North Carolina boasts a rich cultural heritage, a broad range of landscapes, and a thriving industry. Still, not every town in the region is a desirable place to live. A low standard of living, high crime rates, low earnings, and a declining population are all present in some places. These seven North Carolina towns are seeing a mass exodus of residents.
1. Lumberton
The town of Lumberton is located in Robeson County, close to the South Carolina border. Roughly 20,000 people are living there, but since 2010, the population has been declining. At 19.9 violent crimes per 1,000 population, more than four times the state average, Lumberton is one of the most hazardous cities in North Carolina. In addition, Lumberton has a low median household income of $28,293 and a high poverty rate of 33.6%. In 2018, Hurricane Florence severely damaged houses and businesses in Lumberton and caused flooding.
2. Laurentburg
The town of Laurinburg is located in Scotland County in the state’s southern region. Roughly 15,000 people are living there, but since 2000, more than 10% of them have left. Laurinburg has a low median household income of $29,506 and a high unemployment rate of 9.4%. With 14.8 violent crimes and 67.9 property crimes per 1,000 population, Laurinburg likewise has a high crime rate. The private liberal arts college St. Andrews University is located in Laurinburg, although it doesn’t seem to draw many young professionals or families.
3. Roanoke Rapids
The town of Roanoke Rapids is located in northwestern Halifax County. Roughly 15,000 people are living there, however since 2010, more than 7% of them have left. With a high poverty rate of 24.9%, Roanoke Rapids has a low median household income of $31,822. Along with other high crime rates, Roanoke Rapids has 60.4 property crimes and 11.9 violent crimes per 1,000 population. Once a bustling center of the textile and paper industries, Roanoke Rapids has suffered from the downturn of these sectors and the closure of multiple facilities.
4. Eden
Eden is a community in the northern region of the state, in Rockingham County. Roughly 15,000 people are living there, however since 2000, more than 13% of them have left. Eden has a high poverty rate of 22.6% and a low median household income of $32,909. With 10.8 violent crimes and 64.8 property crimes per 1,000 population, Eden likewise has a high crime rate. Eden was formerly a center of manufacturing and textiles, but outsourcing and automation have caused economic hardship and job losses there.
5. Kinston
The town of Kinston is located in the state’s east in Lenoir County. Although there are over 20,000 individuals living there, more than 16% of them have left since 2000. Kinston has a high poverty rate of 34.9% and a low median household income of $30,369. With 12.7 violent crimes and 69.3 property crimes per 1,000 population, Kinston likewise has a high crime rate. Although Kinston was formerly a thriving agricultural and tobacco town, it has had difficulty attracting new companies and diversifying its economy.
6. Goldsboro
The town of Goldsboro is located in the state’s center, in Wayne County. Roughly 35,000 people are living there, however, since 2010, more than 5% of them have left. Goldsboro has a high poverty rate of 25.4% and a low median household income of $34,897. With 10.9 violent crimes and 54.2 property crimes per 1,000 population, Goldsboro likewise has a high crime rate. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is located in Goldsboro, but the town hasn’t been able to make use of its military affiliation or its proximity to Interstate 95.
7. Elizabeth City
The town of Elizabeth City is located in the northeastern region of the state in Pasquotank County. Roughly 18,000 people are living there, however, since 2010, more than 4% of them have left. With a high poverty rate of 28.4%, Elizabeth City has a low median household income of $33,409. With 58.9 property crimes and 9.8 violent crimes per 1,000 population, Elizabeth City likewise has a high crime rate. Although Elizabeth City is a historic port town, other coastal towns and cities in the area have become competitors.
Statistical Data:
| Town | Location | Population Change | Violent Crimes (per 1,000) | Property Crimes (per 1,000) | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Notable Issues/Characteristics |
| Lumberton | Robeson County, near the SC border | Declining since 2010 | 19.9 | N/A | $28,293 | 33.6% | High violent crime rate, low median income, Hurricane Florence impact |
| Laurinburg | Scotland County, southern region | Declining since 2000 | 14.8 | 67.9 | $29,506 | 9.4% | High crime rate, low median income, St. Andrews University location |
| Roanoke Rapids | Northwestern Halifax County | Declining since 2010 | 11.9 | 60.4 | $31,822 | 24.9% | Economic downturn, high crime rates, closure of industrial facilities |
| Eden | Rockingham County, northern region | Declining since 2000 | 10.8 | 64.8 | $32,909 | 22.6% | Economic hardship, high crime rates, manufacturing and textiles decline |
| Kinston | Lenoir County, eastern region | Declining since 2000 | 12.7 | 69.3 | $30,369 | 34.9% | Economic challenges, high crime rates, difficulty diversifying the economy |
| Goldsboro | Wayne County, central region | Declining since 2010 | 10.9 | 54.2 | $34,897 | 25.4% | Military affiliation, economic challenges, high crime rates |
| Elizabeth City | Pasquotank County, northeastern | Declining since 2010 | 9.8 | 58.9 | $33,409 | 28.4% | Historic port town, economic challenges, high crime rates |
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Conclusion
These seven towns in North Carolina are instances of localities that have seen a decline in their population, standard of living, and revenue in recent years. Natural disasters, unemployment, poverty, crime, and the loss of the manufacturing sector are just a few of the difficulties they face. Many individuals are opting to leave these communities in search of better prospects elsewhere, even if some of them may have the potential for rebirth or rebuilding. These seven are not among the numerous charming and prosperous towns and cities in the state of North Carolina.