Winston-Salem, located in North Carolina, has a long history and a lively culture with a mix of people. However, like any city, it faces crime issues.
Certain parts of Winston-Salem have higher crime rates, and everyone in the area, whether they live there or are just visiting, should be mindful of possible risks.
In this article, we’ll look into the five neighborhoods in Winston-Salem with higher crime rates. We’ll consider factors like crime rates, amenities, education, employment, and housing.
Mayodan
Mayodan is a town in North Carolina, specifically in Rockingham County. It got its name because it’s close to where two rivers meet – the Mayo River and the Dan River.
The town is known for being a place where companies like Sturm, Ruger & Co. and Bridgestone Aircraft Tire make things. It used to have a General Tobacco factory as well. Around 2,418 people lived there in 2020.
If you’re looking for things to do, Mayodan has some attractions like Mayo River State Park, Autumn Creek Vineyards, Hidden Treasure, 2 Rivers Flea Market, and the Mayodan Arts Center.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Johnston County, North Carolina
Lexington
Lexington is a town in North Carolina, famous for its old downtown area and yearly county fair. Around 19,347 people lived there in 2020.
Places to visit: Lexington County Museum, Lexington Opera House, Lexington Greenway, Lexington County Fairgrounds, and Lexington County Historical Society.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Cheapest Place to Live in Arizona
Yadkinville
Yadkinville is a town in Yadkin County, North Carolina, situated by the Yadkin River. In 2020, it had a population of 2,801. Some cool places to check out there include Hanover Park Vineyard, Brandon Hills Vineyards, Sweet Home Carolina Vineyard & Winery, Shore-Styers Mill Park, and the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Illinois
Spencer
Spencer, located in Davidson County, North Carolina, is a town with a population of 3,296 as of 2020. Some attractions in Spencer include the Spencer Museum of Art, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Campus and Arboretum, Spencer Heritage Museum and Archives, Spencer Community Park and Splash Pad, and Spencer Public Library.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Drunkest City in Pennsylvania
Thomasville
Thomasville is a town in North Carolina, founded by Thomasville College in 1889. As of 2020, about 26,941 people live there.
Some cool places to check out in Thomasville include the Thomasville College Campus and Alumni Center, the Thomasville Museum of Art and History, the Thomasville Heritage Foundation and Gardens, the Thomasville Farmers Market and Craft Fair, and the Thomasville Main Street Historic District.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Tennessee
Some Crime Rates Statistics in Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem has higher crime rates compared to the rest of the country.
- Violent crimes are much more common, with a likelihood of 1 in 20 people becoming victims of crime in the city.
- Winston-Salem is considered safer than only 11% of cities in the United States.
- Over the past year, crime in Winston-Salem has increased by 33%.
- In 2020, the overall crime rate was 80, which is 3.2 times lower than the national average.
- However, there was a significant 84% drop in crime rates in Winston-Salem from 2019 to 2020, including a decrease in homicides from 26 to 2.
Tips to Stay Safe While Visiting or Living in Winston-Salem
Staying safe in Winston-Salem is crucial due to higher crime rates than the national average. Here are some tips:
1. Avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit and populated streets. Carry a whistle, pepper spray, or a personal alarm for self-defense.
2. Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Report anything suspicious or uncomfortable to the police or call 911. Do not engage with strangers asking for money.
3. Research the neighborhoods you plan to visit or live in. Some parts of Winston-Salem are safer, and you can use crime maps to compare. Generally, the west part of the city is considered the safest, while central neighborhoods have higher crime rates.
4. Follow local laws and respect the culture. Winston-Salem is diverse and friendly, but it has its traditions. Be polite, avoid conflicts, and embrace the local norms.
Final Words
Winston-Salem is a city with lots of things to do and see, but it does have some challenges. Some neighborhoods are safer than others, so it’s important for residents and visitors to know about crime rates and safety precautions.
According to a website that rates suburbs, the top five riskier neighborhoods in Winston-Salem are Mayodan, Lexington, Yadkinville, Spencer, and Thomasville. These areas score low in amenities, education, jobs, housing, and safety, and they have higher rates of violent and property crimes.
However, it’s essential to remember that these rankings may not perfectly represent the actual crime rates or what people living there think. Staying informed and careful will help you enjoy the best of Winston-Salem while avoiding potential risks. Stay safe!
