Are you researching a move to North Carolina and want to know which places to avoid? While North Carolina is a fantastic state overall, it does have cities and neighborhoods where crime rates are significantly higher than average.

We’ve compiled this list based on objective FBI crime data via AreaVibes.com. These rankings focus on violent crime, assault, robbery, murder, and more and include only cities with populations over 5,000.

Here’s everything you need to know about the most dangerous cities in North Carolina, plus the two riskiest neighborhoods in Charlotte.

Is North Carolina Dangerous?

Let’s set the record straight: North Carolina is not a dangerous state overall.

However, like any state, there are specific cities or neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Even in these cities, many safe pockets and beautiful neighborhoods exist—but being aware of riskier areas can help you make smarter decisions if you’re relocating.

Roxboro, NC (Person County)

Population: ~8,300
Location: 30 miles north of Durham
Violent Crime Rate: 1,088 per 100,000 residents
% Above State Average: 178%

Roxboro has a rich tobacco heritage and access to outdoor fun at Hyco Lake. Despite this charm, its violent crime rate places it among North Carolina’s more dangerous cities.

Safer Alternative Nearby: Consider Hillsborough, about 20 miles south, for lower crime rates and a historic downtown vibe.

Hyco Lake near Roxboro, NC, surrounded by trees and blue sky.

Whiteville, NC (Columbus County)

Population: ~5,350
Location: 50 miles west of Wilmington
Violent Crime Rate: 1,171 per 100,000 residents
Chance of Violent Crime: 1 in 85

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Pee Dee,” Whiteville offers access to Lake Waccamaw and hosts the annual North Carolina Pecan Festival. Unfortunately, it sees about 3.21 violent crimes daily.

However, local efforts, such as neighborhood watch groups and community clean-ups, are working to improve safety. Many parts of Whiteville remain quiet and well-maintained.

Columbus County Courthouse in Whiteville, NC, a historic building under blue skies.

Goldsboro, NC (Wayne County)

Population: ~34,000
Location: 40 miles southeast of Raleigh
Violent Crime Rate: 1,508 per 100,000 residents
% Above State Average: 285%
Chance of Violent Crime: 1 in 66

Goldsboro sits in the Greater Research Triangle and is anchored by Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. While it offers plenty of local amenities, it has a higher crime rate than many NC cities.

Safer Alternative Nearby: Check out Kinston, just 25 miles southeast, known for riverside parks and historic charm.

Downtown Goldsboro, NC, with historic buildings and street view.

Laurinburg, NC (Scotland County)

Population: ~15,000
Location: 70 miles southwest of Fayetteville
Violent Crime Rate: 348% higher than state average

Known as the City of Beautiful Trees, Laurinburg has deep Scottish roots and community pride. Despite being the fourth most dangerous city in NC, polls show 50% of residents feel generally safe.

Community efforts and neighborhood watch programs are actively working to reduce crime. Safe pockets exist within Laurinburg.

Tree-lined street in Laurinburg, NC, known as the City of Beautiful Trees.

Henderson, NC (Vance County)

Population: ~15,000
Location: 30 miles north of Durham
Violent Crime Rate: 1,836 per 100,000 residents
% Above State Average: 369%
Daily Violent Crimes: 5.3

Located near Lake Kerr in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, Henderson struggles with high violent crime rates. However, the city is working hard through revitalization projects and community policing.

Safer Alternative Nearby: Oxford, NC, just 20 miles southwest, offers a quieter, safer atmosphere.

Kerr Lake near Henderson, NC, with boats on calm water.

Wadesboro, NC (Anson County)

Population: ~5,300
Location: 58 miles east of Charlotte
Violent Crime Rate: 841 per 100,000 residents
% Above State Average: 370%
Daily Violent Crimes: ~5.05

Wadesboro’s charming uptown district has even served as a filming location for The Color Purple and Evil Dead 2. Yet, the town ranks second on the list of worst cities in North Carolina for violent crime.

Still, residents note that many areas remain safe, boasting active community groups and well-maintained neighborhoods.

Historic uptown district of Wadesboro, NC, with brick storefronts and street view

Lumberton, NC (Robeson County)

Population: ~19,000
Location: 50 miles south of Fayetteville
Violent Crime Rate: 2,018 per 100,000 residents
% Above State Average: 416%
Chance of Violent Crime: 1 in 27

Sitting on the banks of the Lumber River, Lumberton serves as a regional hub. Unfortunately, it tops the list as North Carolina’s most dangerous city, with violent crime rates comparable to larger cities like Baltimore or Detroit.

Safer Alternatives Nearby: Consider Fayetteville, Hope Mills, or Gray’s Creek for lower crime rates and better peace of mind.

Lumber River flowing through Lumberton, NC, surrounded by trees.

Are There Dangerous Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC?

Even though Charlotte is a great place to live overall, it’s not immune to higher-crime neighborhoods. Here are the top two to keep on your radar:

Pinecrest

Location: West of Charlotte City Center
Crime Rate: 540% higher than Charlotte’s city average

Lincoln Heights

Location: North of Charlotte City Center
Crime Rate: 394% higher than Charlotte’s city average

Both neighborhoods have seen elevated rates of violent crime. As with all cities, crime tends to be hyper-local, so there are still many safe, thriving parts of Charlotte.

Final Thoughts

While these are the seven most dangerous cities in North Carolina, remember that each city also has safer areas and vibrant communities. North Carolina overall remains a fantastic state to call home.

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