In numerous cities throughout all 50 states in the US, there has been a noticeable increase in both violent and property crimes.
With countless people considering travel or relocation, it’s essential to be well-informed about the safety of potential destinations.
This article offers insights into the top ten most dangerous cities in the USA, providing valuable information for those looking to explore or settle down in a new city.
Approaching the subject with a friendly tone, the information unveils these cities without bias or exaggeration. Understanding the crime rates and safety concerns in different areas can greatly influence one’s decision-making process.
So, continue reading to learn more about these cities and make more informed choices for your future travels or residence.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in America (2023)
- Memphis, Tennessee
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Oakland, California
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Baltimore, Maryland
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Detroit, Michigan
- Lubbock, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Stockton, California
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee, is the most dangerous city in the United States. Home to 628,127 residents, the city’s crime rate surpasses the national average by a staggering 237%.
In Memphis, there are 7,913 crimes for every 100,000 people, and the city is particularly known for its high violent crime rate.
In 2022, Memphis recorded 15,318 violent crime incidents, 289 murders, 2,134 robberies, and 12,484 assaults.
Notable high-crime areas include Shelby-Forest Frayser, Downtown, Parkway Village-Oakhaven, and White Haven-Coro Lake.
2. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri is considered one of the riskier cities in the US. With a population of 239,210, its crime rate is notably 234% higher than the nation’s average.
In 2020, there were 7,847 reported crimes for every 100,000 residents, including 6,107 violent crimes and 17,399 property crimes.
Out of the violent offenses, 263 were murders, 1,242 were robberies, and 4,278 were assaults. As a result, locals have a 1 in 50 chance of experiencing a violent crime.
Some neighborhoods posing higher threats in St. Louis are Peabody-Darst-Webbe, Hamilton Heights, Walnut Park West, and College Hill.
3. Oakland, California
East of San Francisco, Oakland is one of the most perilous cities in California and the United States. With a population of 433,823, this city experiences a crime rate of 6,459 per 100,000, making it 175% higher than the national average and 150% higher than California.
In 2022, Oakland faced 5,714 violent incidents, including 103 murders, 2,515 robberies, and 2,730 assaults. A significant portion of this violence stems from gang activity.
Particularly hazardous neighborhoods in Oakland include North Stonehurst, South Stonehurst, Caballo Hills, and South Prescott.
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico is a city with 562,599 residents and a concerning crime rate. In this city, the crime rate reaches 6,356 per 100,000 people, making it notably more dangerous than the national average.
In 2022, 7,552 violent crimes occurred, with 80 murders, 1,439 robberies, and 5,592 assaults. One has a 1 in 75 chance of being a victim of a violent crime in this city.
Property crime also troubles Albuquerque, with 5,075 burglaries, 18,131 thefts, and 4,965 vehicle thefts in 2022. Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods include Quigley Park, La Mesa, Jackson Area, and Crestview Bluff.
5. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland holds the reputation as one of the top dangerous cities in the United States. With a population of 567,498, the city experiences a violent crime rate of 6,170 per 100,000 residents.
A concerning fact is that residents in this city have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. In the first half of 2022 alone, 177 homicides were recorded.
Gang and drug-related activities are predominantly responsible for the violence in Baltimore.
The most notorious areas for crime in Baltimore include Cherry Hill, West Baltimore, Greenmount East, Fairfield Area, and Pulaski.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is ranked as the sixth most dangerous city in the US. With a population of 376,971, the city experiences a crime rate of 5,864 per 100,000 people, which is 150% higher than the national average.
In 2020, there were 5,221 violent crimes in the city, giving a person a 1 in 74 chance of falling victim. The breakdown includes 201 murders, 1,106 robberies, and 3,200 assaults.
There were also 18,098 property crimes, including 2,039 burglaries and 3,526 vehicular assaults.
Areas of heightened danger within the city include the Lower 9th Ward, Wake Lake Forest, and Pines Village neighborhoods.
7. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan faces a high crime rate that positions it among the most dangerous cities in the United States. With a population of 632,464, it records 5,389 crimes per 100,000 people.
Compared to the national average, Detroit’s crime rate is 130% higher, making the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime 1 in 44. In 2022, the city reported 14,430 violent crimes, comprising 330 murders, 1,850 robberies, and 11,565 assaults.
Furthermore, 21,258 property crimes occurred in the same year.
Areas known for higher danger levels in Detroit include Franklin Park, Fiskhorn, Warrendale, Von Steuben, and Greensbriar.
8. Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock, a city in Texas with a population of 260,993, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the US. The crime rate here is 121% higher than the national average, and in 2022, the city recorded 5,263 crimes per 100,000 residents.
Among these crimes, Lubbock saw 2,856 violent incidents, including 28 murders, 431 robberies, and 2,169 assaults, making the chances of encountering a violent crime 1 in 90. Additionally, 13,858 property crimes took place in the city.
Notorious neighborhoods in Lubbock include Jackson, Tech Terrace, Chatman Park, Maxey, and Dunbar.
9. Stockton, California
Stockton, California is recognized as one of the most perilous places in the United States. The city, with a population of 322,120, has a crime rate of 4,259 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it 82% more hazardous than the national average.
During 2022, there had been 4,047 violent crime incidents, meaning a 1 in 79 chance of becoming a victim. Out of these, 56 were murders, 918 robberies, and 2,883 assaults.
Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Stockton include Civic Center, Park, Lakeview, and Seaport.
10. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, often makes headlines due to its high crime rates and dangerous reputation.
The city has a population of 2,746,388, and a crime rate of 3,926 for every 100,000 residents, making it significantly more dangerous than the US average by 67%.
In 2020, the city experienced 26,620 violent crimes, which included 774 murders.
A substantial portion of Chicago’s violent crime can be linked to gang-related disputes and activities, often connected to the drug trade.
Most gang violence can be found in certain neighborhoods where gangs are most active. In general, the South Side and West Side of Chicago have a higher prevalence of crime.
Notably, the neighborhoods of Englewood, Austin, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, and Washington Park are considered the city’s most dangerous areas.
Assessing the Most Dangerous Cities in America
To evaluate the most dangerous cities in America, various factors were taken into account. These factors included the rates of violent crimes and the overall crime rate per capita.
Only cities with a population of at least 200,000 were considered. Despite having large populations, these cities tend to exhibit unusually high occurrences of violent crimes, such as murders and other serious offenses.
The Bottom Line on America’s Most Dangerous Cities
Gun violence, FBI data, and crime statistics all determine which US cities are considered the most dangerous.
These ten cities stand out due to their extremely high crime rates and the threat they pose to residents and visitors.
While these cities have alarming crime rates, safe areas do exist within their boundaries. Thorough research and preparation will help ensure a safe experience if relocating to or visiting one of these cities.
As always, staying informed about the latest news, agency reports, and crime statistics assists in understanding the evolving safety landscape in America’s most dangerous cities.
