North Carolina Crime Rate By City 2024 – Latest Statistics

North Carolina draws people in with stunning landscapes, cultural history, and a booming economy. These qualities make it a top destination for tourists and movers alike. Despite its attractive elements, safety is a concern for some people when researching the state. While understanding the North Carolina crime rate by city can help individuals compare places to live and visit, it’s not the only factor to consider.

General Picture of North Carolina Crime Rates

North Carolina’s overall crime rate falls 16th in some state rankings regarding violent and non-violent crimes. While this level is a starting point for understanding crime, there can be significant variations within the state.

Urban environments can have higher crime rates than rural areas. However, the perception of crime in urban areas can be skewed. While some believe densely populated areas are more dangerous because of the number of people, crime rates in urban areas often concentrate around specific neighborhoods rather than the entire city. Many downtown areas can be safer than surrounding areas despite their perception of high crime.

Focusing solely on citywide crime rates can give you an inaccurate perception of a city. Neighborhood-to-neighborhood crime data is typically more insightful for a more accurate view. Accessing specific safety data for the areas you want to learn more about can be beneficial.

Detailed Look at North Carolina Data by Area

Every state has cities and communities with higher crime rates than others. Crime rates fluctuate yearly, possibly showing improvement efforts in some places or stagnation in others. Some of the cities with the highest crime rates in North Carolina may be different than expected. A North Carolina criminal attorney can help you understand the crime in your area.

Rockingham

This Richmond County town has a crime rate of 54.34 per 1,000 residents. This rate is more than double the statewide average and one of the highest crime rates in the state. Located outside of Charlotte, some residents claim the northeast part of the city is the safest.

Cullowhee

Home to Western Carolina University, Cullowhee in Jackson County has a crime rate slightly lower than Rockingham at 45.54 per 1,000 residents. With one of the highest rates in North Carolina, Cullowhee also sits within the Great Smoky Mountains. The area offers a scenic landscape with various shops, bars, and restaurants. If you visit, practice safety precautions near off-campus housing areas.

Cornelius

Cornelius is another area outside of Charlotte with a high crime rate of 43.05 per 1,000 residents. Home robbery is more common here than in other regions of North Carolina, commonly happening in homes without security systems.

The population of this area has grown significantly in recent years, which will likely affect future crime rates. Residents enjoy the charming lake environment and amenities, so researching specific neighborhoods can help one better understand where crimes typically occur in the city.

Various factors influence crime data, especially in these cities with higher crime rates than others. Deciphering the reasons behind crime and its effect on the broader population can help you gain a more holistic understanding of crime in a particular area. This additional research can help better display North Carolina’s safety level.

Contributing to Safety Despite Statistics

Whether you are visiting, living somewhere new, or worrying about your area’s crime level, proactive measures can help you and others feel safe and get the optimal experience out of your community. Safety-enhancing steps can include:

• Developing Neighborly Relationships: Being in an unfamiliar place can be scary. Feeling safe in or outside your residence can be challenging when you do not know anyone and your area has a high crime perception. Building a solid sense of community can help deter crime and improve perceptions of neighborhoods. Introducing yourself to your neighbors, exchanging information, and looking out for them can go far.
• Know Your Neighborhood: The more you can explore your neighborhood in the daytime, the more you can understand the safe versus less inviting areas. Understanding where the frequently patrolled places, well-lit streets, and community landmarks are can grant a sense of direction and better peace of mind in any city.
• Enhancing Home Security: Concerns about home safety in areas with high crime can feel warranted. A layered security system can help alleviate these concerns. Measures like solid door and window locks, lights, and a visible security system can deter crime before it occurs. Keeping valuables away from doors and windows can help prevent possible theft.

Following these steps can do more than enhance your safety. Many places experience a decreasing sense of community before crime rates dramatically increase. Areas that develop more community activity and involvement can experience decreases in crime.

FAQs

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

A: Deciphering which city has the highest crime rate in North Carolina is complicated. Many sources vary depending on the data and methodology used. Additionally, using crime data to compare cities can be misleading. However, the county with the highest index crime rate in 2022 was Robeson, at 5,788 per 100,000 residents. The city of Lumberton is located in this county.

Specific neighborhoods can skew statistics and cause high crime rates in some cities. Researching particular neighborhoods is a more effective approach to understanding a city’s crime level.

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

A: Identifying what city in North Carolina has the lowest crime rate is complex. Factors like population, demographics, and types of crimes most commonly reported heavily influence crime rates. In 2022, the county with one of the lowest crime rates was Yancy County, with an index crime rate of 454.8 per 100,000 people. Burnsville and Green Mountain are in Yancey County.

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

A: Similar to cities, determining the most violent county in North Carolina can be difficult. Larger counties with higher populations can have higher numbers of reported crimes. In 2022, Robeson County had the highest violent crime rate at 1,312.5 per 100,000 people.

For the most accurate assessment of crime in an area, it may help to focus on a smaller area’s crime rate. Researching that place can be beneficial if you travel to or live in a specific part of a country.

Q: What Are the Biggest Risks of Living in North Carolina?

A: North Carolina’s environmental challenges are the most significant risks of living there. If you consider visiting or living in the state, you can educate yourself on the possibilities of hurricanes, tornados, floods, and occasional winter storms.

While it is unlikely that all these disasters will occur in one area, they can cause power outages, property damage, and significant life disruptions. Although the state can display incredible natural landscapes, accounting for natural risks is wise.

Get More Information About Crime in North Carolina

Living in a North Carolina area with a high crime rate can be intimidating, but being informed can help you feel more secure. The attorneys at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can help you if you receive a criminal charge in the state. Contact our experienced attorney today for more information.