surround downtown, never have I ever had any problems. I have lived in Charlotte NC, and would I walk those streets? No way……

      1. I grew up 2 blocks from Main St, and my parents still live there. Crime in around the historic district has always been an issue, but in recent years it has risen exponentially. Car vandalism, break-ins, theft from garages and storage areas happen all the time. I know multiple people who have been robbed at the wellsfargo ATM off of main st as well. And in salisbury as a whole, violent crime continues to increase, as you see a murder in the salisbury post almost weekly. When my parents first put their home up for sale I was extremely upset with them, but in recent years I have realized they should have done it sooner. Salisbury’s crime rate and joblessness make it a place no one wants to move into, as you can probably see from the 2 houses for sale on every block.

      2. I’ve lived in Charlotte for 57 years and it’s WAY safer than some of these small thug towns that are in NC!

      3. It’s a whooooole lot different now. U can’t even think about walking down Fulton Street by yourself anymore.

        1. I’m from Salisbury an the past five years I’ve lost a lot of friends and family due to gun violence.. this city has the worst poverty and little help for community to find jobs and other helpful resources.. not to mention the been 3 murders in just a 2 week span.. With that being said one homicide was a 7 year old girl shoot an killed while sleeping in her room due to a drive-by shooting smh.. this needs to stop and Salisbury PD needs to get there act together.. 16 unsolved homocids is why I say SPD please do your job!!

    2. You are delusional. I live in Salisbury and criminal gangs do not rule the streets here. Your story sounds quite scary, but it did not happen in “downtown Salisbury.” Don’t come here to buy drugs and you won’t find yourself in sketch neighborhoods, lady. Because any Salisbury resident reading your over-the-top story knows that the only way in hell that it’s even close to accurate is if you were in an area of Rowan County known for drug sales. “Criminal Gangs” absolutely do not run our streets. Small businesses, artists and North Carolina Historic Sites run our strips. Get off the meth. It’s causing paranoid delusions for you and you should by no means be armed!

      1. Really? You’ve never gone under the underpass on Innes Street in broad daylight and have the homeless approaching your car? I’ve had one try and open the door???!

    3. I have lived and worked in Salisbury my entire life and have never heard of such ludicrous charges. You deserve an Oscar for such drama.

    4. Only twice? I get approached all the time by people asking for money while trying to corner me in Wadesboro. I’ve never given the money by repeatedly saying I don’t have any on me. I was surprised it was on the list and then I recapped how many murders occur within a few miles of me. Had a classmate get murdered few years ago and I feel fine walking anywhere here as long as I have about 10 bucks and no more. I was about to get held up in the Arby’s bathroom not too long ago, man was about to pull a gun on me then someone else walked in. It’s just the way i was raised Im used to being “overly protective” of my belongings. In public my stuff is always in sight or with me and locked up any other time and i see comments about locking doors- psshht I lock everything. Combo locks everywhere and doors never unlocked.

  2. My job takes me to the towns of Henderson, Burlington, Salisbury and Statesville every other month or so. Of all these cities, I avoid staying overnight or dining in Henderson. It’s a real armpit. I used to stay overnight occasionally in Salisbury, until a burned body was recovered from a wooded area next to the budget hotel I stayed in. The interstate noise was unrelenting, too. Burlington actually has some okay hotels near I-85, where I feel safe. Statesville is just about as bad as Salisbury and Henderson, though. The best advice is to get a CCW permit, and know when lethal force may be used, to repel any of the scofflaws that make these towns the pariahs of North Carolina.

  3. Lumberton shouldn’t be number one if you came to Henderson and stayed a week you’d see how rough it is down here. I wouldn’t doubt anything that happens in this town of ours.

  4. Mayhem is continuel in Salisbury. 2009 a note on a newspaper rack at Chic-Filet led cops to a burned body behind Comfort Suites. 2010 3 gangbangers robbed parked trai across from Police dept. 2014 gangbanger with empty shotgun got capped by a deputy at dinner in Chinese restaurant between Chic-Filet and Comfort Suites when he tried robbing the till. WilcoHess customers regularly jacked while pumping petrol a couple blocks away. Walmart customers robbed and beaten after dark. Never go to Salisbury after dusk. Or unarmed.

  5. I can’t say I disagree with any of the top 10, but where is Durham? It’s got to be top 50 yet doesn’t appear on the list.

    1. I agree on Durham. Between the gangs and pure thugs on the streets, they have a shooting every other night. Many neighborhoods can’t get a pizza delivered after dark, and the cops are even leery of some areas. It’s a dump with a good college and medical center. Shame.

  6. I guess the per capita calculation left out the biggest cities. Surprised that Henderson didn’t make #1. It’s can’t be from not trying. Rapes in the Wal Mart parking lot must be down.

  7. I’d feel a lot safer staying in Lumberton or Henderson than Salisbury. The crime in Salisbury is rampant! All the business areas and motels are bordered by high crime neighborhoods and the police department is all but non-existent.

    1. lol You kidding right Lumberton is dangerous as hell and for Lumberton to not be on this list let’s me know this list is a fraud

  8. There is nothing remotely flawed about these top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in N.C. Choices. These Dangerous City Choices are based on accurate and scientifically valid “per capita” statistics. That’s why cities like Durham and Charlotte are jam packed with crime based on their populations do not make the top 10 list because of their “per capita” statistics. Some unfortunate living in a top ten dangerous city is more likely to be a victim of violent and property crime than they would dwelling in cities like Durham and Charlotte which have their crime homogenized by the existence of safer neighborhoods within their city limits. Violent dumps like Salisbury, Henderson, and Statesville offer a more criminally saturated community.

    I used to live in Salisbury and its streets are run by a slew of gangs dealing heroin, meth, and crack. There is no safe place in that city. Henderson and Lumberton are real winners too. Salisbury’s downtown is seedy dump packed with vacant buildings and closes down promptly a 5 p.m. because shopkeepers want to get off the streets. Break-ins are constant all over the city. Working class people both white and black are selling their homes and moving out. It’s become a horrible place to live. If you have to service an account in Salisbury, pack. One quarter of the population lives in poverty. Salisbury should be at least 3 to 5 on the list, but I won’t quibble. All 10 of those dumps are a must to avoid. Seriously.

  9. Salisbury has a little clique of downtown cult followers who try to portray the over-priced rents as worth it due to the ‘vibrancy’ of business, which is not the case except during monthly festivals. Few businesses can make it because of the lack of safe, convenient parking. And the walk from distant ‘free parking’ is perilous because of the rampant muggings. A lot of the commenters don’t understand the meaning of “per capita” crime, or are just being willfully ignorant. But FBI stats do not lie.

  10. Salisbury had a great Club District plan for West Fisher Street. Then someone had a bright idea for a children’s theater. Early evenings 2/3 of the time, parents’ cars consume all available parking. It has killed restaurant businesses on that end of town because people won’t risk parking at the Depot or behind City Hall, to run the gauntlet passed gangbangers to dine downtown, when two dozen chain restaurants have better lighted, safer parking off I-85.

  11. Clayton?????, Smithfield?????, im sorry but that’s hilarious. Now I could see Smithfield being a somewhat rough place in some parts of that little city but Clayton? I got to get out more then. But over all I really do think Clayton and Smithfield should not be on this list. There is no real crime that’s news worthy from these two.

  12. Yes, Rocky Mount crime has gone down from 2012 -2013, but did you know it is also at a 35-year low?

  13. As for Rocky Mount, compared to 2013, the statistics for 2014 demonstrate:

    A 16.2 percent decrease in property crime.
    A 10.9 percent decrease in violent and dangerous crime.
    A 45 percent decrease in commercial robberies.
    A 16.5 percent decrease in individual robberies.

  14. What happened to Durham on this list? I find it hard to believe it didn’t get slots 1-3 on the “naughty” list all by itself.

  15. Correlate the increase in crime with the racial composition of the towns and don’t be surprised by the results. As the number of white residents decreased, or more specifically the number of black residents increased, the increase in crime is more than a mere causality. Everything they said would happen if we ended segregation has come true. Sad, but true.

    1. It seems to me the increase in heroin in our area is directly related to both the violent crime and property crime rates being so high in the areas around Charlotte. It’s majority white users rob, steal, and commit a whole gamut of crimes to feed their habit. However, heroin does not discriminate like you and there are addicts of all colors suffering out there with little to no access to rehabilitation resources in Cabarrus, Rowan, Union and Gaston counties. If you knew anything about those areas you would know the heroin epidemic has caused a great many white people to clog the jails and criminal system, but being white, they don’t stay behind bars hardly at all compared to our darker complexion friends. Please don’t be the stereotypical racist asshat from the south!

  16. Where’s Durham? Big question why one of the bigger cities/counties is missing from this list??!!!

    Wepage4
    durham resident

  17. If Durham and other cities reported their crime stats to the FBI, this list would be very different. Why do they not report? Because left-wingers in charge know who commits the crimes, and are afraid to discuss it publicly. This policy is actually dangerous to unsuspecting travelers as well as citizens.

  18. I would have to agree where is Durham. I would also not even call this reliable because how can you call a place a city with 15000 residents.

  19. Having just moved down to NC, I’ve found I like it a lot down here. I actually live in Lumberton though, and find it appalling that the crime rate has been allowed to clime to the rate it’s at. Where are the police? Why are so many scumbags getting away with daily thefts? And yes, I mean daily! Read the crime reports in The Robesonian – Seems like it’s only a matter of time before my cars are definitely broken into, and possibly my house. What a load of crap! So much for “Southern Hospitality” and what have you. If not for my job transfer bringing me to Lumberton, I’d never have chosen to move here instead of, oh ANYWHERE else in North Carolina. I want to learn the history of my new home, but so far, I’m curious why anybody want’s to call this place home… Where is the public outcry? Where’s the support? Why the massive crime rates? I come from a place where bull$h!t isn’t tolerated. I naively assumed moving to NC would build upon that, but in Lumberton, apparently people are stuck living in fear of scum. Pathetic. Clean up your act Lumberton! It’s must be embarrassing for good people to admit they live here. Just awful. My advice – Stay armed. And train to hit center mass. F*** the oxygen thieves!

    1. Welcome to the south! 😉 Moved to NC in 1989, so already had the reality check. My advice? Don’t leave anything of value in your car at any time, keep car and home doors locked at all times. I do now. And I live in peaceful little central Asheboro, NC. Still, things are different down here. As for the police, they can only do so much, the good ones who try. It’s a new world so stay safe. 🙂

  20. Cary Apex and Morrisville were very safe back in the mid 1990’s when I lived around there to about mid 2000’s. Now I seem to see news spots every week about some meth house getting busted or people getting murdered. Yeesh.

  21. Awesomely accurate! I’m not paranoid; Asheboro is as I’ve had it pegged all along! Haha! Ive lived here for many years but fit like a foot in a stolen glove, as I’m just a truthful person 😉

  22. Ha! Ha! No Durham on the list. Very funny people! My son lives in Durham and his home has been broken into 3 times, he has had bullets come thru his window and the police tell him he’s in the better part of that area. The bullets came from several blocks over where they have constant gun violence, he’s west of Briar Creek area. I lived in Durham where you can’t even leave a plant on the porch without it being stolen. I’ve had pocketbooks stolen at home and work, our car was stolen twice and never leave a door unlocked or a window open, you’re asking for it. Durham not on the list, Ha! Ha! Maybe it’s not on the list because we just give up on reporting the crimes, nothing can be done about it. The crime is so abundant the cops can only focus on the serious or immediate urgent ones he told me when my car was stolen.

    1. I think the last list I’m seeing is from 2013 but I only have a phone; no computer. Am always glad to get email updates from you ladies through Roadsnacks bc I live alone in Asheboro. Someone asked about Winston Salem. It was down at 19? Surprised me too. Must be very populated I think. I live in the home invasion town. Mostly guys looking for drugs or something to sell for drug money I think but not too violent usually. May be my famous last words. Goodnight.

  23. lol lets just say for the sake of all these comments that no place is realy safe anymore. i moved to lumberton with my husband in august 2016. the house is his family home that has been vacant for about a year. we had a rough start due to the last renters that lived here. they stole the fridge, stove, the a/c and heating unit, ruined the carpets with what we could only figure to be animal feces, stole the stone mantel that has hung over the fireplace for over 40 years, and the list goes on! but we have managed with out these items so far with the help of myrefuge. ms rose and marie and many volenteers thank you! i hav noticed ALOT of crimes here. the older gentleman behind us was murdered nov. 5th 2016. my other neighbors house has been broke into and robbed 2x, i was almost attacked by a young male that came out of nowhere one night walkn my dog. i thank God for my husbands quick reaction. i dont believe the youngman even saw my husband watching me. my husband is an original lumbee from here. he warned me about the violence here, but we realy had no choice. we found ourselves homeless in va, so we came here to try and start out new. its nice. luv the weather and the people. dispite the criminals lol. i carry no when i go out anywhere cause… well… i never knw when someone is gona b stupid. ive noticed ALOT of racism here. im a half breed so i get alot of haters lol owell lol my newest neighbor that is now living in the oldmans house that was murdered is a hateful racist. she only likes black people and indians and since im a halfbreed (calusa/white) she has nuthn but racial comments for me when she sees im out walkn my dog. i just smile and wave lol. it is bad here, but there are still good people here!

  24. Haa FAYETTEVILLE why hasnt this been posted during the day youd never know but at night the place is swarming with gangs. I know because I work in the ER.STABBING, SHOOTINGS, MURDERS. BADDDD AREA!

  25. I live in Asheboro NC and think it’s a pretty nice town, but I keep to myself. Sure I keep my car and house doors locked bc I think as drug problems increase across the nation so does theft. Also think it increases unemployment. It’s my opinion that some of these incorporated prisons should be rehab centers, but my opinion goes as far as my income; not far. Still think it’s a good idea. May turn many potential inmates into employable prospects.

  26. Does anyone have any information on the town of Selma? My wife and I are looking into properties there and would be relocating to NC. The best information can only come from the folks that know their state. Your help and guidance will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks in advance.

  27. Wrong and misleading! This is “fake news” at its best! Take for instance, Oxford. The population that this author cites is completely wrong based on the latest census data… Of by over 3000 to 4000! And they use a picture of a church in Oxford! Unbelievable! What about Henderson?

  28. Yea Forest City stinks…mostly meth heads and opium addicts…i went there a few months ago to visit a friend…fir the 3 days i was there im sure i heard 20 gunshots and 20 late night sirens…its only a 45 min from west charlotte and it borders the greenville-spartanburg metro in south carolina…but this lil town is really a wild one…meth and heroin dealers paradise…and when i was downtown at local bar i heard a local cop say…we locking all the people up and now the white boys cuttin a fool…exact words…that town stinks…i couldnt wait to get back to charlotte…sheeesh!!!

  29. Monroe should definitely be on here. the violence here is growing and growing everyday. I lost 2 friends due to gun violence. but Monroe doesn’t report the crimes to FBI

  30. Relative to North Carolina, Monroe has a crime rate that is higher than 75% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes

  31. My friends little sister got shot due to gang violence in Monroe and I hear about murders all the time but Monroe is not even on this list. This page does not know what it’s taking about

  32. How is the little town of Scotland Neck not on this list.. or any list to be found.. That place is over ran with drugs, gangs. Until I moved to Greenville I had never heard of it but my husband was born and raised there and boy the crap you learn about that small town.. Come on Guys Scotland Neck is dangerous as shit and the Feds literally are in town all day ever day a year..

  33. What about Blue Ridge areas of Boone,Blowing Rock,Banner Elk??? No where do I find anything on these mountain cities.Please respond.

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