Looking for a safe and peaceful place in North Carolina to live or visit?
You are at the right place! We bring you the top safest cities in North Carolina– all researched through latest and most reliable data, in order to be able to put together for you this list of top 25 safe cities to call home in 2024.
If you are looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, a place to start a new business, or are retired, this guide is your one-stop solution to the very best North Carolina has to offer.
We have collected local insights, FBI resorts, and expert recommendations to help you find a city with top-notch safety and an excellent quality of life.
By learning what makes these cities so safe, you will be assured you have found the perfect spot for your final destination.
Let’s begin the journey to discovering your perfect haven.
Crime index: North Carolina 2024.
An FBI report reveals that North Carolina’s 2024 crime rate is relatively low, at 24.69 per 1,000 residents.
This indicates that around 25 individuals per 1,000 residents may fall victim to either property or violent crime, particularly in high-crime areas of North Carolina.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Rank for Violent Crime | 16 out of all states |
| State Average Violent Crime Rate | 405 per 100,000 |
Crime map of North Carolina:
The above crime map shows the safest areas in North Carolina in a light blue color, and the darker blue regions depict the most dangerous places.
Safest areas in North Carolina:
- Western North Carolina: Many areas in the western part of the state, including Asheville, Boone, and Hendersonville, appear to have low crime rates.
- Central North Carolina: Some areas in the central region, such as Chapel Hill and Carrboro, also seem to have relatively low crime rates.
Most dangerous areas in North Carolina:
- Eastern North Carolina: Several cities in eastern North Carolina, including Wilmington, Fayetteville, and New Bern, appear to have higher crime rates.
- Charlotte: The city of Charlotte, the largest in the state, has areas with varying crime rates, but some parts seem to have higher levels of crime.
Other observations:
- Coastal areas: Many coastal areas, especially around the Outer Banks, tend to have lower crime rates.
- Rural areas: In general, rural areas tend to have lower crime rates compared to urban areas.
- The most violent City is Wadesboro, with a population of approx 5,000, and it is located Southeast of Charlotte.
These statistics are not definitive and may vary depending on individual encounters with unsafe incidents, potentially not fully reflecting the true safety of these areas. Therefore, we consider numerous other indicators to assess safety:
Top 5 safest cities in North Carolina:
1. Raleigh – Best city in North Carolina for job seekers:
Image courtesy of Neighborhoodscout.
Raleigh crime report & neighborhood safety insights:
Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson says 2024 second quarter crime report shows:
- Decrease in aggravated assaults by 3% and a 16% decrease involving firearms.
- Seven homicides in the second quarter of 2024 which is less than the same time last year.
- 71% increase in traffic crash fatalities.
Safest neighborhoods of Raleigh:
Creedmoor, Adams Mountain and Bayleaf are the top 3 safest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
Job seekers are drawn to cities with growing economies and diverse industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Raleigh, NC, boasts a low unemployment rate and is recognized as one of the best cities for job seekers in the state.
For those of you looking for a safer and larger city, Raleigh has the most to offer. It has the largest number of college graduates.
Research Triangle Region:
Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte are key cities in the United States’ booming high-tech and pharmaceutical hub, the Research Triangle. Charlotte is also the 9th best city in the United States for young professionals, as rated by US News and report.
Raleigh boasts a pro hockey team, minor league baseball, a wide variety of excellent restaurants, particularly in Durham, as well as a plethora of cultural and artistic events at city museums and theaters.
What do the locals say:
Isabel Folks, who has lived for more than a decade in Raleigh, says:
“I love the city’s proximity to nature, affordable housing, and abundance of activities. Raleigh offers a convenient location that is equidistant from the beach and mountains. Housing costs in Raleigh are generally reasonable compared to other cities. The city has a variety of shops, venues, and outdoor attractions making it an affordable and safe area in North Carolina.”
2. Apex– an utmost safe, family-friendly, and welcoming city:
Safety Insights on Apex’s top neighborhoods:
Crime Statistics and Community Efforts.
Violent Crime:
- Low Property Crime Rate: Apex enjoys a notably low property crime rate. Apex is one of the safest cities in the region, with property crime rates significantly below the national average.
- Rare Violent Crime: Violent crime incidents are rare in Apex, thanks partly to active community programs and neighborhood watch groups. Apex continues to thrive as a secure and rapidly growing city, with a strong emphasis on community safety, engagement, and technological advancements such as:
- The Police Department organizes an event called “Apex Night Out.”
- The Public Safety Cadets program which engages youth and piques their interest in law enforcement.
- The Apex Police Department has several summer programs for youth in the community.
- Self-Defense Programs.
Safety Statistics:
- Low Risk of Crime: Your likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Apex is 1 in 1,921, significantly lower than the 1 in 247 chance across the entire state of North Carolina.
Outstandingly safe Neighborhoods in Apex:
According to Niche and raleighrealtyhomes.com, the safest neighborhoods in Apex are:
- New Hill
- Scotts Ridge Trail
- Apex Northwest
According to crimegrade, Apex has an A+ grade in terms of being a safe place! It signifies that Apex has a significantly lower violent crime rate than the average U.S. city. It ranks in the 96th percentile for safety, indicating that only 4% of cities are safer.
3. Pinehurst– Premiers as the safest city for singles and families:
Safety insights on Pinehurst’s top neighborhoods:
With the lowest violence and property rate, Pinehurst is a safety haven for its residents and tourists. 99% of Pinehurst residents rate their overall sense of safety as good or excellent.
On top of that, the Pinehurst Fire Department has won the Life Safety Achievement Award every year since 2002 for having zero fire deaths.
Crime Statistics:
- Violent Crime Rate: Extremely low, with very few incidents reported, reflecting the town’s overall safety.
- Property Crime Rate: Also low, supported by active neighborhood watch programs and effective local policing.
Community Safety Efforts:
- Local Law Enforcement: Pinehurst Police Department is dedicated to maintaining safety through community engagement and effective policing strategies. For example, Citizens on Patrol.
- Neighborhood Watch Programs: These programs are active and contribute significantly to the town’s low crime rates by fostering vigilance and cooperation among residents.
4. Asheville – The safest city in North Carolina for retirees and outdoor activities:
Retirees often seek peace of mind and low crime rates. Cities with a strong sense of community and comprehensive healthcare services tend to be ideal.
What do the locals say?
We consulted a native North Carolina writer, an expert in travel and retirement books with seven publications on the state, about life in North Carolina. He shared:
“If you’re considering a small to mid-size city, Asheville has a mix of retirees and younger people, making them lively and diverse. They offer great restaurants and vibrant downtown areas, with safe and interesting neighborhoods, like the River Arts District, West Asheville, and North Asheville.”
Asheville is close to some of the best outdoor spots in the Eastern U.S., including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can enjoy hiking, camping, trout fishing, river rafting, canoeing, boating, mountain biking, and much more in these beautiful areas.
highlights Asheville, NC, as a top destination for outdoor activities, thanks to its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous hiking trails.
As a matter of fact, the adventure center of Asheville spotlights Asheville, NC, as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its close access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a wealth of hiking trails
5. Cary – an epitome of safety and affordability in North Carolina for families:
Crime report & neighborhood safety insights of Cary
Safety is a top priority for families, and cities that invest in community policing and neighborhood watch programs typically offer a safer environment for children and parents alike.
According to a GoBankingRates report, Cary, NC, ranks second among the 50 safest and most affordable cities in North Carolina, boasting a crime rate well below the national average.
Cost of living and crimes in Cary by GoBankingRates:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income | $125,317 |
| Household average mortgage cost | $3,814 |
| Total monthly cost of living | $5,863 |
| Property crimes | 1,975 |
| Violent crimes | 142 |
Guess the most desirable town in America?
Yes, Money Magazine named Cary one of the six hottest towns in America!
The impact of healthcare and economic stability on the safety of North Carolina cities:
When we talk about safety, it goes beyond just lower crime rates or fewer robberies. It encompasses a broader perspective, including quality healthcare, a stable economy, and overall well-being. These factors collectively contribute to making a neighborhood, city, and ultimately the entire state safer on a macro level.
Here’s the deal: When people are healthy and have steady jobs, they’re less likely to turn to crime or drugs to survive.
A solid healthcare system and economic stability create an environment where individuals have the opportunity to thrive, reducing the need to resort to illegal activities.
After studying the North Carolina County health rankings we were able to dig out some expert information for you. This report will give you all the factors that you need to decide upon before moving or visiting any city in North Carolina.
Safest cities in North Carolina from hurricanes:
Cities further inland or with robust storm infrastructure are often better prepared for hurricane season. These areas tend to be safer from the direct impacts of hurricanes.
A 2024 analysis by the National Weather Service highlights Charlotte, NC, as one of the safest cities in North Carolina from hurricanes due to its inland location and minimal storm impact.
Best cities in North Carolina for affordable housing:
Affordable housing is crucial for families and individuals settling in a new city. Cities that balance affordability with quality of life often see the highest demand.
A 2024 report by Zillow shows Greensboro, NC, as one of the best cities in the state for affordable housing, with a median home price that’s lower than the national average.
Best cities in North Carolina with good schools:
“Good schools are a major factor for families moving to a new city. Cities with high-performing schools and supportive educational systems are in high demand.” – Dr. Susan Green, Education Consultant.
According to GreatSchools.org, Chapel Hill, NC, consistently ranks as one of the best cities in the state for its excellent public schools and strong academic performance.
How to make your business safer in every city of North Carolina!
For a successful business, security is of prime importance!
You need to be sure that your perimeter is protected, your parking lots are free from loiterers and there is no chance that an intruder will come barging into your commercial property!
A multi-layered security approach can further enhance safety across North Carolina cities and neighborhoods.
Live remote video monitoring facilitates the proactive detection of security breaches through advanced analytics and security cameras. The sooner you detect, the faster you can respond to these security alerts!
A state-of-the-art security operations center provides comprehensive remote video monitoring and site management, fusing live skilled operators with sophisticated video analytics technology.
The ultimate assistance. Wherever you are.
These customized security solutions are set in place for shopping malls, commercial buildings, residential complexes, automotive dealerships, construction sites, and many more industries for all large and small cities of North Carolina!
So, whether you own a business in Charlotte, Raleigh, or around these areas such as Chester County, Chesterfield County, Cleveland County, Apex, Cary, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, or even Holly Springs, we got your back!
Here is a little recap of the top safest cities in North Carolina:
Top Safest Cities in North Carolina: Key Safety Data
| City | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | 24.69 | 165 | 1,975 |
| Apex | 23.62 | 142 | 1,975 |
| Pinehurst | 18.42 | 125 | 1,800 |
| Asheville | 27.39 | 180 | 2,400 |
| Cary | 24.87 | 145 | 1,980 |
Note: These figures are estimates based on available data. Actual crime rates may vary within cities.
Key takeaways:
North Carolina has several cities with low crime rates and high quality of life. The state’s combined crime rate is 24.69 per 1,000 residents, indicating a relatively safe environment.
Top Safest Cities in North Carolina:
- Raleigh: Known for its low crime rates, strong economy, and job opportunities. Safe neighborhoods include Creedmoor, Adams Mountain, and Bayleaf.
- Apex: Family-friendly with low property crime rates and rare violent crime. Top neighborhoods include New Hill, Scotts Ridge Trail, and Apex Northwest.
- Pinehurst: Offers the lowest violence and property crime rates, with high resident satisfaction in terms of safety.
- Asheville: Ideal for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts, with safe neighborhoods and proximity to natural attractions.
- Cary: Recognized for its affordability and safety, making it a great option for families.
Access to good healthcare and economic stability contribute to overall safety by reducing crime rates and improving community well-being.
Securing businesses includes securing perimeters, monitoring parking lots, and employing remote video systems to detect breaches and reduce legal risks.
We hope this guide is able to help you find the top safest places to live or visit in North Carolina!.
Reach out to us right now if you are interested in securing businesses in North Carolina or throughout North America.
