Is High Point Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

There’s a good chance that sometime in your lifetime, you’ve used a piece of furniture made in High Point, North Carolina, as it’s the “Furniture Capital of the World.”

That’s not even a historic moniker for this central Carolina city.

Dozens of furniture showrooms are available for every aspect of your home or business.

You might be researching this town because you’re coming for the High Point Market, a globally-renowned trade show.

Even if upholstery isn’t your thing, don’t miss a chance to get a photo at the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers.

What makes High Point truly special is its ability to blend its industrial heritage with modern-day charm seamlessly.

Visitors are drawn to its unique atmosphere, where historic buildings stand alongside contemporary showrooms.

The city boasts a thriving arts scene, with theaters, galleries, and the annual North Carolina Shakespeare Festival.

Its dedication to the arts is further evident in landmarks like Körner’s Folly, an architectural marvel filled with whimsical rooms and intricate designs.

High Point’s commitment to green spaces adds to its allure.

The Bicentennial Greenway and High Point City Lake Park offer opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the city’s natural beauty.

The city also prides itself on its university, High Point University, known for its picturesque campus and the Sculpture Garden, adorned with remarkable sculptures.

All that, and a castle, too!

But before you get too excited about the cool things to do, we need to talk through some safety information.

Warnings & Dangers in High Point

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in High Point due to historically high crime rates, but improvements are being made. I'd honestly put it between low and medium, erring toward low if you focus on the tourist attractions and know the safest parts of town.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The city has a public transit system, taxis are highly regulated and readily available, and rental cars offer more flexibility to explore the Triad. All options are a low risk, but a rental car is the safest.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The city has averaged about five pickpockets or purse snatchings a year over the past five years. While the risk is statistically low, I'd treat it as a medium risk with so many other crimes happening.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You can get a wide swatch of severe and disruptive weather throughout the year, so treat it with a medium risk. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, and wildfires are possible throughout the year. Winter can bring ice storms or snow storms. While they aren't common, they can be paralyzing when they happen.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

About half of the robberies here happen in private homes. Highway robberies account for 20% of all robberies. The robbery rate is slightly higher than the national average. The risk is low, but use caution at night or when walking around a new part of town alone.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk with little reason to be concerned about international terrorism. Domestic terrorism and gun violence can happen in any town, and there's no way to prepare for it. In fact, most communities that have faced these issues claim, "We never thought it would happen here." It's just another reason why it's important to report any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The risk can be low if you stay informed of the trending scams and follow up with any potential fraudulent activity. For example, card skimmers were found in a local Walmart in 2023. Use a credit card for as many purchases as possible since those offer the best fraud prevention and reimbursement. Check social media sites for local law enforcement to see trending scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

The main thing I'd want women to know is that this isn't as safe of a community as you might assume it to be. While most criminal activity is between people who know each other or crimes of opportunity, you need to use the same big-city safety steps you would in a place like Charlotte. Treat it as a medium risk, and you'll be able to enjoy the attractions without additional risks.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2022 Water Quality Report shows all requirements from the state and federal levels were met or exceeded. You can read the view online through the city's website. A new report should come out each June for the previous year.

Safest Places to Visit in High Point

VisitHighPoint.com is the official tourism site for the city.

You can also look for the Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau website for a broader stroke of things to do in the region.

VisitWinstonSalem.com covers activities and attractions in that part of the Triad.

As the “Furniture Capital of the World,” you can start at the High Point Museum, delving into the city’s history, particularly its role in the furniture industry.

Stroll through the International Home Furnishings Center, where numerous showrooms display the latest in interior design trends.

For a relaxing day outdoors, head to High Point City Lake Park, which offers a serene lake perfect for picnics and paddleboats.

Thrill-seekers can visit Kersey Valley Attractions, known for ziplining and corn mazes, or brave the spooky adventures of Spookywoods during Halloween.

Check the schedule for the performance at the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival or the High Point Theater.

Those who prefer visual art can visit the High Point Arts Council Gallery.

The Sculpture Garden at High Point University to appreciate stunning sculptures in a picturesque setting.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the Bicentennial Greenway, a scenic trail system for hiking and biking.

Oak Hollow Marina is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Körner’s Folly is a unique historic home-turned-museum with eccentric architecture and themed rooms.

Take in panoramic views from the High Point City Hall Observation Deck and enjoy a High Point Rockers baseball game.

By the way, if you’re looking for a venue for a wedding, anniversary, or themed event, you simply must check out Castle McCulloch, which is an 1832 stone castle surrounded by fountains and ponds.

Events are held here throughout the year, so you can purchase tickets without having to plan a big event, too.

Those traveling with kids shouldn’t miss the Qubein Children’s Museum.

In fact, it’s such a popular attraction, ranking as one of the best in North Carolina, even without kids.

Places to Avoid in High Point

The neighborhoods south of downtown are known for having the highest crime rates.

However, this is a fast-growing city, and those statistics can change over time.

You can use the Community Crime Map on the police department’s website to track crime trends.

If you want to stay in the safest parts of town, look north and west.

One thing that is worth addressing is the high homicide rate in High Point.

While very few are random acts of violence against strangers, High Point and Greensboro are two of the highest-ranked cities for homicides in the state and country.

It’s more than twice the national average.

That should be motivation enough to stick to places along your itinerary path, using main streets and highways.

If a neighborhood gas station looks rundown, you should consider finding another location.

Also, just don’t go into parts of town where you don’t have a reason to be.

If you do see a disturbance, fight, or crime while you’re there, don’t try to intervene.

Just dial 911.

We’re honestly not trying to make High Point sound more dangerous than it is or insinuate it’s a huge danger area.

It’s just to emphasize that this isn’t the idyllic Southern town you might assume it is at face value – because there are some pretty cool things to do here!

Safety Tips for Traveling to High Point

So... How Safe Is High Point Really?

High Point has historically been a more dangerous city in the North Carolina Triad, but by mid-2023, violent crime rates were down almost 110% since 2020.

Violent crime peaked in 2019 compared to all other years in the past decade.

An important point about High Point is that most of the crimes happen between people who know each other.

Looking back at five years of crime data, just 12% of violent crimes were against strangers.

One thing to pay attention to is the property crime rate.

“Burglaries, motor vehicle B&E’s, is a trend that we have not seen before.

Our property crimes are the ones that we are really trying to get under control.

We would be better off if we did not have any property crimes,” Chief Travis Stroud said in an early 2023 news conference.

Vehicle thefts are also up, with 80% of stolen vehicles being trucks.

Juveniles are among the top suspects in car thefts.

So, don’t rent a truck here.

Choose a rental car or SUV.

We’re cautiously optimistic that High Point is moving in the right direction for crime rates, but be sure to check that Community Crime map before you plan your trip.

How Does High Point Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Anyone visiting from outside the U.S. will need a passport and a visa. A visa waiver program is eligible for certain people from specific countries. There's a list of those on the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the only currency that can be used here. Exchange currency before you arrive. Don't use public ATMs here.

Weather

You can pack casual, comfortable clothing that is seasonally appropriate. Winters don't get too cold compared to the Northern states. You should still check the five-day forecast before you arrive since temperatures can fluctuate. Summers will be sticky with heat and humidity. Bring bug sprays, sunscreen, and clothing you don't mind sweating in.

Airports

Piedmont Triad International Airport is 16 miles from High Point. Please note - the airport does not have a currency exchange service.

Travel Insurance

If traveling anywhere that weather could interfere with your agenda, travel insurance is highly recommended. Additionally, secure medical insurance if your current plan is limited to the states. Check rental car coverage also, so you're prepared in the event of any accidents.

High Point Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

North Carolina - Safety by City