North Carolina Crime Rate by City 2024 – Latest Statistics

Various government agencies and nongovernment organizations collect data and report North Carolina crime rate by city, and it is important for every resident of the state to know the potential risks they face in their area when it comes to violent crime and property crime. It is also important for everyone to know what to do if they are charged with breaking the law and the value of having a criminal defense attorney representing them.

State Crime Rate By City

While crime data for 2024 continues to be collected by various agencies and nongovernment organizations, it’s possible to find many reports from various sources explaining the crime rates seen throughout the state. Based on multiple reports, a few of the most dangerous areas in North Carolina include:

• Lumberton, with the highest violent crime rate and the highest property crime rate in the state.
• Whiteville, which has reported some of the highest citywide murder rates in the state over recent years.
• Kannapolis, with a very high property crime rate.
• Rocky Mount, with a robbery rate much higher than the US national average.
• Durham, which has reported very high murder rates and very high violent crime rates overall in recent years.
• Goldsboro, which has reported one of the highest crime rates per 1,000 residents in the entire United States.
• Kinston is widely considered one of the most dangerous cities in the state due to the violent crime and murder rates.
• Wilmington is notorious for a very high rate of drug-related crime.

It is important to remember that while available crime statistics may show some trends that portray certain areas as more dangerous than others, criminal activity can occur anywhere and affect anyone unexpectedly.

Violent crimes include offenses such as assault, assault and battery, various forms of homicide, and domestic violence. These offenses tend to incur very serious penalties that may include fines, jail time, and restitution to victims. Property crimes do not involve physical harm to victims but rather economic harm. Burglary, larceny, fraud, and theft from vehicles are a few of the most commonly cited property crimes in North Carolina.

What to Do if You Are Charged With a Crime

If you are charged with any crime, it is crucial that you know and exercise your constitutional rights in this situation. First, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, which protects you from self-incrimination. Once you are arrested you are under no obligation to answer any questions from the police, no matter what they say to the contrary. Second, you have the right to an attorney.

You should speak with a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible after arrest and booking. You should be permitted to make phone calls after booking, and reaching out to an experienced defense attorney right away offers the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome for your case. Your defense attorney can ensure due process was followed and that your rights were respected, and they will help you develop the most comprehensive defense.

FAQs

Q: What City Has the Highest Crime Rate?

A: The city with the highest crime rate in the state when considering violent crime is Lumberton. Lumberton also reports the highest property crime rate in the state. According to some of the most recently available reports of crime statistics throughout the state, Lumberton, Albemarle, Charlotte, and Wilmington rank among the highest crime rates of all cities in the state.

Q: What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

A: The city with the lowest crime rate in the state is Holly Springs when accounting for cities with populations greater than 25,000 residents. A few of the other safest larger cities in the state include Wake Forest, Cary, and Apex. Some of the lowest crime rates in the state are found in much smaller villages, such as Lansing, Pantego, and Whittier. Some of the safest places to live in North Carolina have fewer than 1,000 residents.

Q: What Should I Do if I’m the Victim of a Crime?

A: If you are the victim of any crime in the state, you should report the incident to the police as quickly as you can and provide the responding officers with as much information as you can about the person who committed the crime. You should seek medical attention if you have been injured and then reach out to a personal injury attorney. While the state will prosecute the defendant for breaking the law, you may have grounds for a civil suit to recover damages.

Q: How Do I Defend Myself if I’m Charged With a Crime?

A: If you are charged with a crime in North Carolina, hiring an experienced defense attorney is the most important step you can take in defending yourself. The state has the burden of proving that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high standard of proof to meet. Your defense attorney can help you prevent the prosecution from meeting their burden of proof in various ways, or they can at least assist you in mitigating the penalties assigned to you.

Q: What Is the Most Common Crime?

A: The most common crime in North Carolina, according to recent reports, is assault. In 2022 alone, there were more than 72,000 reports of simple assault statewide. A few of the other most commonly reported crimes in the state include larceny of various levels, destruction of property, drug offenses, and theft from vehicles. If you believe you are the victim of a crime, it is vital to report the incident to 911 immediately.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates has extensive professional experience in both criminal defense and personal injury law. If you have been charged with a crime, we can defend you, and if you are the victim of a crime, we can help you pursue compensation for your losses. If you believe you have grounds for any type of civil claim or need legal counsel you trust to defend you in a criminal case, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.