Durham is a city in North Carolina with around 285,000 people. It’s known for its focus on research, education, and healthcare, along with a rich cultural and historical background.
However, Durham also has a reputation for being risky, with high rates of violent and property crimes. According to NeighborhoodScout, Durham is safer than only 4% of U.S. cities, with a crime rate of 42.41 per 1,000 residents.
But not all parts of Durham are equally unsafe. Some areas have much higher crime rates than others, posing more risks to residents and visitors. Based on data from Durham Open Data, we’ve identified the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Durham County, North Carolina, as of 2021. These are:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
| Downtown | 192 |
| East Durham | 111 |
| West End | 98 |
| Lakewood | 88 |
| Braggtown | 82 |
Downtown
This is the main business area in Durham, where you can find lots of offices, stores, places to eat, and entertainment spots. It’s also where you’ll see some old important places, like the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the American Tobacco Campus.
But, Downtown has the highest amount of crime in Durham, with a rate of 191.67 incidents for every 1,000 people. It’s particularly not safe at night when many people gather in bars and clubs.
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East Durham
This area, located to the east of Downtown, is mostly where people live, and many of them are low-income or from minority backgrounds. It’s an old and historic part of Durham, with buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
But, there are challenges in East Durham, like poverty, unemployment, and social issues, leading to a high crime rate of 111.06 per 1,000 residents. During the day, when many residents are away, there’s an increased risk of break-ins, making East Durham less safe.
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West End
This is a place on the west side of Downtown that has a mix of different kinds of buildings—some for work, some for business, and some for living. There are also places for learning and culture, like North Carolina Central University and the Hayti Heritage Center.
But, West End has a lot of crime, with a rate of 97.77 crimes for every 1,000 people. It’s especially not safe in the evening when businesses close, and the streets get dark and empty.
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Lakewood
This neighborhood, located south of Downtown, is where a lot of middle-class and working-class families live. It’s diverse, with many Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents.
Unfortunately, Lakewood has a crime issue, with a rate of 87.91 crimes per 1,000 residents. It’s particularly risky in the morning when people are leaving for work and school, leaving their homes unattended.
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Braggtown
This is a neighborhood located to the north of Downtown, where a lot of families from the suburbs and rural areas live. It’s known for its beautiful views, with many parks, lakes, and golf courses. Unfortunately, Braggtown also has a high crime rate, with 81.76 crimes reported for every 1,000 residents.
Afternoons in Braggtown can be particularly unsafe, as that’s when many residents come back home from their daily activities and may encounter possible offenders.
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How Does Durham Compare to Other Cities in North Carolina?
Durham has more crime compared to the average city in North Carolina and the U.S. It’s considered safer than only 4% of U.S. cities, with a crime rate of 42.41 per 1,000 residents. The most common crimes in Durham are theft, burglary, and assault, but there are also frequent incidents of rape, robbery, and murder.
Durham’s crime rate is similar to cities like Atlanta, San Antonio, and Boston. However, crime rates can vary based on the neighborhood, time of day, and other factors. So, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself and your belongings.
Final Words
Here are the top five most dangerous neighborhoods in Durham County, North Carolina, according to the most recent data. Keep in mind that crime rates can shift, and areas may become safer or more dangerous due to different factors.
It’s crucial to stay alert and careful if you’re in or around these neighborhoods, taking steps to prevent crime and safeguard yourself and your belongings. Always prioritize safety, regardless of your location.
