Is Davidson Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Davidson, North Carolina, is a hidden gem that should be on every traveler’s radar.

This picturesque town, nestled in the heart of Mecklenburg County, offers a unique blend of charm, safety, and proximity to exciting destinations like Lake Norman and Charlotte.

One of the main draws of Davidson is its undeniable sense of safety.

With a tight-knit community and a low crime rate, visitors can explore the town with peace of mind.

Whether you’re strolling along the tree-lined streets, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or simply taking in the friendly atmosphere, Davidson exudes a welcoming and secure ambiance.

Another compelling reason to visit Davidson is Lake Norman, one of the largest man-made lakes in the Southeastern United States.

Just a short drive away, this vast expanse of water offers a myriad of recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to lakeside picnics.

It’s an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Moreover, Davidson’s strategic location places you within 20 miles of Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city.

This means you can enjoy the small-town charm of Davidson while also having the option to explore the vibrant cultural scene, shopping districts, and diverse dining options in Charlotte, all just a stone’s throw away.

Davidson beckons travelers with its safety, proximity to Lake Norman’s natural beauty, and the exciting urban adventures awaiting in Charlotte.

It’s a destination that promises a memorable and well-rounded experience for all who visit.

As home to Davidson College, we also have safety information included for the campus in this updated travel safety guide.

Warnings & Dangers in Davidson

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in this charming college town that's near Lake Norman. While there's not an overwhelming amount of things to do, it's a great place to escape and relax in Southern hospitality.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Commuter transportation is available through the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). A local trolley is available during major community events. As a college town, you'll find a decent taxi and a rideshare system. Rental cars are easy to find but more plentiful in Charlotte.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, with no pickpockets and just one purse snatching in the past five years. Of course, that doesn't mean letting your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This region can get some severe weather and even tornadoes. Being geared toward the outdoors also gives it a medium risk. Severe storms can cause dangerous lighting, downed trees, and power outages. Winter weather, even when not all that severe, can still inhibit travel and make roads dangerous.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

In the past decade, the town hasn't seen more than three robberies in a year. That's a low risk, but still one that doesn't suggest you should walk around at night alone.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Here's another low risk: As a small town and a quiet community, there's no reason to worry about terrorism. You can always review the latest guidance from Homeland Security before you visit. It's sad to say, but no town in America is immune to domestic terrorism or gun violence.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but you can keep it that way by checking the town website for current scam reports. Don't fall for any deal that seems too good to be true. The Better Business Bureau is also a great website for scam tracking.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women should feel safe visiting here but still use standard safety precautions. In a college town, young women should always stick together in groups and use security escorts whenever possible.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Tap water is safe to drink here, and several of the most recent water quality reports back that up. Look at the utility section of the city's website to see if there are any more pressing issues during your visit.

Safest Places to Visit in Davidson

The town’s website has an easy and basic “Things to Do” section with a free “Welcome to Davidson” guide, but for a more elaborate website, check out Visit Lake Norman.

That will include additional towns around the lake, but there’s a specific section of Davidson, too.

For Charlotte’s information, “Charlotte’s Got a Lot” is the name of that tourism website.

For a dose of art and culture, pay a visit to the Davidson College Art Galleries.

These galleries showcase a rotating selection of thought-provoking exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

If you’re interested in history, make your way to the Davidson Historic District, where you can walk the picturesque streets lined with well-preserved homes and learn about the town’s past.

Lake Norman offers a fantastic opportunity for water enthusiasts.

I’d recommend getting a hotel near the way, but if you want to visit Lake Norman State Park, plan for a 30-minute drive.

You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake’s tranquil waters, or simply relax on the shore and take in the scenic views.

If you’re into fishing, Lake Norman is known for its abundance of catfish, bass, and crappie.

The Davidson Greenway has six miles of walking, biking, or running trails.

The town also offers 15 parks, each with its own twist, from toddler playgrounds to dog parks.

For a culinary adventure, indulge in the local dining scene.

Davidson boasts a variety of restaurants offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.

Be sure to check out the Main Street area, where you’ll find many dining options to satisfy your taste buds.

There is a nuclear station about 20 miles from Davidson, which is why I put it here between safe places to visit and places to avoid, based on your comfort level.

The Duke Energy website has plenty of safety information, but you can also schedule a tour of the Energy Explorium at McGuire Nuclear Station.

Places to Avoid in Davidson

Davidson is a safe community with dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town.

You can freely explore without worry.

The city has faced some issues with pedestrians and vehicles, so please avoid assuming you have the right of way no matter if you’re walking or driving.

Review the latest pedestrian safety plan and the updated crosswalk information.

Use common sense and lake safety steps if you’re heading to Lake Norman.

For example, if storms are in the forecast, don’t go on a long hike.

Don’t swim without a lifejacket, even if you trust your swimming skills.

You never know what to expect in new bodies of water.

Severe weather here can also knock out power for hours or days.

Be sure you have enough supplies to get through a potential power outage and keep your phone charged at all times.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Davidson

So... How Safe Is Davidson Really?

I almost chuckled (in an ironic way) as I researched this topic.

It’s worth noting that Davidson is one of the safest cities in North Carolina.

The first news result that came up in my research was an article about a “Crackdown on Jaywalkers.”

That’s almost a “mic drop” for how safe Davidson is.

To go deeper, the town hasn’t had more than 13 violent crimes in a year going back a decade.

Usually, small towns like this have a skewed crime rate, which looks more dangerous than it is.

Davidson has a crime rate that is 84% lower than the national average.

No town is safe enough to drop personal safety standards.

Half of the thefts here are related to car break-ins, and bicycles are a close second target.

Most of those are due to people not locking cars or bicycles because of that sense of safety.

It’s also worth noting that the pedestrian safety campaign comes with good reason–three people have been hit or killed on Main Street since 2011.

I hope you enjoy your time in Davidson, and remember that not all North Carolina towns are this safe.

We strongly recommend you read our article about Charlotte in tandem with this one.

How Does Davidson Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You'll need a visa or visa waiver plus a passport if you're visiting from outside the U.S. Students will need a different type of visa than a tourist. To get that cleared up, visit the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the only currency you can use here. Charlotte's airport does have currency exchange available, but you'll get the lowest rates at your home bank.

Weather

You'll get four robust seasons here, but temperatures can often fluctuate in this part of the country. Your best packing guidance will come from the seven-day forecast through the National Weather Service. You definitely need bug spray and sunscreen when it's warm outside.

Airports

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a major travel hub and just a half hour from Davidson. I'd plan to get there early. The security lines at CLT can be long.

Travel Insurance

When traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather that could disrupt your plans, purchasing travel insurance is always a good idea. Also, consider travel health insurance if your existing policy doesn't cover you outside the US. Review your rental car insurance to confirm you're protected if there's an accident.

Davidson Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

North Carolina - Safety by City