10 Safest Places to Live in North Carolina {2023 Data}

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Ryan Fitzgerald Ryan Fitzgerald
Aug 27, 2023 11 min read
10 Safest Places to Live in North Carolina {2023 Data}
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The Top 10 Safest Places to Live in North Carolina in 2023

Safety is a top priority for anyone considering a new place to call home. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 10 safest places to live in North Carolina for 2023, showcasing their unique characteristics and highlighting the factors contributing to their low crime rates and unparalleled quality of life.

Short Summary

  • North Carolina's safest cities have low crime rates, community engagement, access to quality education and employment opportunities.

  • Factors contributing to safety include proactive law enforcement, economic stability, and community engagement.

  • Residents can take personal safety measures such as installing a home security system or joining a neighborhood watch program for added protection.

The 10 Safest Places to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina's Safest Cities: A Comprehensive List

When evaluating the safest cities in North Carolina, it's essential to consider both violent and property crime rates. Our comprehensive list of the top 10 safest cities is based on these criteria and other factors, such as community engagement, access to quality education, and employment opportunities.

Let’s dive into the unique characteristics of each city that make them safe havens for residents.

Holly Springs

Holly Springs, with a population of 43,524, is a quaint town in Wake County. This charming town boasts low crime rates and has historic Civil War buildings and a thriving farmer's market. With a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 people, it is significantly lower than the North Carolina average of 419.

Holly Springs offers a safe environment for its residents, who cherish its unique charm and sense of timelessness.

Pinehurst

Pinehurst Golf Course North Carolina

Pinehurst, known for its serene atmosphere and prestigious golf tournaments, offers residents a safe and peaceful environment. With a population of 15,132, this town has a low violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 people, compared to the state's average of 419. The property crime rate is also significantly lower, at 620 per 100,000 people, compared to North Carolina's average of 2,227.

Pinehurst's lush landscaping and low crime rates make it an ideal location for those seeking tranquility in a safe community.

Cary

Cary, with a population of 176,987, is a safe and bustling city that attracts families and young professionals alike. Its low crime rates and excellent education make it a desirable location. The violent crime rate in Cary is a mere 73 per 100,000 people, compared to the North Carolina average of 419. The property crime rate is also lower than the state average, at 962 per 100,000 people.

Cary's low crime rates and strong sense of community make it an ideal place to call home.

Davidson

Davidson is an affluent lakeside town with a strong sense of community and low crime rates. The population of 15,132 enjoys a peaceful environment, with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 people, well below the North Carolina average of 419. Property crime is also significantly lower, at 602 per 100,000 people.

High home values, a strong sense of community, and beautiful surroundings make Davidson a safe and attractive place to reside.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest is a safe and welcoming city with a wake forest population 49,657. It boasts low crime rates, excellent educational institutions, and a prosperous environment. The violent crime rate in Wake Forest is 140 per 100,000 people, compared to the North Carolina average of 419. The property crime rate is also lower, at 934 per 100,000 people.

With its strong focus on safety and education, Wake Forest is an ideal location for families and young professionals seeking a community that values a Wake Forest University atmosphere in a forest university setting.

Apex

Apex, a charming city near Raleigh, offers a secure environment with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. Here are some statistics to support this:

  • Population: 36,736

  • Violent crime rate: 60 per 100,000 people (compared to the North Carolina average of 419)

  • Property crime rate: 875 per 100,000 people

The town’s charm and proximity to the city make it an attractive option for those seeking safety and easy access to urban amenities.

Fuquay-Varina

Fuquay-Varina, named the Safest Town in the state by UpHomes in 2023, is a peaceful town with low crime rates, making it an ideal location for young professionals and families seeking tranquility. The population of 36,736 enjoys a safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 people, well below the North Carolina average of 419.

The property crime rate is also lower, at 833 per 100,000 people. With easy access to urban amenities, Fuquay-Varina offers residents a high quality of life.

Winterville

Winterville, with a population of 10,591, is a safe city that offers access to natural wonders and cultural attractions. With a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 people, well below the state average of 419, and a property crime rate of 620 per 100,000, Winterville's residents can enjoy the peace of mind of living in a safe community.

The town's abundance of recreational opportunities and entertainment options make it an attractive location for those seeking safety and high quality of life.

Concord

Concord, a vibrant city with a population of 107,697, boasts low crime rates, a diverse culinary scene, and a rich historical heritage. The violent crime rate in Concord is 187 per 100,000 people, compared to the North Carolina average of 419. The property crime rate is also lower, at 1,300 per 100,000 people.

With its safety, lively atmosphere, and historical charm, Concord is an attractive place to call home.

Raleigh

Raleigh is the safest 'city' in North Carolina, as the other places listed here are towns. We felt it essential to include a central city in our safest places to live in North Carolina article since many people want to live in a town. Raleigh is rated number one for its home and community safety rating in the southeastern U.S., making it a safe place to live.

Raleigh's top safety rating is thanks to the city's commitment to providing residents with a safe and secure environment to live.

Raleigh, North Carolina skyline at night

Analyzing Crime Rates in North Carolina

Crime rates in North Carolina are essential for relocating to the state. In this section, we'll discuss the crime rates in North Carolina, including violent and property crime rates, and how they compare to national averages. Understanding these statistics can help you make an informed decision about where to live, ensuring that you prioritize safety and well-being for yourself and your family.

Crime rates in North Carolina are generally lower than the national average. According to the FBI's crime statistics, this trend is consistent across various categories of offenses.

Violent Crime Rate

Over the past four years, North Carolina's violent crime rate has remained close to the national average. However, some cities, like Rolesville and Elon, report significantly lower rates of violent crimes. These cities have managed to maintain safety through community engagement, proactive law enforcement, and economic stability.

Living in the safest city among these options can provide peace of mind and a higher quality of life.

Property Crime Rate

While the property crime rate in North Carolina is slightly higher than the national average, many of the state's safest cities have lower rates of property crimes. For example, Pinehurst and Cary have property crime rates that are significantly lower than the state's average.

Living in one of these safe cities can help protect your home and possessions, contributing to a safer environment.

Welcome to North Carolina State Line

Factors Contributing to Safety in North Carolina's Cities

Several factors contribute to the safety of North Carolina's cities, including community engagement, proactive law enforcement, and economic stability. By understanding these factors and how they impact protection, you can decide where to live in the state.

Considering these factors when choosing a place to call home is essential, as they can directly impact your quality of life and well-being.

Community Engagement

Strong community engagement and close-knit neighborhoods contribute to the safety of North Carolina's cities. When residents are actively involved in their community and look out for one another, it can increase cooperation and communication, ultimately reducing crime rates.

Furthermore, community engagement can help cultivate trust between neighbors, law enforcement, and local government, resulting in a safer, more cohesive community.

Proactive Law Enforcement

Proactive law enforcement is crucial in maintaining low crime rates in North Carolina's safest cities. By proactively preventing crime, such as increased patrols and targeted enforcement, law enforcement can help deter criminal activity and create a safe environment for residents.

Additionally, community policing efforts can further strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community, increasing trust and cooperation.

Economic Stability

Economic stability is another key factor contributing to safety in North Carolina's cities. A stable economy can provide more resources for law enforcement, improved infrastructure, and increased access to education and job opportunities. These factors can help decrease crime rates and create a safer environment for residents.

Like many of North Carolina's safest cities, living in a town with a strong economy and low unemployment rates can contribute to a higher quality of life and overall safety.

Making Your Home Safe in North Carolina

No matter where you choose to live in North Carolina, it’s essential to take steps to ensure the safety and security of your home and family. This section’ll provide tips for making your home safe in North Carolina, including home security systems, neighborhood watch programs, and personal safety measures.

Taking a proactive approach to safety can help create a secure environment for yourself and your loved ones.

Home Security Systems

Investing in a home security system can provide residents protection and peace of mind in North Carolina's safest cities. Home security systems, including wired, wireless, and monitoring systems, can help to deter potential intruders and alert homeowners to suspicious activity.

Safety security nest doorbell camera

When choosing a security system, it’s essential to research the various types available and consult with a professional to ensure proper installation and functionality.

Neighborhood Watch Programs

Participating in a neighborhood watch program can help to deter crime and promote a sense of community safety. These programs encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the authorities.

Neighborhood watch programs can contribute to a safer and more secure community by fostering a sense of accountability and cooperation among neighbors.

Personal Safety Measures

Personal safety measures, such as being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions when out at night, can help ensure your safety in North Carolina's cities. Simple steps like locking doors and windows, concealing keys in a secure location, and remaining aware of potential targets for burglars can go a long way in protecting your home and family.

Additionally, it's important to discuss safety measures with your household and regularly review best practices to maintain a secure environment.

Job Opportunities and Quality of Life in North Carolina's Safest Cities

In addition to low crime rates, North Carolina's safest cities offer residents a high quality of life and numerous job opportunities. Employment growth, access to quality education, and various recreational and entertainment options contribute to the overall well-being of residents in these safe communities.

Living in one of North Carolina's safest cities allows you to enjoy a high quality of life and a safe environment to work, play, and raise a family.

Employment Growth

Many of North Carolina's safest cities have experienced significant employment growth in recent years, offering various job opportunities for residents. The strong job market in these cities can contribute to economic stability and provide residents with a range of options for employment.

By living in a city with a thriving job market, you can enjoy a higher quality of life and increased financial security.

Education and Schools

Education and schools are a priority in North Carolina's safest cities, with many boasting top-rated schools and access to higher education institutions. High-quality education is essential to the well-being of residents, and these cities are committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities for their citizens.

Living in a city with a strong focus on education can ensure a bright future for yourself and your family.

Recreation and Entertainment

Recreation and entertainment options are abundant in North Carolina's safest cities, providing residents with a high quality of life and numerous activities to enjoy. From outdoor activities like hiking and biking to cultural attractions like the North Carolina Railway Museum and theaters, there is no shortage of things to see and do in these safe communities.

Living in one of North Carolina's safest cities means you'll never be bored, with many entertainment options at your fingertips.

Summary

In conclusion, North Carolina's safest cities offer a high quality of life, low crime rates, and numerous opportunities for residents to thrive. These cities create an environment where families and individuals can enjoy a secure and prosperous future by prioritizing safety, community engagement, and economic stability. Whether you're considering a move to the Tar Heel State or already call it home, embracing the safety measures and lifestyle options available in these cities can help ensure a happy and healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the safest place to live in NC?

Raleigh is the safest city in North Carolina and ranks top 10 nationally for its Home & Community Safety rating. It is also rated number one in the Southeastern U.S., making it an ideal place to live.

Raleigh’s safety rating is a testament to the city’s commitment to providing its residents with a safe and secure environment. The city has implemented various initiatives to ensure its citizens' safety. You can check out other safe suburbs outside Raleigh as well. 

Is NC or SC safer to live in?

North Carolina appears to be the safer option, as its overall crime rate of 26,87 is roughly 20% lower than South Carolina's. Violent crime and property crime rates are higher in South Carolina compared to North Carolina.

What city in NC has the lowest crime rate?

Rolesville is the safest city in North Carolina, with a population of 10,050 people and a crime rate of 451 per 100,000 - 83% lower than the state average.

What city has the lowest crime?

Irvine, California, is the safest city in the U.S., with the lowest crime rate in the country.

What factors contribute to the safety of North Carolina's cities?

Community engagement, proactive law enforcement, and economic stability all contribute to the safety of North Carolina's cities.

Ryan Fitzgerald
Written by
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!

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