Safest Cities in North Carolina: Your Guide to Secure Living

North Carolina is an average US state compared to other states in terms of safety. There are safe cities to live in with very low crime rates and a welcoming environment.

In this article, we will take an insight into the top safest cities in North Carolina along with their crime rates. We will also share tips on how people can protect themselves by taking safety measures.

Is North Carolina Safe?

Yes, North Carolina is generally considered a safe state. Cities like Cary, Morrisville, and Huntersville are some of the safest cities to live in North Carolina. However, there are still some cities and neighborhoods, particularly in larger urban areas, that may have higher crime rates.

Top 10 Safest Cities in North Carolina

These 10 cities are well-known for their low crime rates, welcoming environment, peaceful & secure life, safe neighborhoods, etc. You can consider them as safest cities to live in North Carolina.

1. Pinehurst

Pinehurst is primarily known as a Golf destination due to its beautiful landscapes, resorts, and parks. This is a village of beautiful tree-lined streets, quaint shops, boutiques, and cafes. It offers a perfect place to live with an 18000+ population size. The Violent and Property crime rates in 2024 are 0.2 and 4.2 respectively.

2. Whispering Pines

Whispering Pines is an ideal place in North Carolina to live with family. It is the hub of beautiful tranquil lakes and lush pine trees. The crime rates of Whispering Pines in 2024 are 0.6 Violent and 3.4 Property crime with a 5000+ population size.

3. Davidson

Davidson is another charming town known for its vibrant community, stunning natural scenes, and beauty. Besides its beautiful sights, it also allows the residents to feel safe and secure with low crime rates. In 2024, the Violent crime and Property crime of Davidson is recorded as 0.3 and 4.7 respectively.

4. Waxhaw

The rich history, charming town, and scenic beauty of Waxhaw make it an appealing place to live. The crime rate of this city is also very low compared to the national average. The recorded Violent and Property crimes in 2024 are 0.6 and 7.7 respectively.

5. Elon

Elon is an ideal city in North Carolina for those who are looking for a friendly, safe, and peaceful place to call home. The low crime rate, strong sense of community, excellent schools, and hospitable receptive town make it a perfect place for being safe and secure. The reported crime rates in 2024 are; 0.9 Violent crimes and 6.7 Property crimes with a population size of 11000+ individuals.

6. Rolesville

Rolesville is also a small charming town known for its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. With a low crime rate of 0.9 (Violent crime) and 7.1 (property crime), it offers a safe and secure place for people with multiple opportunities to grow.

7. Fuquay-Varina

Fuquay-Varina is a picturesque town with warmhearted surroundings and a vibrant community. With a low crime rate, this town is a perfect place for those who are seeking a balanced lifestyle in North Carolina. The crime rates of this city are; 0.7 (Violent crime) and 8.9 (Property crime).

8. Winterville

Winterville is a town of radiant and exquisite locations and sceneries. This town offers affordable housing options, excellent schools, and low crime rates with valuable cultural opportunities. The crime rates in this city are; 1.6 (Violent crime) and 5.5 (Property crime).

9. Holly Springs

This is again a beautiful town in North Carolina with a strong sense of community and natural beauty. Its lush forests and scenic landscapes attract residents who appreciate outdoor activities. This city also offers a safe and comfortable living experience with a low crime rate of 0.6 (Violent crime) and 10.5 ( property crime).

10. Mint Hill

Mint Hill is the safest and most peaceful suburban town in North Carolina on our list. It also offers a blend of charm, safety, and community engagement for the residents of this region. The low crime rates of 0.8 (violent crime) and 9.8 (property crime) of this town make it an ideal location for those who prefer a slow pace of life with modern comforts and opportunities.

Top 5 Safest Cities in North Carolina from Natural Disasters

Since North Carolina often experiences natural disasters, when choosing the best place to live, you should also consider the location's resistance to such events.

1. Asheville

Asheville is far from the coast and nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. So it is less vulnerable to hurricanes and coastal flooding. The city does experience occasional winter storms or landslides in mountainous areas, but overall, it’s less prone to major natural disasters.

2. Hickory

Located in the western part of the state, Hickory is situated away from the coastal areas that are prone to hurricanes and flooding. It has a lower risk of severe weather compared to cities along the coast and is typically safe from tornadoes as well.

3. Greensboro

As an inland city, Greensboro is generally safe from hurricanes and flooding. The city does experience occasional tornadoes, but they are much less frequent and less severe than those in other parts of the state.

4. Charlotte

While Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, it is located far enough inland to be safe from coastal flooding and hurricanes. Though it can experience occasional storms and tornadoes, it remains relatively safe from the most extreme weather events that impact the coastal regions.

5. Winston-Salem

Situated in the Piedmont region, Winston-Salem is less likely to experience the devastating effects of hurricanes or coastal flooding. This city is typically shielded from the more extreme weather that impacts the coast and mountain regions.

How to Find the Safest Place to Live in North Carolina?

People of North Carolina face high rates of crimes in different specific cities. Majorly, four types of crimes are most common in those cities. You can use the following four rates to find best places to live in North Carolina.

Violent Crime

Violent Crime poses a challenging situation in different cities of North Carolina with an average of 45% which is below the National Crime Average (50%). This crime includes homicide, robbery, and assault. The percentage of people experiencing this crime has increased to 15% from 13% in one year.

Property Crime

It involves burglary, vandalism, and theft. With an average crime value of 43%, this is affecting both suburban and urban areas of North Carolina. Although the property crime rate has decreased from 22.4 to 21.6 incidents per 1000 people, people are unsafe and around 80% of residents use some sort of property protection there.

Gun Violence

Gun violence is also a growing concern in different selected regions of North Carolina. It includes shooting and illegal use of firearms against civilians. The average crime value of gun violence is 54% which is higher than the National Crime Average (51%).

Package Theft

With increased online shopping, this crime is also becoming more severe day by day. Thieves attack on porches for targeted deliveries as well as in mailboxes. Its average crime value is 47% in North Carolina and 41% of respondents have increased their security cheeks through camera installation and other methods.

How To Stay Safe In Best Places to Live in North Carolina?

Here are a few things you can do to stay safe in North Carolina.

• Make good relationships with your neighbors. They can help you out in case of any issue.
• Keep firearms for your safety.
• Have a dog to prevent intruders.
• Install a security camera to monitor your property. You can go with Altas PT Ultra as it is an incredible Wi-Fi 6 battery-powered camera with 4K resolution, ColorX night vision, 360-degree field of view, real-time alerts, etc.

What Are The Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina?

North Carolina is a home of beautiful landscapes, pleasant communities, and multiple opportunities. But there are some cities where a high value of crime has been recorded.

• Wadesboro
• Lumberton
• Henderson
• Williamston
• Laurinburg
• Roxboro
• Winston-Salem
• Goldsboro
• Whiteville
• Reidsville

FAQs

1. What is The Safest City In North Carolina To Live In?

Pinehurst is considered the safest city in North Carolina. The low crime rate and beauty of this city make it everyone’s first choice to live in.

2. Is North Or South Carolina Safer?

An overview of different factors reveals that North Carolina is safer than South Carolina. But still, people need to study and explore the cities which they are conceding for themself.

3. Where Is The Best Place To Live in North Carolina?

Keeping safety and beautiful sights in mind, cities like Pinehurst, Elon, Waxhaw, Davidson, and Whispering Pines are the best options to live in North Carolina.

Conclusion

North Carolina is neither the safest nor the most dangerous state. In fact, it is in the middle. We have shared the safest and most dangerous cities in North Carolina in this article so that you can be extra careful if you are moving or visiting. But no matter where you live, ensure your security on your own.