Most Americans have never been to small town North Carolina. However, as the North Carolinian who live there know, small town North Carolina is an awesome place to call home.
But is it all roses? Definitely not. Just like any other state, North Carolina has its trouble spots. This article aims to determine, using Saturday Night Science, the absolute worst small towns to live in the Tar Heel State. Don’t freak out, we will use data to show which places have high crime, poverty, and unemployment.
After analyzing more than 284 of North Carolina’s smallest cities, we came up with this list as the 10 worst small towns in North Carolina where you’d never want to live:
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
These are the worst small towns in North Carolina for 2025:
So what is the worst small town to call home in North Carolina for 2025? According to the most recent census data, South Henderson is the worst small town to live in North Carolina.
While many of these small towns have seen better days, they have wonderful communities and people. This report in no way means to knock the folks that call towns like South Henderson home. Everyone
Read on below to see how we crunched the numbers, or scroll to the bottom to see how your town ranked.
And if you already know about the small towns, check out the best places to live in North Carolina or the worst places to live in North Carolina.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the worst cities in America or the worst states in America.
The 10 Worst Small Towns In North Carolina For 2025
1. South Henderson
/10
Population: 1,274
Median Home Value: $1,000
Median Income: $36,417
Unemployment Rate: 21.1%
2. Fairplains
/10
Population: 1,876
Median Home Value: $134,300
Median Income: $36,586
Unemployment Rate: 11.8%
3. Rocky Point
/10
Population: 1,045
Median Home Value: $115,500
Median Income: $52,591
Unemployment Rate: 7.3%
4. Yanceyville
/10
Population: 2,376
Median Home Value: $132,900
Median Income: $28,662
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
5. Brogden
/10
Population: 2,712
Median Home Value: $96,100
Median Income: $28,885
Unemployment Rate: 9.9%
6. Tabor City
/10
Population: 3,695
Median Home Value: $109,600
Median Income: $37,014
Unemployment Rate: 10.4%
7. Red Springs
/10
Population: 3,107
Median Home Value: $85,400
Median Income: $19,752
Unemployment Rate: 8.3%
8. Belhaven
/10
Population: 1,421
Median Home Value: $98,200
Median Income: $33,958
Unemployment Rate: 17.2%
9. Bonnetsville
/10
Population: 1,368
Median Home Value: $89,300
Median Income: $41,217
Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
10. St. Pauls
/10
Population: 2,628
Median Home Value: $118,300
Median Income: $33,667
Unemployment Rate: 8.0%
Methodology: How do you decide if a small place in North Carolina is lousy or not?
To rank the worst small towns to live in North Carolina, we had to determine what criteria people like or dislike about a place. Assuming that people like low crime, solid education, things to do, and a stable economy isn’t a stretch.
We then analyzed the criteria using Saturday Night Science, the thinking you’d use at a bar. It seems like even your crazy Uncle would agree that a town with high crime is worse than a town with low crime; all else the same.
Using FBI crime data and the Census’s 2019-2023 American Community Survey, this is the criteria we used:
- Population Density (The lower, the worse)
- Highest Unemployment Rates
- Low housing costs (meaning there’s no demand)
- Adjusted Median Income (Median income adjusted for the cost of living)
- Education (Number of high school dropouts)
- High Crime
We looked at cities with populations between 1,000 and 5,000 people, of which there were many – 284 to be exact.
We get the crime numbers from the FBI, which gets them from the cities. Dropout numbers are based on the adult population, not just the current graduation rates of teenagers.
We base all our research on facts, which is meant as infotainment. We updated this article for 2025, which is our tenth time ranking the worst small places to live in North Carolina.
There You Have It – The Worst Small Towns In North Carolina
If you’re analyzing teeny places in the Tar Heel State with the worst economic situations, where there’s high crime and there’s not a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
The worst small towns in North Carolina are South Henderson, Fairplains, Rocky Point, Yanceyville, Brogden, Tabor City, Red Springs, Belhaven, Bonnetsville, and St. Pauls.
If you’re curious enough, here are the best small towns to live in North Carolina, according to science:
- Royal Pines (Pop. 4,528)
- Kure Beach (Pop. 2,323)
- Wrightsville Beach (Pop. 2,679)
For more North Carolina reading, check out:
Worst Small Towns In North Carolina
| Rank | Town | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Henderson | 1,274 | 21.1% | $1,000 | $36,417 |
| 2 | Fairplains | 1,876 | 11.8% | $134,300 | $36,586 |
| 3 | Rocky Point | 1,045 | 7.3% | $115,500 | $52,591 |
| 4 | Yanceyville | 2,376 | 6.0% | $132,900 | $28,662 |
| 5 | Brogden | 2,712 | 9.9% | $96,100 | $28,885 |
| 6 | Tabor City | 3,695 | 10.4% | $109,600 | $37,014 |
| 7 | Red Springs | 3,107 | 8.3% | $85,400 | $19,752 |
| 8 | Belhaven | 1,421 | 17.2% | $98,200 | $33,958 |
| 9 | Bonnetsville | 1,368 | 2.6% | $89,300 | $41,217 |
| 10 | St. Pauls | 2,628 | 8.0% | $118,300 | $33,667 |
| 11 | Lucama | 1,108 | 12.5% | $98,200 | $34,583 |
| 12 | Magnolia | 1,109 | 4.1% | $76,900 | $40,156 |
| 13 | Enfield | 1,967 | 18.0% | $81,800 | $22,852 |
| 14 | East Rockingham | 3,177 | 11.5% | $102,700 | $33,206 |
| 15 | East Spencer | 1,309 | 11.6% | $108,500 | $34,696 |
| 16 | Andrews | 1,976 | 10.2% | $97,600 | $34,879 |
| 17 | South Rosemary | 2,522 | 4.2% | $84,100 | $43,478 |
| 18 | Cricket | 2,512 | 4.4% | $153,600 | $40,405 |
| 19 | Maury | 1,069 | 13.8% | $83,800 | $18,362 |
| 20 | Weldon | 1,522 | 9.4% | $96,000 | $38,725 |
| 21 | Sylva | 2,600 | 13.3% | $195,500 | $41,926 |
| 22 | Liberty | 2,678 | 8.9% | $152,800 | $39,293 |
| 23 | Dana | 3,824 | 6.6% | $223,400 | $55,801 |
| 24 | Jonesville | 2,782 | 4.0% | $117,500 | $28,257 |
| 25 | Snow Hill | 2,102 | 7.2% | $121,300 | $41,125 |
| 26 | Maxton | 2,398 | 8.1% | $79,600 | $22,632 |
| 27 | Wadesboro | 4,966 | 12.8% | $98,600 | $34,125 |
| 28 | Icard | 2,291 | 11.2% | $136,600 | $47,825 |
| 29 | Scotland Neck | 2,087 | 13.1% | $76,100 | $18,202 |
| 30 | Hertford | 1,703 | 7.1% | $178,600 | $40,096 |
| 31 | Fairmont | 2,326 | 9.0% | $88,500 | $36,493 |
| 32 | Biscoe | 2,259 | 2.4% | $112,800 | $43,773 |
| 33 | Denton | 1,271 | 10.5% | $160,400 | $46,061 |
| 34 | Robbins | 1,398 | 0.9% | $102,900 | $50,023 |
| 35 | Gamewell | 3,701 | 5.1% | $154,100 | $55,977 |
| 36 | Candor | 1,284 | 1.3% | $139,400 | $46,983 |
| 37 | Chocowinity | 1,090 | 26.4% | $116,500 | $34,141 |
| 38 | Coats | 2,029 | 6.1% | $116,800 | $38,098 |
| 39 | Star | 1,430 | 4.3% | $131,600 | $37,135 |
| 40 | Ellerbe | 1,070 | 19.2% | $107,200 | $48,404 |
| 41 | Spindale | 4,244 | 11.0% | $130,800 | $38,509 |
| 42 | Plymouth | 3,264 | 19.4% | $83,900 | $30,462 |
| 43 | Badin | 2,163 | 10.5% | $130,500 | $43,068 |
| 44 | Cherokee | 1,631 | 1.7% | $192,700 | $48,173 |
| 45 | Rose Hill | 1,501 | 7.3% | $116,200 | $44,722 |
| 46 | Mount Olive | 4,204 | 9.0% | $117,200 | $45,869 |
| 47 | Barker Heights | 1,025 | 2.1% | $199,700 | $28,929 |
| 48 | Pembroke | 2,823 | 4.2% | $114,700 | $22,940 |
| 49 | Franklinville | 1,129 | 3.3% | $122,400 | $53,942 |
| 50 | Windsor | 3,417 | 15.4% | $111,400 | $38,631 |
| 51 | Louisburg | 3,128 | 26.6% | $217,400 | $31,827 |
| 52 | Sparta | 1,957 | 3.5% | $215,800 | $38,542 |
| 53 | Grifton | 2,661 | 16.0% | $122,100 | $36,664 |
| 54 | Mar-Mac | 2,802 | 9.4% | $139,800 | $53,125 |
| 55 | Spring Hope | 1,334 | 6.8% | $142,400 | $35,577 |
| 56 | Jefferson | 1,852 | 4.2% | $186,300 | $35,938 |
| 57 | Chadbourn | 1,347 | 0.0% | $100,300 | $19,853 |
| 58 | Wilson’s Mills | 2,652 | 11.7% | $228,700 | $61,677 |
| 59 | Gorman | 1,447 | 2.5% | $248,000 | $56,094 |
| 60 | Yadkinville | 2,986 | 5.0% | $172,800 | $43,577 |
| 61 | Polkton | 2,759 | 3.4% | $134,100 | $45,625 |
| 62 | Ahoskie | 4,798 | 10.4% | $123,800 | $40,762 |
| 63 | Dobson | 1,521 | 6.6% | $168,300 | $44,531 |
| 64 | River Road | 3,518 | 2.6% | $187,700 | $47,978 |
| 65 | Roseboro | 1,007 | 2.4% | $110,500 | $39,345 |
| 66 | La Grange | 2,692 | 8.9% | $78,500 | $49,475 |
| 67 | Columbus | 1,166 | 4.7% | $210,100 | $56,083 |
| 68 | Elkin | 4,025 | 5.1% | $187,200 | $60,434 |
| 69 | Murphy | 1,356 | 5.4% | $221,100 | $36,989 |
| 70 | Elroy | 3,507 | 3.4% | $120,500 | $54,375 |
| 71 | Burgaw | 3,249 | 11.5% | $207,400 | $65,514 |
| 72 | Beulaville | 1,438 | 2.7% | $123,400 | $40,900 |
| 73 | North Wilkesboro | 4,348 | 3.2% | $231,400 | $39,288 |
| 74 | Mulberry | 2,134 | 13.5% | $164,000 | $52,416 |
| 75 | Norlina | 1,050 | 5.7% | $88,200 | $34,659 |
| 76 | Cajah’s Mountain | 2,696 | 7.6% | $175,900 | $53,714 |
| 77 | Marshville | 2,586 | 10.5% | $147,100 | $60,784 |
| 78 | Cordova | 1,343 | 29.9% | $155,200 | $65,801 |
| 79 | Princeville | 1,502 | 8.7% | $99,100 | $49,583 |
| 80 | Fruitland | 2,417 | 0.0% | $136,500 | $46,113 |
| 81 | West Marion | 1,018 | 9.3% | $123,300 | $38,523 |
| 82 | Edenton | 4,480 | 9.3% | $226,800 | $42,721 |
| 83 | Stoneville | 1,213 | 7.0% | $151,300 | $52,865 |
| 84 | Ramseur | 2,061 | 2.8% | $130,000 | $29,508 |
| 85 | Elizabet | 3,294 | 0.0% | $153,400 | $32,577 |
| 86 | Bayboro | 1,282 | 1.6% | $133,400 | $28,125 |
| 87 | Bladenboro | 2,181 | 4.6% | $89,800 | $55,517 |
| 88 | Enochville | 3,392 | 4.6% | $225,200 | $65,328 |
| 89 | Toast | 1,066 | 3.0% | $93,900 | $33,914 |
| 90 | Foscoe | 1,257 | 6.9% | $302,500 | $44,367 |
| 91 | Kenly | 2,351 | 7.8% | $183,300 | $46,229 |
| 92 | Robersonville | 1,319 | 5.2% | $85,900 | $43,359 |
| 93 | Franklin | 4,221 | 2.3% | $190,600 | $43,991 |
| 94 | Bryson City | 1,676 | 1.2% | $246,700 | $43,387 |
| 95 | Wallace | 3,438 | 6.2% | $192,800 | $49,358 |
| 96 | Rhodhiss | 1,062 | 2.2% | $113,400 | $48,125 |
| 97 | Calabash | 2,397 | 7.2% | $202,000 | $60,048 |
| 98 | Salem | 2,035 | 7.2% | $159,300 | $66,653 |
| 99 | Hayesville | 1,110 | 0.0% | $217,400 | $52,875 |
| 100 | Millers Creek | 1,469 | 4.4% | $191,700 | $59,239 |
As a resident outsider to Casar (from Miami, FL) I have to say that whomever (Bud Tapman) wrote this is an idiot and knows nothing about our town. First, our population is 298, not 410. Second, despite the fact that our average median income is under $20,000, there is not one single resident that would ever allow a neighbor to go to bed hungry. We pull together as a community to help one another in one way or another. This town is built on generations of kindness, humility, and hard working people. The folks her have strong roots in faith, love, and compassion. So when you say that we are number three on the your uninformed list of places to live, stay out if you don’t like the type of people I have described.
My husband and I have lived here our entire marriage(43) yrs. In 2005 our home burned to the ground. Neither of is we’re home that day. He is a minister, was in Gastonia that day. I worked for a dermatologist, was off that day at a Dr’s appt. picked my granddaughter up. When I pulled in the fire department was trying to save our hpme. The fire men worked so hard to some actually passed out. Strangers showed up with clothes for us. My sister in law Carol fixed us a meal that night, stayed the night with my mother. Came the next morning to our burnt home and fireman had came back to check on us. Neighbors, strangers brought us money, food and clothes to wear. We lost everything, even a car sitting on the carport. This little town you describe as third came in first that day. It might be small and poor in your estimation but when it comes to a tragedy or needing a helping hand, its number one. Faith, living right, and being a good neighbor is all around us. Rethinking your status of #3 might be in order. No, we are not perfect. Come check is put in person.
from Shelby lived here 34 years best town and best fire dept. in Cleveland county
This must be another Gay rights Activist writing these articles, who is supported by our Attorney General, Roy Cooper!
whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?!
Lewiston is not a poor town with a lot of dropouts. There’s 36 teachers, doctors, parents of am NBA star, nurses, and prominent business owners within a 4 mile radius of my childhood home. It’s quiet and most people are related or friends. People need not write about things they truly don’t know.
It very much is a poor town. I could not believe how bad it looks now compared to when I was a teenager. It’s gone downhill.
I love living in Stonewall. Unlike these demographics, I have a job (often more than 3-4!) a college eduation (plus a grad degree!) and am not a criminal. Yes, we have some uneployment here.. but there are MANY retirees who chose to stay in Stonewall.
SHEESH!
THANK You For all the Great Info, and the Great replies too. Does anyone here happen to know the area or areas of Mt. Airy, NC.? From what im hearing about the drug scene, Andy has left the building. Have considered moving there for the good home prices, but there’s always a minus for a plus, understood, but druggies and violence in my face, ain’t worth it. I may have to redneck it on over to Robbinsville, Lol.
In my view, I feel the article is directed, perhaps unconsciously, but it doesn’t feel unconscious frankly – is directed at predominately white people to warn them of towns that are predominately black. Yes, I do find it frankly offensive and under the banner of white privilege – and I wonder too how many of the towns listed as the “worst” have sizable minority populations.
I don’t feel we can necessarily take a purely statistical approach and also say in a pejorative sense, that e.g. “Yanceyville” is one of the “worst” towns or the “pits” – and then have links to data that show it has a black majority in terms of residents.
Maybe the fact there is higher unemployment has also something to do with the reinforcement of negativity in terms of the language chosen to use when describing the statistics? Potential businesses ostensibly review such info – and I find Bud Tapman to be essentially aiding and abetting social and economic racial injustice.