Forsyth County, NC has more than 350,000 people and is known for its diversity and liveliness. The city of Winston-Salem, within the county, is famous for its history, culture, and innovation. But, not all areas in Forsyth County are equally safe.
Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, including violence and property crimes, compared to others. In this article, we’ll look at the five neighborhoods in Forsyth County with the highest crime rates based on 2019 data.
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per year) | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) | Property Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) |
| Downtown Winston-Salem | 1,934 | 712 | 5,417 |
| Waughtown | 1,153 | 462.90 | 3,500 |
| Easton | 1,021 | 462.90 | 3,500 |
| South Fork | 869 | 462.90 | 3,500 |
| Mineral Springs | 685 | 130.90 | 3,228 |
Downtown Winston-Salem
Downtown Winston-Salem is the city’s central area with lots of cool stuff like attractions, businesses, restaurants, and fun places. But, it also has the highest crime rate in the county, with 1,934 crimes happening every year.
The violent crime rate in downtown Winston-Salem is 712.4 per 100,000 residents, way more than the average in the entire United States, which is only 22.7. For property crimes, it’s 5,416.6 per 100,000 residents, also much higher compared to the US average of 35.4.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Waughtown
Waughtown is a neighborhood in the southeast part of Winston-Salem, close to the Davidson County border. It’s mostly Hispanic and has many low-income households, with an average income of $28,125. The crime rate in Waughtown is 1,153 incidents per year, making it the second-highest in the county.
In terms of violent crime, Waughtown has a rate of 462.9 per 100,000 residents, much higher than the national average of 22.7. The property crime rate is 3,499.5 per 100,000 residents, also significantly higher than the U.S. average of 35.4.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in Minnesota
Easton
Easton is a neighborhood in the northeast part of Winston-Salem, close to the Guilford County border. Most people here are African-American and have lower incomes, with an average household income of $25,833. The area has a high crime rate, with 1,021 incidents per year, making it the third-highest in the county.
In terms of specific crimes, Easton has a violent crime rate of 462.9 per 100,000 residents, much higher than the national average of 22.7. Property crime is also elevated, with a rate of 3,499.5 per 100,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 35.4.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Worst City to live in Arkansas
South Fork
South Fork is a neighborhood located in the southwest part of Winston-Salem, close to the border with Davidson County. It’s a community with people of different races and lower income levels, where the average household earns about $29,375.
South Fork faces some challenges, as it has a yearly crime rate of 869 incidents, making it the fourth-highest in the county.
In terms of safety, South Fork has a higher rate of violent crime compared to the national average, with 462.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, as opposed to the U.S. average of 22.7. The property crime rate is also elevated at 3,499.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, surpassing the U.S. average of 35.4.
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Mineral Springs
Mineral Springs is a neighborhood in the northern part of Winston-Salem, close to Stokes County. Most people living there are white and have lower incomes, with a typical household making around $30,625 per year. In terms of safety, Mineral Springs has a crime rate of 685 incidents per year, ranking it as the fifth-highest in the county.
When it comes to specific types of crime, the violent crime rate in Mineral Springs is 130.9 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 22.7. On the other hand, the property crime rate is 3,227.7 per 100,000 residents, higher than the national average of 35.4.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Portland, Maine
How Does Forsyth County Compare to Other Counties in North Carolina
Forsyth County has less crime than the whole country but more than the average in North Carolina. When compared to nearby counties, Forsyth has lower crime rates for both violent and property crimes.
Even though its violent crime rate is similar to other counties of the same size, Forsyth County is neither the safest nor the most dangerous in North Carolina—it falls somewhere in the middle.
Conclusion
Forsyth County, NC is a wonderful area for living, working, and having fun. However, it’s important to be aware that some parts have higher crime rates. By checking crime stats and maps, you can make smart choices about where to live, visit, or steer clear of in the county.
Remember, though, crime rates aren’t the only thing to think about when picking a neighborhood. Consider the overall quality of life, amenities, schools, and community in each area. Stay safe and enjoy your time in Forsyth County, NC!
