Welcome to North Carolina, where safety and peace coexist in thriving communities. As both inhabitants and visitors want peace of mind, we begin on a quest to discover the top ten safest cities in this attractive state. From the breathtaking mountains of Asheville to the picturesque seaside cities of Wilmington, North Carolina provides a rich tapestry of safe havens.
Join us as we explore the welcoming neighborhoods, strong economy, and low crime rates that distinguish these places. Whether you’re looking to relocate or simply want to relax, these cities offer a safe sanctuary amidst the beauty of the Tar Heel State.
1. Pinehurst
- Population: 18,426 Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 32 (safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 374 (second safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 0
Pinehurst almost missed Holly Springs this year and took the top spot in the Tarheel State, thanks to the state’s second safest property crime rate and second safest violent crime rate, respectively.
So do you understand what that means? When you depart for your daily round of golf, you can leave your car unlocked and the doors open. Make sure to visit Betsy’s for a crepe. I drive an hour each way at least twice a year to eat breakfast there; it’s fantastic.
2. Whispering Pines
- Population: 5,235
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 57 (fourth safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 324 (Safest)
- Murders: 1; Murders per 100,000: 19
Whispering Pines, located in Moore County, North Carolina, is the state’s third safest city, with a violent crime rate of 57 per 100,000 inhabitants and a murder rate of 0.00019102196752626553. The town’s total crime rate of 382/100k persons per capita makes it the safest in terms of overall safety, indicating effective law enforcement methods despite its population expansion to 5,235.
Even with a growing population, Whispering Pines has a property crime rate of 324 per 100,000 inhabitants. Given their safety record, they could consider creating a new city tagline such as “Whispering Pines: Where Safety Sings.”
3. Fuquay–Varina
- Population: 39,037 Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 69 (sixth safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 850 (ninth safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 0
Fuquay-Varina is becoming known for its safety, with 0 homicides, 27 violent crimes, and 332 property offenses, making it North Carolina’s fourth safest location. Its low crime rates of 69/100,000 persons for violence and 850/100,000 for property offenses rank it sixth and ninth among state municipalities, respectively. The town’s proximity to Research Triangle Park, as well as its advantageous location between both coastal beaches and mountain ranges, contribute to the community’s growth and safety reputation.
4. Waxhaw
- Population: 22,613 Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 84 (ninth safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 734 (sixth safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 0
Waxhaw, located in Union County, is ranked fifth in terms of safety due to its low rate of violent crime. Waxhaw has the ninth lowest violent crime rate (84/100k people) and the seventh lowest property crime rate (734/100k people).
Waxhaw’s history as a gold mining town, combined with its tremendous expansion since 2010 and up to 2024, has made it a popular location for those who value safety. The town’s present status as an antiques and fine dining hotspot adds to its reputation as a haven with small-town charm.
5. Rolesville
- Population: 10,549
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 85 (eighth safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 654 (sixth safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 0
Rolesville is the sixth-safest city on our list and another Raleigh suburb.
While this suburb is a little further out in the boonies to the northeast of Raleigh, it nevertheless packs a decent punch for a city its size. It boasts the ninth-lowest violent crime rate in the state, so there’s no need to worry about getting into a fight with your neighbors.
The town’s typical income is $127575, and the median property is $510111. That’s rather affordable given the high median salary.
6. Elon
- Population: 11,369
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 87 (12th safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 624 (sixth safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 0
Elon, another outstanding college town, makes the top seven for the second consecutive year.
Elon University is located here, so you can be confident that your college-aged children will be safe; it scores in the top five for both crime categories we evaluated. And don’t be misled by the seeming higher-than-average poverty rate; those pesky college students can’t technically work full-time jobs, which skews national figures.
Elon is off Route 40, midway between Greensboro and Durham.
7. Davidson
- Population: 15,189
- Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 32 (second safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 467 (third safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 08
Let me emphasize that I am completely biased in favor of Davidson, which is a fantastic little college town on the north side of Charlotte. I recommend you spend a day going about campus, eating on Main Street, and simply taking it all in.
Based on my six years of living here, I believe it is the best spot in the state to call home. And, because it ranks second here, you know it’s safe. It has the highest safety ranking for both violent and property crimes.
So pack your things and feel confident about your move to Davidson—if you can afford the entry fee to this haven.
8. Holly Springs
- Population: 45,406
- Violent Crimes per 100,000: 66 (sixth safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 1,004 (14th safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 0
Holly Springs recaptured the throne after being dethroned for the first time in several years last year; it now ranks as North Carolina’s seventh safest city.
A minor decrease in violent crimes achieved the trick, and it is still significantly safer to live here than in most other parts of North Carolina. And property crime rates are still quite low. Holly Springs is a Raleigh suburb in the heart of the state, serving as a forerunner to future locations. By the end of this piece, you will have read a line like that several times.
9. Apex
- Population: 66,024
- Violent Crimes per 100,000: 54 (third safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 1,143 (20th safest)
- Murders: 0 Per 100,000: 0
While you might assume Apex is the pinnacle of life, it always appears to be just a notch behind Cary on our rankings.
And, while Cary is undoubtedly the prettiest neighborhood around, Apex may give it a run for its money in several areas.
The city of over 40,000 inhabitants has lower violent crime but slightly higher property crime than its neighbor. It also costs less to live here, does not score as well in our other rankings, and has a lengthier commute to Raleigh.
Some may refer to Apex as UNC-Chapel Hill and Cary as Duke.
Just saying.
10. Mint Hill
- Population: 26,728 Violent Crimes Per 100,000: 86 (11th safest)
- Property Crimes Per 100,000: 969 (12th safest)
- Murders: 1; Murders per 100,000: 3
Mint Hill, located in southeastern Mecklenburg and northern Union counties in North Carolina, is the tenth safest place in the state, with remarkable rankings of #11 for violent crime and #12 for property crime.
Despite its expansion as a prominent suburb on the outskirts of Charlotte, the town maintains low rates of violent crime (86/100k people) and property crime (969/100k people), thanks to a diligent police department. Overall, Mint Hill is minty fresh in terms of safety.
Final Words
North Carolina’s top ten safest cities provide a peaceful retreat amid thriving neighborhoods. From the picturesque Pinehurst to the lovely hamlet of Davidson, each location has a low crime rate and friendly neighbors. Whether you want peace or a bustling economy, these cities in North Carolina provide both.
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