Traveling around the United States of America is a fun thing to do with family and friends.
Taking a road trip around the country is a wonderful experience.
The United States of America is full of every type of vacation environment you could dream of: beaches, mountains, parks, lakes, deserts, cold climates, warm climates, and everything in between.
North Carolina is one of the beautiful states that you can visit on your road trip.
The Carolinas are unique because you can visit both mountains and ocean beaches within just a few hours of each other.
It is a beautiful state full of southern charm and great food.
However, when you travel, you always need to be aware of safety.
North Carolina’s crime rate is higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate is 4.2 (meaning that it affects 4.2 out of every 1,000 people).
The national average is 4.0.
The property crime rate in North Carolina is 22.3, higher than the national average of 19.6, and much higher than the regional average of 18.9.
Before you travel, take note of the safest cities.
You can find safe, southern charm in these destinations.
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10 Safest Cities in North Carolina
10. Rolesville
The number one safest city in the state of North Carolina is Rolesville.
Located outside of Raleigh in the northern middle part of the state, Rolesville was founded in 1837.
Rolesville is a small town with a lot of southern charm, and it has held to its historic roots.
There are parks, greenway trails, historic sites, and even sunken treasures to explore.
The sunken treasures can be found in a local quarry that has been transformed into a scuba adventure: Fantasy Lake Scuba Park.
The population of Rolesville is around 9,400.
The violent crime rate is 0.5, and the property crime rate is 4.0.
9. Elon
Elon, North Carolina is a college town where Elon University is located.
It was founded in 1881 when there was a train depot that connected Goldsboro, North Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
It officially became a town with a downtown area in 1893.
Now, the downtown area is thriving with music and dining.
Elon is a charming southern town to visit.
Elon’s population is about 12,700 people.
The violent crime rate is 0.8, and the property crime rate is 4.8.
8. Davidson
The town of Davidson, North Carolina is near Charlotte, North Carolina, in the southern part of the state.
Davidson has shopping, dining, and outdoor activities that would entertain even the smallest tourist.
It is a great place for a family vacation.
Fisher Farm Park is a greenway park that has trails that you can walk.
There are also parks to explore and lakes to relax on.
Davidson’s population is just over 13,000.
The violent crime rate is 0.4, and the property crime rate is 7.8.
7. Winterville
Winterville is directly south of the city of Greenville, North Carolina.
Time moves a little bit slower in Winterville, and there are family-friendly activities for everyone.
The town focuses on community events, and Winterville is becoming more and more well-known for the family-centered atmosphere that they have.
With town-sponsored programs and activities, the community is an important part of the town of Winterville.
The population of Winterville is just over 10,000 people.
The violent crime rate is 0.9, and the property crime rate is 6.9.
6. Waxhaw
Waxhaw, North Carolina is located close to Charlotte and is only about three minutes from the South Carolina state line.
Waxhaw gets its name from the Native American tribe that used to occupy the area.
The history of Waxhaw dates back to the 1700s.
The heart of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The most well-known attraction in Waxhaw is a wooden pedestrian bridge that you can still walk on today.
The population of Waxhaw is just over 18,000 people.
The violent crime rate is 0.5, and the property crime rate is 9.4.
5. Cary
Cary, North Carolina is located near Raleigh in the northern part of the state.
Education is a central part of life in Cary.
Three major schools are located within 20 minutes of Cary: The University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, and Duke University.
There are many business and retail opportunities in the state.
There is also a fast-growing parks and recreation department.
The population of Cary is almost 175,000 people.
The violent crime rate is 0.7, and the property crime rate is 9.5.
4. Fuquay-Varina
Located just 15 minutes from Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina is a unique town in North Carolina that is often sought after for day trips and weekend getaways.
Days ago, people would travel to Fuquay-Varina for the well-renowned Fuquay Mineral Spring and its healing powers.
Now, tourists visit the area for the art scene, breweries, and festivals.
The population of Fuquay-Varina is just over 32,000.
The violent crime rate is 0.7, and the property crime rate is 9.4.
3. Holly Springs
The land that Holly Springs, North Carolina now sits on used to be a Tuscarora Native American hunting ground.
During the revolutionary war, homes were built on the land, and the large holly trees and tranquil atmosphere gave the town its name.
Scottish settler Archibald Leslie built his house and started his massive tailor business in this town, and now the town’s most notable landmark is his old home.
The population of Holly Springs is just under 40,000.
The violent crime rate is 0.8, and the property crime rate is 9.3.
2. Pinehurst
Pinehurst, North Carolina is a quaint village and historic resort.
Founded in 1895, Pinehurst has extensive parks and recreation department and a large golf community.
There is also live music and festivals, often in the village of Pinehurst.
The village’s beautiful architecture dates all the way back to its beginnings in 1895, and the historic preservation committee does its best to preserve these historic buildings and the artifacts they contain.
Pinehurst’s population is just under 17,000 people.
The violent crime rate is 1.1, and the property crime rate is 7.9.
1. Stallings
Stallings, North Carolina is located in the southern part of the state and is not far from Charlotte.
Stallings has beautiful parks for families.
The town dates back to Mr. Stallings’ Country Store in 1902.
By 1912, Mr. Stallings was expanding his ownership in the town.
Today, Stallings is a town full of family values and fun.
The population of Stallings is about 16,500.
The violent crime rate is 0.5, and the property crime rate is 10.5.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to North Carolina
Always stay aware.
Be aware of your surroundings any time you are out in public.
Limit distractions like cell phones and other electronics when you are in crowds of people.
Criminals often look for victims who are distracted.
Simply being aware of what is around you can help you avoid an unsafe situation.
Plan ahead.
Before you take off for your road trip, map out where you are going and how often you need to stop.
This can help you avoid sketchy gas stations or rest stops, and you can instead make stops at fun, historic places or scenic overlooks.
Be prepared.
Always travel with extra supplies.
This can include spare tires, an extra phone charger, a change of clothes, and more.
You can greatly ease your mind simply by being prepared.
Do not travel alone.
Whether you are traveling with family or friends, choosing a travel partner can help ensure your safety.
Some criminals target those who are traveling alone because they are easier to catch off guard.
If you do choose to travel alone, make sure that you are always on alert and aware of your surroundings.
Bring a map.
Whether your map is on your phone’s GPS or a physical, printed map, you will need a backup plan in case you get lost.
Many people can help with directions at gas stations or rest stops, but it is best to have a map or GPS handy if you need it.
North Carolina Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: North Carolina Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city in North Carolina?
Whiteville, North Carolina has the highest crime rate in the state.
Is there a specific region of North Carolina that I should avoid?
There is no one area of the state that you should avoid.
Being aware of your surroundings and the crime rates in specific towns can greatly increase your safety in North Carolina.
Is there a specific region that is safer in North Carolina?
The safest cities in North Carolina are mainly in the central part of the state, although they are very spread out.
As a whole, the mid-state region is safer than other areas.
My husband and I will be moving here in a week and I have been researching the state for a while now. Thanks for this!
I am looking for a city to travel in North Carolina and now I am down to two cities and having a hard time where to go.