In this eye-opening list provided by MoneyGeek, you will see the 15 cities with a very alarming and high crime cost per capita. These are places where safety is a primary concern and very costly, impacting residents’ lifestyles.
Keep reading to reveal the places you might think twice about calling home.
#15 Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA, has a crime cost per capita of $5,502 and faces safety challenges with crime rates above the national average. The city reports higher instances of violent crimes, such as homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies. Economic disparities contribute to these issues. Efforts to improve safety include community policing and social programs targeting the root causes of crime are hopefully going to make necessary changes.
#14 Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA, has a crime cost per capita of $5,570 and reports higher-than-average violent crime rates, including significant instances of homicides, assaults, and robberies. The city’s economic challenges and social disparities contribute to its crime issues. Initiatives to enhance public safety focus on community engagement and preventive measures but have yet to make significant changes.
#13 San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, CA, has a crime cost per capita of $5,691 and struggles with high crime rates, particularly in violent crimes such as homicides and aggravated assaults. Economic hardships and social issues amplify these concerns. On-going efforts to curb crime include community-based policing and social development programs.
#12 Oakland, CA
Oakland, CA, has a crime cost per capita of $5,710 and experiences elevated levels of violent crime, including homicides, robberies, and assaults, surpassing national averages. Contributing factors include socio-economic disparities and urban challenges. The city is actively pursuing strategies like community policing and social equity initiatives to improve safety and address the root causes of crime.
#11 Pueblo, CO
Pueblo, CO, has a crime cost per capita of $5,979 and faces challenges with crime, notably in rates of violent crime and property crime that exceed national averages. Economic issues and social disparities are key factors. Efforts to enhance safety include increased law enforcement presence and community outreach programs to tackle the underlying causes of crime.
#10 Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO, has a crime cost per capita of $6,398 and has high violent crime rates, with significant instances of homicides, assaults, and robberies. Economic inequality and social issues contribute to these safety challenges. The city is implementing community policing and social intervention programs to address crime’s root causes and improve public safety.
#9 Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI, has a crime cost per capita of $7,029 and deals with substantial crime rates, particularly in violent crime, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies. Economic disparities and social challenges are significant contributors. Milwaukee is focusing on community engagement, law enforcement strategies, and social services to combat these issues and promote safer neighborhoods.
#8 Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, OH, has a crime cost per capita of $7,397 and experiences high levels of violent crime, with notable rates of homicides, assaults, and robberies well above national averages. Contributing factors include economic hardship and social inequalities. The city’s efforts to improve safety encompass community policing initiatives and programs aimed at addressing the socioeconomic factors contributing to crime.
#7 Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, AR, has a crime cost per capita of $7,781 and faces notable crime rates, especially in violent crimes such as homicides, assaults, and robberies, surpassing national norms. Economic and social disparities play a significant role in these issues. To enhance public safety, Little Rock is investing in community policing efforts and social programs aimed at addressing the root causes of violence and crime.
#6 Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD, has a crime cost per capita of $8,160 and has a high incidence of violent crime, including a significant number of homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults, ranking it above the national average. Economic inequality, social issues, and urban decay contribute to these crime rates. Baltimore is actively pursuing strategies like community engagement, policing reforms, and investment in social programs to tackle these challenges and improve public safety.
#5 Memphis, TN
Memphis, TN, has a crime cost per capita of $9,056 and grapples with high violent crime rates, particularly in terms of homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies, exceeding national averages. Economic disparities and social challenges are key contributors to the city’s safety issues. Memphis is working on enhancing public safety through initiatives like targeted policing, community outreach, and social support programs to reduce crime’s underlying causes.
#4 Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI, has a crime cost per capita of $9,281 and is marked by high rates of violent crime, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies, significantly above the national average. The city’s economic struggles and urban blight contribute to these issues. Detroit is addressing public safety through comprehensive strategies that include community policing, economic revitalization projects, and social programs designed to tackle the root causes of crime and improve the quality of life for its residents.
#3 St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO, has a crime cost per capita of $11,055 and faces one of the highest violent crime rates in the U.S., with alarming numbers of homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults. These rates far exceed national averages, influenced by deep-seated economic and social disparities. St. Louis is striving to enhance safety through community engagement efforts, law enforcement strategies, and initiatives aimed at addressing the socioeconomic factors that fuel crime.
#2 New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, has a crime cost per capita of $11,094 and has the second-highest crime rates on our list, with violent crimes like homicides, robberies, and assaults significantly above national averages. Economic inequality and post-disaster challenges exacerbate these issues. The city is addressing crime through community policing and social initiatives.
#1 Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL, has a crime cost per capita of $11,392 and ranks as the most dangerous city on our list, with the highest violent crime rates, including a notable frequency of homicides, assaults, and robberies, far exceeding national averages. Economic struggles and social disparities are major contributing factors. Birmingham is tackling these safety concerns through intensified law enforcement efforts and community-based programs aimed at mitigating the root causes of crime.
