Is High Point Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

Safety Index:

* Based on Research & Crime Data

There’s a good chance that sometime in your lifetime, you’ve used a piece of furniture made in High Point, North Carolina, as it’s the “Furniture Capital of the World.”

That’s not even a historic moniker for this central Carolina city.

Dozens of furniture showrooms are available for every aspect of your home or business.

You might be researching this town because you’re coming for the High Point Market, a globally-renowned trade show.

Even if upholstery isn’t your thing, don’t miss a chance to get a photo at the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers.

What makes High Point truly special is its ability to blend its industrial heritage with modern-day charm seamlessly.

Visitors are drawn to its unique atmosphere, where historic buildings stand alongside contemporary showrooms.

The city boasts a thriving arts scene, with theaters, galleries, and the annual North Carolina Shakespeare Festival.

Its dedication to the arts is further evident in landmarks like Körner’s Folly, an architectural marvel filled with whimsical rooms and intricate designs.

High Point’s commitment to green spaces adds to its allure.

The Bicentennial Greenway and High Point City Lake Park offer opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the city’s natural beauty.

The city also prides itself on its university, High Point University, known for its picturesque campus and the Sculpture Garden, adorned with remarkable sculptures.

All that, and a castle, too!

But before you get too excited about the cool things to do, we need to talk through some safety information.

Warnings & Dangers in High Point

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in High Point due to historically high crime rates, but improvements are being made. I'd honestly put it between low and medium, erring toward low if you focus on the tourist attractions and know the safest parts of town.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The city has a public transit system, taxis are highly regulated and readily available, and rental cars offer more flexibility to explore the Triad. All options are a low risk, but a rental car is the safest.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The city has averaged about five pickpockets or purse snatchings a year over the past five years. While the risk is statistically low, I'd treat it as a medium risk with so many other crimes happening.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You can get a wide swatch of severe and disruptive weather throughout the year, so treat it with a medium risk. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, and wildfires are possible throughout the year. Winter can bring ice storms or snow storms. While they aren't common, they can be paralyzing when they happen.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

About half of the robberies here happen in private homes. Highway robberies account for 20% of all robberies. The robbery rate is slightly higher than the national average. The risk is low, but use caution at night or when walking around a new part of town alone.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk with little reason to be concerned about international terrorism. Domestic terrorism and gun violence can happen in any town, and there's no way to prepare for it. In fact, most communities that have faced these issues claim, "We never thought it would happen here." It's just another reason why it's important to report any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The risk can be low if you stay informed of the trending scams and follow up with any potential fraudulent activity. For example, card skimmers were found in a local Walmart in 2023. Use a credit card for as many purchases as possible since those offer the best fraud prevention and reimbursement. Check social media sites for local law enforcement to see trending scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

The main thing I'd want women to know is that this isn't as safe of a community as you might assume it to be. While most criminal activity is between people who know each other or crimes of opportunity, you need to use the same big-city safety steps you would in a place like Charlotte. Treat it as a medium risk, and you'll be able to enjoy the attractions without additional risks.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2022 Water Quality Report shows all requirements from the state and federal levels were met or exceeded. You can read the view online through the city's website. A new report should come out each June for the previous year.

Safest Places to Visit in High Point

VisitHighPoint.com is the official tourism site for the city.

You can also look for the Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau website for a broader stroke of things to do in the region.

VisitWinstonSalem.com covers activities and attractions in that part of the Triad.

As the “Furniture Capital of the World,” you can start at the High Point Museum, delving into the city’s history, particularly its role in the furniture industry.

Stroll through the International Home Furnishings Center, where numerous showrooms display the latest in interior design trends.

For a relaxing day outdoors, head to High Point City Lake Park, which offers a serene lake perfect for picnics and paddleboats.

Thrill-seekers can visit Kersey Valley Attractions, known for ziplining and corn mazes, or brave the spooky adventures of Spookywoods during Halloween.

Check the schedule for the performance at the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival or the High Point Theater.

Those who prefer visual art can visit the High Point Arts Council Gallery.

The Sculpture Garden at High Point University to appreciate stunning sculptures in a picturesque setting.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the Bicentennial Greenway, a scenic trail system for hiking and biking.

Oak Hollow Marina is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Körner’s Folly is a unique historic home-turned-museum with eccentric architecture and themed rooms.

Take in panoramic views from the High Point City Hall Observation Deck and enjoy a High Point Rockers baseball game.

By the way, if you’re looking for a venue for a wedding, anniversary, or themed event, you simply must check out Castle McCulloch, which is an 1832 stone castle surrounded by fountains and ponds.

Events are held here throughout the year, so you can purchase tickets without having to plan a big event, too.

Those traveling with kids shouldn’t miss the Qubein Children’s Museum.

In fact, it’s such a popular attraction, ranking as one of the best in North Carolina, even without kids.

Places to Avoid in High Point

The neighborhoods south of downtown are known for having the highest crime rates.

However, this is a fast-growing city, and those statistics can change over time.

You can use the Community Crime Map on the police department’s website to track crime trends.

If you want to stay in the safest parts of town, look north and west.

One thing that is worth addressing is the high homicide rate in High Point.

While very few are random acts of violence against strangers, High Point and Greensboro are two of the highest-ranked cities for homicides in the state and country.

It’s more than twice the national average.

That should be motivation enough to stick to places along your itinerary path, using main streets and highways.

If a neighborhood gas station looks rundown, you should consider finding another location.

Also, just don’t go into parts of town where you don’t have a reason to be.

If you do see a disturbance, fight, or crime while you’re there, don’t try to intervene.

Just dial 911.

We’re honestly not trying to make High Point sound more dangerous than it is or insinuate it’s a huge danger area.

It’s just to emphasize that this isn’t the idyllic Southern town you might assume it is at face value – because there are some pretty cool things to do here!

Safety Tips for Traveling to High Point

High Point does have its own police department. You can follow them on Facebook @HighPointPoliceNC. For more specific safety questions, call the department at 336-883-3224. It is probably a good idea to follow Greensboro Police on Facebook, too. That’s @GreensboroPolice.
Greenville is transparent about crime data and annual crime reporting, which is a welcome relief. Many cities facing high crime rates make that information hard to find. You can review the annual crime report on the department’s website.
I mentioned the Community Crime Map earlier, and I encourage you to use it. Some helpful parameters could be looking for car break-ins within a half mile of your chosen hotel in the past six months. You might also want to know about assaults within a mile. The flexibility of the crime mapping technology really helps you get a more “now” view of crime in High Point.
Crime Stoppers of High Point has an app through the P3 program that allows you to report criminal activity or suspicious behaviors anonymously. This isn’t a replacement for 911, but if you notice a broken window, graffiti, or possible drug activity, you can send information without having to give your name. You can also be eligible for a reward using a unique code that doesn’t identify you.
The website “Live in High Point” is designed for future residents, but I always find great safety information and local contacts for tourism.
Look at the Alert Center on the city’s website for the most recent public safety concerns. You can sign up for email notifications, too. Be sure to add weather alerts to your list of options.
Anglers need a license to fish in any waterway of the state. Go Outdoors North Carolina has all the information you need. In the Triad Region, you’ll need an inland fishing permit. If you’re going to the coast during your trip, pick up a coastal fishing license, too.
I’ve seen enough articles and website sections about litter in High Point that it’s worth asking you to help the cause. If you notice heavily littered areas, there’s a form on the city’s website where you can send in information, including the address and photos. At the same time, please don’t litter and carry trash with you until you find a proper receptacle.
When you’re in North Carolina, you can get road reports statewide by calling 511. If that number doesn’t work, dial (877)511-4662. NCDOT.gov also has a list of road construction projects and real-time traffic maps.
I have a love of North Carolina, and even I’ve gotten my words wrong a few times in this article, having to correct Greensboro vs. Greenville. There is a Greenville in North and South Carolina. The city closest to High Point is Greensboro.

So... How Safe Is High Point Really?

High Point has historically been a more dangerous city in the North Carolina Triad, but by mid-2023, violent crime rates were down almost 110% since 2020.

Violent crime peaked in 2019 compared to all other years in the past decade.

An important point about High Point is that most of the crimes happen between people who know each other.

Looking back at five years of crime data, just 12% of violent crimes were against strangers.

One thing to pay attention to is the property crime rate.

“Burglaries, motor vehicle B&E’s, is a trend that we have not seen before.

Our property crimes are the ones that we are really trying to get under control.

We would be better off if we did not have any property crimes,” Chief Travis Stroud said in an early 2023 news conference.

Vehicle thefts are also up, with 80% of stolen vehicles being trucks.

Juveniles are among the top suspects in car thefts.

So, don’t rent a truck here.

Choose a rental car or SUV.

We’re cautiously optimistic that High Point is moving in the right direction for crime rates, but be sure to check that Community Crime map before you plan your trip.

How Does High Point Compare?

City	Safety Index
High Point	62
Atlanta	58
St. Louis	58
Los Angeles	56
Oakland	57
New Orleans	57
Baltimore	56
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)	43
Sofia (Bulgaria)	73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)	63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)	61
Niagara Falls (Canada)	87
Calgary (Canada)	82

Useful Information

Visas

Anyone visiting from outside the U.S. will need a passport and a visa. A visa waiver program is eligible for certain people from specific countries. There's a list of those on the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the only currency that can be used here. Exchange currency before you arrive. Don't use public ATMs here.

Weather

You can pack casual, comfortable clothing that is seasonally appropriate. Winters don't get too cold compared to the Northern states. You should still check the five-day forecast before you arrive since temperatures can fluctuate. Summers will be sticky with heat and humidity. Bring bug sprays, sunscreen, and clothing you don't mind sweating in.

Airports

Piedmont Triad International Airport is 16 miles from High Point. Please note - the airport does not have a currency exchange service.

Travel Insurance

If traveling anywhere that weather could interfere with your agenda, travel insurance is highly recommended. Additionally, secure medical insurance if your current plan is limited to the states. Check rental car coverage also, so you're prepared in the event of any accidents.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

High Point Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 5° C

Feb 7° C

Mar 11° C

Apr 16° C

May 20° C

Jun 24° C

Jul 26° C

Aug 25° C

Sep 22° C

Oct 16° C

Nov 11° C

Dec 7° C

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	10	13	17	23	26	30	32	31	28	22	17	12
Low °C	-1	1	4	9	13	18	20	19	16	9	4	1
High °F	50	55	63	73	79	86	90	88	82	72	63	54
Low °F	30	34	39	48	55	64	68	66	61	48	39	34

North Carolina - Safety by City

City	Safety Index
Apex	84
Asheville	57
Boone	82
Cary	83
Chapel Hill	81
Charlotte	56
Cornelius	75
Corolla	81
Davidson	82
Duck	79
Durham	84
Elizabeth City	79
Gastonia	61
Goldsboro	46
Greensboro	77
Hatteras	82
Hickory	68
High Point	62
Hope Mills	53
Kannapolis	82
Kill Devil Hills	77
Kitty Hawk	79
Manteo	75
Mooresville	77
Morehead City	78
New Bern	77
Raleigh	74
Rocky Mount	52
Rodanthe	85
Statesville	78
Wilmington	84
Winston-Salem	47

Is High Point Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

North Carolina : Safety by City