The website Homesnacks compiled newly released FBI data to reveal the most dangerous places in North Carolina, places you surely wouldn’t want to visit after nightfall.

Remember that, when comparing the crime rate, population is taken into consideration. While cities like Durham, Fayetteville and Charlotte see plenty of crime – and also more frequently than those listed below – the lower population means more crime per person and more likelihood of it happening if you visited. In larger cities, you’re a fish in a big pond, but in these smaller towns that already see plenty of crime, you’re a big fish in a small pond and more likely to be targeted. Because it’s more likely that you’ll be the victim in these places, they are some of the most dangerous places in North Carolina.

10. Burlington
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM
Surprisingly, Burlington ranked number 10. Out of the state's property crime rate Burlington ranks 22nd, but an average of one violent crime occurs here per day. One positive note is that the violence is going down.
9. Salisbury
Flickr / Allen Forrest
As the midway point between Charlotte and the Piedmont, Salisbury is a charming, historic town that was a former railroad hub and also home of both Cheerwine and Foodlion. While revitalization efforts are underway, the violent crime rate still ranks number 9 in the state and property crime at 16. Homesnacks noted that violence is due to a drug problem within the community. Many of the crime relates to automobile, storage, and garage break-ins, making this one of the most dangerous places in North Carolina.
8. Smithfield
Town of Smithfield, NC Government/Facebook
While crime has been steadily falling over the past few years, Smithfield still ranks 10 for violent crime and 9 for property crime. Homesnacks relates violence to drinking and drugs and also notes that if you spent a year here, you'd have a one in 18 chance of falling victim to property crime.
7. Rocky Mount
Flickr / Malcolm K.
Another eastern NC town that's found itself on the list is Rocky Mountain, if you spent a year here, your chance of falling victim to a violent crime are 1 out of 95. It ranks as 5th in the state for violent crime and 14th for property crime.
6. Goldsboro
Flickr / Bill
While Goldsboro is a great place to stop for some Wilber's BBQ, the city of 37,000 sees around one violent crime per day. Here, the crime rate goes up and down, but FBI data found it as the 6th in the state for violent crime rate and 8th for property damage. Homesnacks reports in 2016 there have been 8 total murders with five of those remaining unsolved.

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5. Statesville
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM
While Statesville is seeing improvements, the mass increase in property crime and theft landed it number 5 on the list. It ranks 7th in the state for violent crime and 4th for property crime.
4. Laurinburg
Flickr / Eric
Laurinburg has plenty of history and historical buildings dating back to when tobacco farming reigned supreme. Today though, it's listed as the 4th most violent place in the state, with property crime at 7th in the state. For a small town, over 200 violent crimes is somewhat shocking. That high ratio brings Laurinburg to number four on the list of the most dangerous places in North Carolina.
3. Kinston
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Kinston has plenty of eastern NC farmland charm, but the small population hikes up its ranking on the list to number three. Kinston ranks third in the state both for violent and property crimes.
2. Henderson
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM
Not only does Henderson rank 2nd on our list, but it's also the 20th in the nation with more than 200 violent crimes in the past two years with numbers only climbing. In the state it ranks 2nd for both violent and property crime. If you spent a year in Henderson, you'd have a one in ten chance of being robbed. Crime stats also show Henderson is 5 times more dangerous than the state's average, making Henderson almost the most dangerous place to live in North Carolina.
1. Lumberton
Flickr / Gerry Dincher
Lumberton ranks first for both violent and property crime, and also ranks as 4th in the entire nation. This makes it first on the list of the 10 most dangerous places to live in North Carolina. After Hurricane Matthew, the town of Lumberton was left devastated and many are still displaced.

Sure, plenty of places are dangerous – it’s important to exercise common sense and prior to visiting, ask locals where not to hang out. Luckily, cities like Fayetteville and Durham that once experienced above national average crime have found their crime rates dropping. In any city though, you’d want to make sure you’re safe and like stated above – just ask a local where to go and where not to go.
Were you surprised by the list at all? Like I said, these places are smaller towns and cities, increasing the crime rate. Are there any you think should be added to the list?

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Most Dangerous Places in North Carolina

Danielle Schwartz | March 07, 2022

What is the smallest town in North Carolina?

The smallest active town in North Carolina is Peachland. Located in Anson County, the population was just 470 as of 2019! Its area is just over one square mile. Perhaps because of its small size, Peachland has an active community, filled with events like children's storytime at the Hampton B. Allen Library, tree and shrub growing gatherings, and a grief support group for those going through difficult times.

What is the oldest town in North Carolina?

The oldest town in North Carolina is Bath, which was founded in 1705 after a French protestant settlement was established in the 1690s. The proximity to the Pamlico River made it a good place to begin a new town. While Bath started out with a great amount of conflict regarding religion and politics, the town eventually calmed down and became a peaceful place to live. Today, it is a very small village with restored historical sites, including the St. Thomas Church and the Palmer-Marsh House. It lives up to its title as the oldest town in the state with its multiple landmarks and historically significant buildings. You'll learn all about North Carolina history when you visit.

What are the most unique towns in North Carolina?

Some of the most unique towns in North Carolina include Edenton and Blowing Rock. Both towns are small and full of charm. Edenton has its famous Colonial Courthouse, the most well-preserved historical courthouse in the country! You can also take trolley tours and cruises around Edenton Bay. Blowing Rock has just around 1000 residents and has lots to offer its visitors. Known as “North Carolina’s Oldest Travel Attraction,” you can spend a relaxing afternoon looking out at the mountains or shop in the quaint Main Street stores.

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