In southeast North Carolina, there are roughly 200,000 people living in the coastal county of New Hanover County. Wilmington, the state’s largest city and a significant port, is located in the county.
Aside from its many advantages and attractions, New Hanover County boasts a rich history and culture. But it has its fair share of crime and safety problems, just like any other location.
Based on the most recent FBI crime data, New Hanover County had a violent crime rate of 25.1 per 100,000 residents in 2019. This rate was higher than the national average of 22.7 per 100,000 residents.
A property crime rate of 69.2 per 100,000 people was recorded in the county in 2019, which was significantly higher than the 35.4 per 100,000 people national average.
The county’s various locations can have substantially different rates of crime. Certain places are more likely to experience criminal activity than others, although overall some areas are safer.The following list of the five riskiest neighborhoods in New Hanover County is based on crime maps and data from CrimeGrade.org:
Wrightsville Beach
This coastal town in South Carolina, bordering New Hanover County, has around 2,600 residents and draws numerous tourists year-round. Despite its popularity, the town faces a concerning issue – it has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the county, reaching 1,176.5 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2019.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Catonsville, Maryland
Carolina Beach
This beach town is located along the coast, sharing its border with South Carolina and New Hanover County. With a population of around 4,800 people, it provides various recreational activities and amenities for both residents and visitors.
However, it faces a challenge as it has one of the highest rates of property crime in the county, reaching 2,905.1 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2019.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Guilford County, North Carolina
Boiling Spring Lakes
This community by Wilmington, with around 5,400 residents, is situated near Lake Norman, known for its scenic charm and recreational options. Despite these positive aspects, it faces a challenge as it has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the county, affecting both men and women.
Read More:Â This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of North Carolina
Topsail Beach
This beach town is on an island near the coast of North Carolina, next to South Carolina and New Hanover County. Around 500 people live here, and it’s well-liked by surfers and boaters.
Read More:Â This City Has Been Named the Cheapest Place to Live in Arizona
Southport
This town is close to Wilmington and has around 2,400 residents. It’s famous for its old downtown area and the yearly Seafood Festival.
How Does The Crime Rate of New Hanover County Compare to Other Counties in North Carolina
New Hanover County has a lower crime rate than the average for North Carolina and the entire United States. The table below compares the crime rates of New Hanover County with those of other counties in North Carolina that have a similar population size.
| County | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000) | Property Crime Rate (per 100,000) |
| New Hanover | 25 | 69 |
| Brunswick | 29 | 76 |
| Columbus | 30 | 76 |
| Harnett | 31 | 77 |
| Moore | 31 | 78 |
| Onslow | 32 | 79 |
| Pender | 33.2 | 80 |
New Hanover County has less violent crime than Brunswick, Columbus, Harnett, Moore, Onslow, and Pender counties. However, it has more property crime than all of them except Pender County.
Read More:Â These Towns in Virginia Have the Best Street Food
Final Words
Some areas in New Hanover County can be risky, but there are also plenty of safe neighborhoods that provide a good quality of life and opportunities for both residents and visitors.
To make the most of your time here, stay informed and alert. Keep in mind that not all neighborhoods are safe for everyone, so it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself from crime.
