North Carolina Crime Rate by City 2024 – Latest Statistics

For the second year in a row, North Carolina saw an increase in its violent crime rate — rising from 4.3 incidents per 1,000 people to 4.7. The state’s property crime rate experienced a slight decrease, dropping from 22.4 incidents per 1,000 to 21.6. Despite this rise in violent crime and more people reporting experiences with it, survey participants in North Carolina expressed less concern about crime and safety overall. The North Carolina crime rate by city varies widely. Here are some of the safest and most dangerous cities based on recent data.

North Carolina Crime Rates

North Carolina sees around 43,000 violent crimes a year and just over 200,000 property crimes every year. The combined crime rate is 24.69 per 1,000 residents, meaning that, for every 1,000 people living in North Carolina, around 25 will experience a property or violent crime. North Carolina has a higher rate of violent crime than the national average. The murder rate per 1,000 people in North Carolina is .08, while the national average is .06.

Charlotte Crime Rates

Charlotte earns a D in overall crime. On average, a crime occurs every three minutes in Charlotte. The crime rate in Charlotte is higher than the national average. Charlotte ranks in the 17th percentile for safety, meaning that 83% of cities are safer and 17% are more dangerous.

The crime rate in the Charlotte area is 53.94 incidents per 1,000 residents in a typical year. Most Charlotteans consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest. Where you live in Charlotte is a major factor in how safe you are. You have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming a victim of a misdemeanor crime or felony in eastern neighborhoods and as low as 1 in 42 in the southeast parts of the city.

Fayetteville Crime Rates

Fayetteville has one of the highest crime rates in the country. Only 4% of cities in the United States have a higher rate of crime. The rate of violent crime is 9.81 per 1,000 people. The property crime rate is 34.82 per 1,000 people. Residents of Fayetteville have a one in nine chance of becoming a victim of crime in any given year, while the state average is one in 48.

Raleigh Crime Rates

Raleigh receives a B minus for crime rates. A crime occurs once every 12 minutes in the city.
The B- grade indicates that the crime rate in Raleigh is slightly lower than the national average. Raleigh ranks in the 59th percentile for safety. This means that it is safer than 59% of cities. 

The crime rate in Raleigh is 29.83 incidents per 1,000 residents. Crime rates vary by neighborhood. The southwest part of the city is considered to be the safest by residents. The more dangerous areas in the center of the city have a crime rate as high as one in 23, while southwest neighborhoods have a crime rate of one in 64. 

Crime Rate in Greensboro

Greensboro has a violent crime rate of 8.19 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate is 38.16 per 1,000 residents. The rate of crime per square mile in Greensboro is significantly higher than the state average. There are 106 crimes per square mile in Greensboro and 23 per square mile in North Carolina. The safest neighborhoods in Greensboro are Forest Oaks, Hillsdale, Northern Shores, Bunch Rd., and Huffine Mill Rd.

FAQs

Q: What City Has the Highest Crime Rate in NC?

A: The most dangerous city in North Carolina, based on the crime rate per 100,000 residents, is Hamlet. With a crime rate of 5,851 per 100,000 residents, Hamlet has a crime rate that is 111% higher than the state average. Hamlet is a smaller city with a population of just over 6,000. Crime has been trending down in the city, which is located in Richmond County in the southeastern part of the state.

Q: What City in North Carolina Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

A: The safest city in North Carolina is Pinehurst. This charming town, located in Moore County, is known for its picturesque surroundings and world-class golf courses. Pinehurst is characterized by its beautiful pine forests, rolling hills, and manicured landscapes. Historic Pinehurst Resort features several renowned golf courses designed by legendary golf architects.

Q: What Is the Safest Area in North Carolina to Live?

A: The safest areas in North Carolina to live in are Pinehurst, Whispering Pines, Davidson, Waxhaw, Elon, and Rolesville. Many of the safest places to live in are smaller towns, while the more dangerous areas to live in are more heavily populated. Overall, North Carolina has a higher violent crime rate than the United States average.

Q: How Do I Stay Safe in North Carolina?

A: North Carolina’s cities are culturally and historically rich communities that are ideal for living and raising children. Like in any city, there are areas that are more safe than others. One way you can stay safe is by avoiding going out alone and being vigilant at night. Many crimes occur out of the sight of others, so stay around crowds whenever possible and keep your belongings close to your person.

Q: What Is the Most Violent County in North Carolina?

A: Robeson County has the highest rate of crime in the state. The second-most dangerous county is Scotland County. Located in southeastern North Carolina, Robeson County is known for its diverse population. It is home to the Lumbee Tribe. The county’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly tobacco farming. Despite high levels of unemployment, Robeson County boasts a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through events like the Lumbee Homecoming.

Schedule Your North Carolina Attorney Consultation Today

Like any state, North Carolina has cities that are safer than others to live in. Even in large urban cities that have higher crime rates, there are often many safe neighborhoods where residents feel safe.

If you or a loved one recently ran into problems with the law, Cody Law Firm is here to help. With the right legal representation, you may be able to lower the penalties tied to your case. If the evidence supports your innocence, our attorneys can fight to have your charges dropped. To schedule your visit, contact our office today.