Crime has been on the rise in the United States during the past few years, and many people are concerned that the towns in which they live might no longer be safe.
Fortunately, there are plenty of safe cities in the United States, but there are also some that are dangerous. Here are the cities with the highest crime rates:
17. Lansing, Michigan
Lansing’s crime rate is four times the national average, but unlike other cities, there is no particularly dangerous area in the city. Therefore, the city has a medium risk. Although crime is common, it is preventable, especially if you know where to go to be safe and have fun.
The rate of robberies is nearly double the national average, and 25% of robberies occur on sidewalks or in public places. To reduce your risk, proceed with moderate caution and avoid walking alone after dark.
Pickpockets are not uncommon in crowded places, so consider this a medium risk. Do not let briefcases, backpacks, or purses out of your sight when you are seated.
16. Danville, Illinois
Danville, IL is rated D-, which means its crime rate is much higher than the national average. Danville ranks 14th in safety, meaning 86% of cities are safer and 14% are more dangerous.
In a typical year, the crime rate in Danville is 51.55 per 1,000 residents. Danville residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest.
In Danville, the odds of becoming a victim of crime range from 1 in 14 in the southern neighborhoods to 1 in 42 in the northwest.
15. Gadsden, Alabama
The crime rate is significantly higher than that of a typical U.S. city. Gadsden’s safety ranking is in the 15th percentile, meaning that 85% of cities are safer than Gadsden, while 15% of cities are riskier. This analysis is for Gadsden city limits only.
According to statistics, the annual crime rate in Gadsden is 93.67 per 1,000 residents. Gadsden residents generally consider the northeast region of the city to be the safest.
In Gadsden, your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime range from 1 in 15 in the northwest neighborhoods to 1 in 27 in the northeast.
14. Albany, Georgia
Albany has a high violent crime rate – 3rd in the state. While violent crime in the coastal town of Brunswick is declining, it still ranks 5th in the state.
Albany has safe neighborhoods, yet within a five-minute walk, the area may be more dangerous. You should always follow normal safety precautions, such as not walking around at night alone, staying in well-lit places, parking near security cameras, and not being distracted while traveling.
- Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 33.42
- Chance of being a victim: 1 in 61
Latest Albany’s Crime News & Updates:
February 27: Data Reveals Albany’s Ten Most Dangerous Neighborhoods Entering 2023
13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is known for its gorgeous views of Lake Michigan as well as its numerous fantastic breweries. Milwaukee, with a population of under 600,000 people, also has a relatively high crime rate.
In particular, robberies and assaults are common in Milwaukee.
12. Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo faces a significant challenge in terms of its crime rate, which stands at 66 incidents per every 1000 residents. This places it among the cities in America with the highest crime rates, surpassing even some of the largest metropolitan areas.
The odds of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime in Kalamazoo is unfortunately 1 in 15. It’s a shame that Kalamazoo’s crime rate exceeds that of all other communities in Michigan, regardless of their size or population.
11. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland boasts a disturbingly high crime rate, with 56 incidents per every 1000 residents. This places it among the top cities in America with the highest crime rates, surpassing even some of the largest metropolitan areas. The likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in Cleveland stands at a staggering 1 in 18. Sadly, this makes Cleveland an outlier in Ohio, as the majority of communities within the state have a safer crime rate.
Latest Crime Updates:
January 19: Head of U.S. Marshals visits Cleveland to discuss violent crime with city leaders (Source: Cleveland.com)
10. Alexandria, Louisiana
9. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock is located on the Arkansas River, and is known for its gorgeous scenery. It is also home to the only active diamond mine in the United States.
Sadly, the city also has a high rate of crime. Approximately 9 crimes are committed in Little Rock every day, with burglaries and car thefts at the top of the list.
8. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
7. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama has a significant crime rate, with 77 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the U.S. when compared to all communities of various sizes, including small towns and large cities.
The risk of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Birmingham is 1 in 13. Despite efforts by the local authorities to reduce crime, Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than 98% of other communities within the state of Alabama.
It is important for residents and visitors to take necessary precautions and stay vigilant to ensure their safety.
6. Detroit, Michigan
When people think about Detroit, they usually think about the home of auto manufacturing. Even though Detroit has a tremendous amount of history, it is also one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
Detroit is a city that has dozens of crimes every day despite only having a population of approximately 600,000 people. As a result, the crime rate in Detroit is several times the national average of the United States.
January 9: Detroit violent crime rates still too high despite dip, chief says (Source: news.yahoo.com)
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is closely associated with rock and roll music and Elvis Presley. Located on the Mississippi River, Memphis has a population of approximately 700,000 people.
Even though the nightlife can be wild, Memphis also has a lot of violent crimes committed every year. Make sure you keep your wits about you if you plan on visiting Memphis and going out at night!
4. Saginaw, Michigan
Saginaw, Michigan is known to have a high crime rate, with 42 incidents per 1,000 residents, putting it among the top in America when compared to all sizes of communities, from small towns to big cities.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of being affected by violent or property crime in Saginaw is 1 in 24.
February 7: Amid soaring crime, Memphis cops lowered the bar for hiring
3. Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe, Louisiana is frequently listed as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. There are dozens of crimes committed in Monroe every day, even though the population is only about 100,000 people.
Therefore, if you visit Monroe, Louisiana, you need to take extra precautions. It is one of the cities with the highest crime rates in the United States.
2. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama is plagued by a crime rate of 141 incidents per 1,000 residents, which places it among the highest in the country when compared to communities of all sizes, including small towns and large cities.
Unfortunately, the probability of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Mobile is 1 in 7. In comparison to other communities within the state of Alabama, Mobile’s crime rate is higher than 100% of them.
January 1, 2023: 1 dead, 9 hurt in shooting near New Year’s Eve party in Alabama
1. Bessemer, Alabama
As per neighborhoodscout’s analysis of dangerous cities in the United States, Bessemer has been identified as the most dangerous city in the U.S. in 2023.
Bessemer, Alabama has a concerning crime rate of 113 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the country among communities of all sizes, from small towns to large cities. The odds of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Bessemer are 1 in 9. Unfortunately, compared to other communities within the state of Alabama, Bessemer has a higher crime rate than 100% of them.
February 3: Bessemer mayor says police removed 300 guns from the streets in 2022
Other dangerous cities in the U.S.
Stockton, California
California is expensive to live in, but Stockton is relatively affordable. Perhaps it is because the crime rate is so high.
Crime rates have gone up in Stockton during the past few years, so be sure to keep your valuables close to you if you visit Stockton.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a gorgeous city that is known for Johns Hopkins University, Navy Pier, and its proximity to the nation’s capital. Sadly, it has a very high crime rate that makes it a dangerous city.
In particular, this is a city that has a very high rate of homicides, and it is also a site of numerous car break-ins. Protect yourself accordingly when you visit Baltimore.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is one of the largest cities in the country, and it is home to one of the most iconic landmarks with its Gateway to the West. St. Louis is also home to the Cardinals, the City Museum, and Forest Park.
Unfortunately, St. Louis also has high rates of homelessness and substance abuse. It also has one of the highest crime rates in the country, particularly as you get closer to the Mississippi River.
Rockford, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois is frequently called the Forest City because of its unique mixture and its ability to attract visitors from all over the country. Unfortunately, these visitors might be targeted, as the city has one of the highest crime rates in the country.
It has high rates of muggings, pickpocketing, and theft. All of these crimes are significantly above the national average, so it is important to make sure you hide your valuables if you plan on visiting this city.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico is a gorgeous city that is known for its international balloon fiesta and its gorgeous red rocks. While the desert Southwest is growing quickly, Albuquerque is also one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
It has a population of close to 1 million people, but it is a city that is known for scams, muggings, and pickpockets. Make sure you keep your most important item close to you if you plan on visiting this famous city.
December 29, 2022: APD discusses homicide trends after record deadly year in Albuquerque (Source: ksfr.org)
Source of crime data: neighborhoodscout.com