Charlotte’s Crime Hotspots: 8 Dangerous Neighborhoods You Should Know About

Source: Streeter Lecka / Getty

Charlotte, NC is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, but not every part of the Queen City offers the same sense of safety. While many neighborhoods are thriving, others continue to struggle with high rates of violent crime, property theft, and gang activity. Based on recent data and crime research, here are the eight most dangerous neighborhoods in Charlotte—and why residents and visitors should be alert.

Bottom line: When visiting or moving in Charlotte, proceed with caution around these neighborhoods, especially at night.

Citywide violent crime rose ~3% in 2024, with homicides climbing from 89 (2023) to 111 (2024) — first triple-digit total since 2020

Source: Property Club

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Charlotte

1. Pinecrest

• Crime rate: ~529% above city average; violent/property crime rampant 

• Reasons: Intense gang activity, high shooting rates despite small population

• West Charlotte area

2. Lincoln Heights

• Crime rate: ~449% higher than city average

• Reasons: Ongoing gang presence, frequent shootings & burglaries; residents note weak police patrols

• North Charlotte area

3. Lakewood

• • Crime rate: ~435% over Charlotte average; 1 in 7 chance of crime

  • Reasons: Persistent violent and property crimes, especially at night, despite some gentrification

  • Northwest Charlotte area

4. Tryon Hills

• Crime rate: ~391% above national average; ~3,837 violent & 8,814 property crimes per 100k

• Reasons: Poverty-driven crime; high unemployment (~10.4%)

• Northeast, just outside of uptown Charlotte

5. Grier Heights

• Crime rate: ~365% above national average 

• Reasons: Frequent burglary and theft; though gentrification is slightly reducing crime, violent incidents remain

• Southeast Charlotte area

6. Seversville

• Crime rate: ~323% over national average 

• Reasons: High incidence of shootings & assaults; predominantly low-income renters

• Northwest side of town, just outside Uptown off Tuckaseegee Rd.

7. Smallwood

• Violent crime: ~3,168 per 100k (305% above city average)

• Reasons: High robbery, car theft, assault; weak school funding, poverty (unemployment ~8.8%)

• Northwest Charlotte area, off Rozzelles Ferry Rd.

8. Hidden Valley

• Crime rate: ~9,211 incidents/100k (299% above U.S. average); violent crime 584% above national norm

• Reasons: Major drug/gang hub; presence of the Hidden Valley Kings gang involved in shootings, theft, and trafficking

• Northeast Charlotte, in Sugar Creek, off I-85 highway