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Crime continues to be a pressing concern across various cities in North Carolina, with several small towns and major urban areas ranking among the most dangerous in the state.
According to recent research and data compiled from sources including PropertyClub, OMD News, and Southwest Journal, cities such as Lumberton, Albemarle, and Kinston are experiencing crime rates significantly higher than the state and national averages.
From high rates of violent offenses to widespread property crime, this report highlights the top 10 cities where residents face the greatest safety concerns in 2024.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in North Carolina
1. Lumberton, North Carolina
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With a population of 19,025, Lumberton has a crime rate of 132.30 per 1,000 residents, making it 435% more dangerous than the state average. Residents face a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a crime victim. The property crime rate is 122.21 per 1,000 people, and the violent crime rate is 20.18 per 1,000 people.
2. Albemarle,North Carolina
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This city has a population of 16,628 and a crime rate of 6,588 per 100,000 people, which is 149% higher than the state average. Residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a crime victim. In 2023, there were 156 violent crimes reported, including 6 murders, 17 robberies, and 121 assaults.
3. Kinston, North Carolina
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Kinston is widely considered one of the most dangerous cities in the state due to its high violent crime and murder rates.
4. Rockingham, NC
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Despite its small population of 9,031, Rockingham has a crime rate of 5,556, making it 110% more dangerous than the state average. In 2020, there were 66 violent crimes reported, including 4 murders, 14 robberies, and 42 assaults. Property crime is also a concern, with 410 incidents reported, including 110 burglaries and 16 motor vehicle thefts.
5. Gastonia, North Carolina
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With a population of around 81,000, Gastonia has a crime rate of 48.49 per 1,000 people, making it 113% higher than the US average. Residents have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. In 2020, there were 726 violent crimes and 3,173 property crimes reported.
6. Goldsboro, North Carolina
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Goldsboro has one of the highest crime rates per 1,000 residents in the United States, with a violent crime rate of 1,508 per 100,000 people.
7. Greensboro, North Carolina
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With a population of 298,263, Greensboro has a crime rate of 4,513 per 100,000 people, making it 71% more dangerous than the national average. In 2020, there were 2,713 violent crimes reported, including 59 murders, 584 robberies, and 1,972 assaults.
8. Fayetteville, North Carolina
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This city consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous in North Carolina. In 2022, there were 2,065 violent crimes reported and 7,240 property crimes. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 100.
9. Henderson, North Carollina
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Often referred to as the “murder capital” of North Carolina, Henderson has a violent crime rate of 20.12 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 56.77 per 1,000 residents. In 2023, there were 309 violent crime incidents reported, including 10 murders, 41 robberies, and 246 assaults.
10. Durham, North Carolina
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Durham: With a population of 285,527, Durham has a crime rate of 4,597 per 100,000 residents, which is 96% higher than the national average. In 2023, there were 2,455 violent crimes reported, including 36 murders, 627 robberies, and 1,665 assaults.