Gaston County is in the middle of North Carolina and has around 227,000 people living there. It’s known for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a really busy airport. The county has cool things to do, like museums, parks, festivals, and sports teams.
But, even though it’s diverse and has lots to offer, Gaston County has some safety issues. According to NeighborhoodScout, a site that shares crime info, Gaston County has more crime than most other counties in North Carolina.
Actually, it’s ranked 72nd out of 100 counties for safety. In this article, we’ll look at some neighborhoods in Gaston County with higher crime rates, based on the number of crimes per 1,000 people.
Gastonia
This city has a high crime rate of 46.91 per 1,000 residents, which is more than most cities in the state, surpassing 97% of them. With a population of around 77,316 people, it’s the largest among the five most dangerous cities in North Carolina.
Situated in Gaston County, part of the Charlotte metropolitan area, Gastonia is recognized for its textile industry, which experienced a decline in the 1980s and 1990s but still provides employment for many people today.
Gastonia offers various attractions, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Carowinds amusement park, and the RiverPlace Amphitheater.
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Rockingham
This town has a higher crime rate compared to most other towns in the state, with 44.51 crimes per 1,000 residents, putting it in the top 5% for crime. Despite being one of the smallest towns in North Carolina, with around 16,000 people, it’s considered one of the least safe.
Situated in Rockingham County, part of the Piedmont Triad region, Rockingham has a history dating back to 1769 when it started as a trading post. In the 19th century, it became a significant railroad hub.
Attractions in Rockingham include the Rockingham County Courthouse Museum, the Rockingham County Historical Society Museum, and the Rockingham Speedway.
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Siler City
This town has a crime rate of 40.93 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than most cities in the state, about 92% of them. It’s a smaller town with a population of around 10,000 people, a bit bigger than Rockingham but still smaller than Gastonia or Salisbury. Siler City is situated in Transylvania County, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains region.
Founded in 1886 as a railroad town, Siler City later became a hub for agriculture and education in North Carolina. Some notable places to visit in Siler City include the Siler City Museum Complex, featuring various museums and historic buildings, Lake James State Park, and Siler City Community College.
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Salisbury
This city has a crime rate of 39.98 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 91% of the cities in the state. It has a population of around 18,000 people.
The city is in Rowan County, part of the Piedmont Triad region. Salisbury was established in 1785 as a trading post and later became a significant textile center in North Carolina. Some notable attractions in Salisbury include Salisbury University, Rowan Arts Center, Rowan Museum, and Salisbury Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
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Albemarle
This town has a crime rate of 38.67 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than most other towns in the state, about 90% of them. The population is around 10,000 people, making it a bit bigger than Salisbury but still smaller than any other town mentioned.
It’s in Alamance County, which is in the Piedmont Triad region. Albemarle was founded in 1797 as a trading post and later became a hub for farming and manufacturing in North Carolina.
Some interesting places in Albemarle include Alamance Regional Airport, Alamance Regional Medical Center, Alamance Regional Park, and Alamance Regional Theatre.
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Final Words
Gaston County in North Carolina has a varied history and culture, but it faces challenges in some neighborhoods. These areas, like Gastonia, Rockingham, Siler City, Salisbury, and Albemarle, struggle with high crime rates and low safety levels.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique characteristics and difficulties that contribute to violence and disorder. By studying these areas, understanding the people who live there, and addressing their issues, we can work towards reducing crime in Gaston County. The goal is to make the county a safer and more enjoyable place to live.
