These Are The Drunkest Cities In North Carolina

Whether you’re settling in after a long day on the job or going out with friends, there’s nothing quite like cracking a cold one. And there’s arguably nobody who drinks better than the great state of North Carolina.

The Tar Heel state is perfectly situated to have the perfect mix of great local beers and incredible whiskey, paired of course with the deep tradition of moonshine.

Roadsnacks took a good long look into some of the most intoxicated places throughout the state and compiled some really interesting data, including looking Bars and Liquor stores per capita and, coincidentally (or not), the divorce rates in the area. There’s no population cut-off here so if you can booze with the best of ‘em, you’re included. As you’ll see, there are some towns that many of us may have never heard of before.

#10: Black Mountain

Population: 7,855
Divorce rate: 16.4%
Bars per capita: 24th
Liquor stores per capita: 15th

Starting us off strong is this small town nestled about 20 minutes east of Asheville. Aside from being a quaint appalachian town, Black Mountain can sure handle their liquor. This is the kind of place that has one major street and a bar on every corner.

#9: Morehead City

Population: 8,720
Divorce rate: 15%
Bars per capita: 3rd
Liquor stores per capita: 27th

With just about 1,000 more people than our previous entry, Morehead City is keeping the small town vibes going. If you’re ever on your way to the Outer Banks and you pass through, I’d strongly consider popping in for a cold one.

#8: Oak Island

Population: 6,889
Divorce rate: 15.6%
Bars per capita: 14th
Liquor stores per capita: 3rd

Our smallest entry yet (so small we couldn’t find a picture) and these islanders like their liquor. With the third most liquor stores per capita in the state, nobody ever runs the risk of running dry.

#7 Raleigh

Population: 405,007
Divorce rate: 10%
Bars per capita: 17th
Liquor stores per capita: 26th

The first big city on our list, Raleigh only trails Charlotte for total number of bars and anyone who’s spent a weekend here knows that the Wolfpack can drink just about anybody under the table.

#6: Brevard

Population: 7,566
Divorce rate: 14%
Bars per capita: 10th
Liquor stores per capita: 12th

Back to our towns that have four-digit populations. Brevard is one of those towns that just pops up in the middle of nowhere and honestly, what else are the citizens going to do?

#5: Carrboro

Population: 19,702
Divorce rate: 8.3%
Bars per capita: 3rd
Liquor stores per capita: 12th

Finally a good mid-sized town. There certainly is a caveat to that as a lot of this town’s drinkers are coming over the border from Chapel Hill. And I will say, there may be a lot of drinks flowing but Carrboro also has some of the best food I’ve ever had.

#4: Waynesville

Population: 9.864
Divorce rate: 15.6%
Bars per capita: 13th
Liquor stores per capita: 2nd

Another tiny town in the mountains, you drive into town and see the Publix, a liquor store, a bar, then repeat.

#3: Kill Devil Hills

Population: 6,714
Divorce rate: 18.5%
Bars per capita: 4th
Liquor stores per capita: 5th

A trip to the Outer Banks will almost always have you going home with a hangover, so absolutely no surprises that KDH finds itself in the top 3 of our list.

#2: Asheville

Population: 83,796
Divorce rate: 14.7%
Bars per capita: 3rd
Liquor stores per capita: 4th

Most of the small towns on our list probably refer to Asheville as “The City” due to the proximity, so now we know where they get it.

#1: Carolina Beach

Population: 5,755
Divorce rate: 18.5%
Bars per capita: 1st
Liquor stores per capita: 9th

With a permanent population of less than 6,000, this town gets its reputation from the tourists that flock in every summer with the goal to drink the bars out of booze. Luckily for the folks on holiday, these establishments stay well stocked.