Known as the 'Tar Heel State,' North Carolina is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the southeastern United States, North Carolina offers a variety of terrains, from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean beaches in the east. The state's economy is robust, driven by industries such as technology, finance, agriculture, and manufacturing. Charlotte, the state's largest city, is a major financial hub, while Raleigh, the state capital, is part of the Research Triangle, known for its high-tech research and development. North Carolina is also home to prestigious universities, beautiful parks, and a thriving arts scene, contributing to its dynamic cultural landscape.
Low crime rates are essential for maintaining a high quality of life, making the safest cities in North Carolina highly desirable. Safety fosters a sense of community and stability, allowing residents to thrive in a secure environment. Factors contributing to the safety of North Carolina's cities include strong law enforcement, active community policing, and engaged local governments. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring a transparent and reliable measure of safety. This emphasis on security allows residents to enjoy North Carolina's natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities without the overshadowing concern of crime, making it an attractive place to live and work.
Rank | Location | Population | Violent Crimes /100k | Property Crimes /100k | Total Crimes /100k |
1 | Pinehurst | 16,382 | 33 | 374 | 407 |
2 | Davidson | 12,920 | 33 | 467 | 500 |
3 | Winterville | 10,062 | 159 | 485 | 643 |
4 | Elon | 11,941 | 88 | 625 | 712 |
5 | Rolesville | 8,002 | 85 | 654 | 739 |
6 | Waxhaw | 16,165 | 84 | 734 | 818 |
7 | Fuquay-Varina | 29,110 | 69 | 850 | 920 |
8 | Wendell | 7,962 | 172 | 791 | 962 |
9 | Stallings | 15,781 | 95 | 943 | 1,038 |
10 | Mint Hill | 27,258 | 86 | 969 | 1,055 |
11 | Holly Springs | 36,595 | 66 | 1,004 | 1,070 |
12 | Concord | 94,147 | 106 | 984 | 1,090 |
13 | Gibsonville | 7,232 | 199 | 939 | 1,138 |
14 | Cornelius | 29,836 | 132 | 1,007 | 1,139 |
15 | Wake Forest | 44,068 | 115 | 1,043 | 1,158 |
16 | Cary | 169,177 | 80 | 1,106 | 1,185 |
17 | Apex | 55,220 | 55 | 1,144 | 1,198 |
18 | Woodfin | 6,689 | 185 | 1,074 | 1,260 |
19 | Huntersville | 57,288 | 135 | 1,212 | 1,348 |
20 | Clayton | 23,179 | 113 | 1,235 | 1,348 |
21 | Boiling Spring Lakes | 6,156 | 173 | 1,355 | 1,528 |
22 | Brevard | 7,841 | 180 | 1,414 | 1,594 |
23 | Boone | 19,466 | 111 | 1,527 | 1,638 |
24 | Mount Holly | 15,947 | 209 | 1,458 | 1,667 |
25 | Bessemer City | 5,536 | 305 | 1,365 | 1,670 |
26 | Archdale | 11,738 | 167 | 1,650 | 1,816 |
27 | Fletcher | 8,287 | 161 | 1,712 | 1,874 |
28 | King | 6,980 | 69 | 1,830 | 1,899 |
29 | Ayden | 5,138 | 434 | 1,480 | 1,914 |
30 | Butner | 7,779 | 209 | 1,775 | 1,984 |
31 | Carrboro | 21,254 | 274 | 1,732 | 2,006 |
32 | Cherryville | 6,018 | 194 | 1,824 | 2,018 |
33 | Chapel Hill | 61,912 | 185 | 1,989 | 2,174 |
34 | Havelock | 19,927 | 199 | 2,005 | 2,204 |
35 | Southern Pines | 14,347 | 244 | 1,989 | 2,233 |
36 | Kannapolis | 49,788 | 196 | 2,046 | 2,242 |
37 | Selma | 6,950 | 628 | 1,622 | 2,250 |
38 | Morrisville | 27,582 | 120 | 2,144 | 2,264 |
39 | Newton | 13,106 | 234 | 2,075 | 2,309 |
40 | Mooresville | 38,498 | 180 | 2,132 | 2,312 |
41 | Jacksonville | 74,313 | 311 | 2,074 | 2,385 |
42 | Graham | 15,168 | 420 | 2,060 | 2,480 |
43 | New Bern | 29,985 | 506 | 2,040 | 2,546 |
44 | Carolina Beach | 6,324 | 466 | 2,225 | 2,691 |
45 | Kings Mountain | 10,885 | 482 | 2,254 | 2,736 |
46 | Knightdale | 16,798 | 209 | 2,559 | 2,767 |
47 | Raleigh | 469,698 | 500 | 2,335 | 2,834 |
48 | Oxford | 8,812 | 731 | 2,114 | 2,844 |
49 | Morehead City | 9,495 | 296 | 2,559 | 2,854 |
50 | Angier | 5,748 | 294 | 2,644 | 2,938 |
The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in North Carolina is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included North Carolina cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.
The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.