worst tourist cities in us

10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US

According to the United States Census Bureau, the United States had a population of over 333 million people as of July 2022.

The Statista website indicates that in 2020 1,958.2 property crimes, including burglary and auto theft, occurred per 100,000 people in the United States.

388.5 violent crimes, including assaults, rape, and murder, occurred per 100,000 people in the United States.

According to Tour Hero, the United States remains a top tourist destination because of its natural wonders, places of historic and cultural significance, culinary destinations, and vibrant cities.

Speaking of cities, the most dangerous places in the United States are not what you might think they are by watching the news according to an article in Forbes.

1. St. Louis, Missouri

2. birmingham, alabama, 3. baltimore, maryland, 4. memphis, tennessee, 5. detroit, michigan, 6. cleveland, ohio, 7. new orleans, louisiana, 8. shreveport, louisiana, 9. baton rouge, louisiana, 10. little rock, arkansas, 5 safety tips for traveling to the us, noteworthy facts about the us, united states safety overview.

St. Louis, Missouri is a vibrant, interesting city to visit.

It also has the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous place to visit in the United States based on crime statistics.

But, as with any other place, St. Louis has bad parts of town and less bad parts.

According to a page on Passecurity.com, the southeast part of town, including North Hampton and Lindenwood Park, is relatively safe to visit.

Other parts of the city, including downtown St. Louis, which has more than its share of homeless people begging for spare change or cigarettes, are more problematic.

Birmingham, Alabama is well known in the history of the American civil rights movement.

The city also has a number of tourist attractions and, according to Trip Advisor, organized tourist walks, including those covering the struggle for equal rights and nighttime “ghost walks.”

The Crimegrade Birmingham page indicates that the central part of the city is considered less safe by residents while the northern part is the safest.

The Region Security Guarding page noted that Dartmouth Circus, Digbeth, Gravelly Hill, and South Erdington are also considered high-crime neighborhoods.

Baltimore, Maryland is a great tourist attraction.

TripAdvisor notes that among the prime attractions are Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium, and Fell’s Point.

Numerous themed walking tours are available. Recreational sailing in Baltimore’s harbor is a favorite activity for tourists and residents alike.

Crimegrade notes that the most dangerous area of Baltimore tends to be in the city’s southwest and the safest places tend to be in the northeast.

Southwest Journal notes that dangerous neighborhoods in the city include Cherry Hill, West Baltimore, Greenmount East, Fairfield Area, and Pulaski.

Fox News notes that Baltimore has had police staffing problems resulting in a sharp increase in violent crime in recent years.

Memphis, Tennessee is located on the Mississippi and is thus a busy river port town.

Its tourist attractions include Graceland, the home of and shrine to the great musician Elvis Pressley.

Memphis has its own, unique style of barbecue, so partaking of slow-roasted meat is a must while visiting the city.

Memphis also has a crime problem that visitors need to be aware of.

According to Crimegrade’s Memphis page, the east part of the city is considered the safest, while the western portion has problems with both violent street and property crime.

Southwest Journal notes that bad neighborhoods in the city include Shelby Forest-Frayser, Downtown, and New Pathways.

Detroit , Michigan is, according to the Detroit Free Press, one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.

“Recommended attractions include the Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, Eastern Market, the Detroit Riverfront and Belle Isle.”

Sadly, as a page on Crimegrade points out, Detroit is also a high-crime city, with much of the central part not considered safe.

Some of the dangerous areas are where retail theft occurs and not necessarily street crimes, such as muggings and robberies.

Cleveland, Ohio has a number of tourist attractions, according to Tripadvisor, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art, as well as a number of themed walking tours.

Crimegrade notes that the most dangerous parts of the city include the northern part including downtown near the lake.

Safer parts of the city include the far west with Lakewood , Westlake, and Fairview Park and the far east including University Heights and Shaker Heights. 

The local Fox News TV station notes that violent crime is on the increase in Cleveland’s downtown.

New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the best tourist attractions in the United States.

Tripadvisor notes that places to see in the city include the French Quarter, the Garden District, the National World War II Museum, and St Louis Cathedral.

New Orleans boasts numerous walking tours, some of which cover the macabre history of the city.

New Orleans has a rich culinary culture with numerous restaurants.

Unfortunately, New Orleans also has a crime problem.

The most dangerous parts of the city include Central City, St. Roche, the 7th Ward, and the Florida Area according to Travel Snippet.

Tourist areas such as the French Quarter are relatively safe during the day.

At night, one should be more cautious.

Shreveport, Louisiana is not considered a prime tourist destination on the level of New Orleans.

However, Tripadvisor notes some interesting attractions, including the Norton Art Gallery, the Waterworks Museum, the Shreveport Aquarium, and the Barksdale Global Power Museum, with its collection of World War II aircraft.

Crimegrade notes that while the northwest, northeast, south, and southeast parts of Shreveport are considered relatively safe, the central part of the city is not so safe.

Roadsnacks lists the Downtown Riverfront area as the worst part of Shreveport where safety and the risk of violent crime are concerned.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, according to Tripadvisor, has a number of interesting things to see, including the USS Kidd, a World War II destroyer converted into a floating museum, and the LSI Rural Life Museum, a collection of buildings depicting the history of the area.

Crimegrade notes that the central part of the city, along the river, tends to be more dangerous than the areas surrounding it.

Roadsnacks adds that Brookstown, Victoria Gardens, and Greenville Addition are among the less safe parts of Baton Rouge.

Bernard Terrace is among the best and safest parts of the city.

Little Rock, Arkansas has a number of interesting places to see, according to TripAdvisor, including the Central High School National Historical Site, the scene of one of the struggles for school desegregation and civil rights, and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, CrimeGrade notes that the central and eastern parts of the city are considered dangerous while the western parts are safer.

Roadsnacks adds that Central High, Stephens, and 65th Street West are among the high-crime areas of Little Rock while River Mountain and Heights are considered safer.

• Do not display a lot of cash or your cell phone in public, thus creating temptation for muggers,
• Wear a money belt for your money and identification documents rather than put your wallet in your back pocket.
• Exercise situational awareness when in public. Keep your distance from anyone whom you sense may be a threat.
• Be especially careful when out after dark. Use a taxi or a rideshare to get around when the sun is down.
• When out clubbing or dining, avoid drinking too much alcohol. If you’re feeling a little tipsy, see the above rule about taxis and rideshare transportation.

The United States is a republic governed by a written Constitution.

The United States Constitution divides the federal government into the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

It contains a Bill of Rights that limits the power of the federal government and guarantees the rights of its citizens, including freedom of speech, freedom to practice religion, freedom to keep and bear arms, trial by jury, and numerous others.

According to the United States Census, the U.S. is a multiethnic society, comprising:

• White 75.5 percent
• Black 13.6 percent
• Native American or Alaskan Native 1.3 percent
• Asian 6.3 percent
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders 0.3 percent
• Hispanic 19.1
• Multi-Racial 3.0 percent

Unlike most of the world, the United States does not use the metric system.

Distances are measured in inches, feet, yards, and miles.

Weights are measured in pounds.

The United States was the first and, thus far, the only country to land human beings on the surface of the moon.

The U.S. is currently leading a worldwide effort to return astronauts to the moon under Project Artemis.

While most countries in the civilized world ended slavery through political and legislative action, the United States was obliged to fight a civil war to end the practice within its borders.

According to Investopedia, the major industries of the United States include healthcare, technology, construction, retail, and non-durable manufacturing.

Unlike many countries, the United States does not have a universal healthcare system, instead using a mix of government-funded programs (Medicare and Medicaid) and private insurance, much of which is provided by employers and labor unions.

READ THE FULL REPORT: United States Safety Review

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

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4 Comments on 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US

The United States also has the largest economy in the world, with a gross domestic product of $22 trillion as of 2020.

The U.S. dollar is the most widely used currency in international transactions and is also the world’s primary reserve currency.

In my personal opinion, while the United States has its share of crime and dangerous places, it is still a fascinating and diverse country with many unique and interesting places to visit.

The United States has a federal system of government, with powers divided between the federal government and the states.

Each state has its own constitution and is largely responsible for its own internal governance.

The United States is a major world power, with the world’s largest economy and the most powerful military.

It is also a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and NATO.

The U.S. has a diverse landscape, including vast plains, towering mountains, and beautiful coastlines.

It is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore.

Overall, the United States is a complex and diverse country with a rich history and many opportunities for both residents and visitors.

Despite the crime statistics, St. Louis is a vibrant city with pockets of safety and charm that make it worth visiting for its unique culture and history.

I didnt see Chicago listed.. Think thats a little odd that was left out since its probably the most dangerous in America…

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10 Worst American Tourist Traps You Should Avoid

Every traveler has been a victim of the dreaded tourist trap. These places leave you feeling empty, hoodwinked and filled with regret. And yet, it's almost impossible to avoid them. 

Thankfully, we now have sites in which people can leave reviews — aka warnings so that other travelers don't make the same mistakes. Based on Tripadvisor reviews, these are the 10 worst tourist traps you should avoid when traveling in the U.S.

10. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Location:  Los Angeles, California

We like the idea behind the Hollywood Walk of Fame: to commemorate artists who have truly left a mark on the world. But the tourist experience of this street is absolutely underwhelming. There just isn't much to be said about seeing a star with a name on the floor. Sure, you could tell yourself that you're standing in the exact same spot as someone famous, but how much does that really matter?

If you're in L.A. and want to take an obligatory picture on this street, go ahead. But if you're short on time, there are much better things to do with your time.

*Ranking is based on Casago’s 2023 “ The Biggest Tourist Traps Worldwide ” report.

9. Cannery Row

Location:  Monterey, California

Once home to multiple sardine canning factories, Cannery Row has now been gentrified into a bougie district filled with shops and restaurants. We won't deny that its views of Monterey Harbor and its historic buildings are charming. The issue is that the district has become too popular for its own good and now offers just OK experiences for exorbitant prices (as well as a lot of cheesy, touristy trinkets). 

Come here if you have nothing better to do in Monterey.

8. San Antonio River Walk

Location:  San Antonio, Texas

Like Cannery Row, the San Antonio River Walk is undeniably pretty. But the only thing to do here is to sit down at an expensive restaurant and pay absurd prices for views of the San Antonio River. First-timers are encouraged to at least walk along the river.

But for those returning to cool San Antonio, this is a place to skip in lieu of much more incredible attractions, like the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

7. Hyman's Seafood

Location:  Charleston, South Carolina

Hyman's Seafood has definitely earned its legendary place in Charleston's food scene. The establishment has been around since 1890, first as a dry goods store, then as a seafood restaurant. Now on its fifth generation, the iconic eatery has been graced with guests like Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Streisand. 

So, why do so many people feel disappointed? The prices aren't the problem. In fact, we think they're pretty good for a restaurant this famous. But people say the food isn't out-of-this-world. At least not enough to justify the absurdly long lines. Still want to try it? Make sure to have a reservation.

6. Big Texan Steak Ranch

Location:  Amarillo, Texas

Part restaurant, part hotel, part random gift shop, the Big Texan Steak Ranch encompasses the spirit of Texas. Its main claim to fame is its 72-ounce steak dinner, which consists of steak, a bread roll, baked potato, salad and a shrimp cocktail. Anyone who is able to finish it in less than one hour gets the meal for free. The challenge calls to people, especially in a state where bigger always equals better. 

But if you don't like the idea of getting sick for the sake of a food contest, there is nothing especially interesting for you here.

5. Navy Pier

Location:  Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Navy Pier is basically a scenic mall with indoor dining and shopping as well as outdoor offerings. During the summer, small water attractions bring in families looking for a refreshing activity. 

Let's be honest: It's really not the worst attraction; in fact, if you visit, you'll probably enjoy your time here. The issue is that Chicago has so many amazing  things to do that it seems like a waste of time to come to a mall. You can find that anywhere — but you can't find the Art Institute of Chicago or the Skydeck. 

4. Cafe du Monde

Location:  New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of the culinary epicenters of the U.S. So, if a place becomes legendary within the city, you know it has to offer something extraordinary. And Cafe du Monde certainly does: Its beignets are heavenly. 

But, sadly, the cafe's quality has been its doom. If you want to enjoy what it offers, you'll likely have to stand in line for an hour and a half or longer. Really, no restaurant in the world justifies that wait time. 

3. Times Square

Location:  New York, New York

Have you even been to New York if you haven't been to Times Square? Yes and no. There are so many more interesting places in the city that actually give you a glimpse of its beautiful, chaotic energy. At the same time, the square is the epitome of capitalistic hedonism, and that certainly describes the city. 

Our advice is to go here once the first time you visit New York. Then, try to stay away from it as much as possible.

2. Dole Plantation

Location:  Wahiawa, Hawaii

Why on Earth would someone spend their time in Hawaii touring the Dole Plantation? Maybe if you were in a state where there is nothing but corn fields and Walmarts, but visiting an attraction like this while on Oahu seems like a crime. 

Sure, pineapples have been important to the state's modern-day history. But that doesn't justify wasting your time here when you could've been at the beach or hiking in Waimea Valley. To be fair, we blame any tourist who makes this decision, not the plantation.

1. Fisherman's Wharf

Location:  San Francisco, California

One of San Francisco's most famous districts, Fisherman's Wharf is a historic area that attracts people with its promise of fresh seafood and gorgeous harbor views. Like other places on this list, the Wharf is a cool attraction turned sour because of its popularity. Food prices are absurd, and scenic spots have lines of people waiting to take the same picture. You'll hardly ever see locals here for this very reason.

Is it more touristy than Times Square? Tripadvisor reviewers seem to think so, but we'd disagree.

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Home | News | 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US

10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review . 

Learn more about burglary trends, clues your home is being targeted , and steps to take if your home is broken into .

Find out which metro areas reported the fewest crimes in our Safest Big Cities report .

Violent crime continues to haunt the headlines and, unfortunately, it’s not just clickbait. For the first time since 2016, violent crime rose nationwide—and the country’s biggest cities can sometimes be a stark reflection of that trend.

Memphis , the city that tops our list, has seen a series of violent incidents including the abduction and murder of a kindergarten teacher and a shooting rampage across the city that left four dead and three wounded.

These tragic events weren’t part of our ranking calculation, but Memphis’s climb to the number one spot indicates a pattern of escalating crime in Elvis Presley’s hometown. The Bluff City crept from number three in 2020 to number two in last year’s report; it landed on top with the highest collective crime rates this year.

Learn more about gun violence across the US —and how much Americans worry about it—in our ongoing coverage of the facts and the fears surrounding this important topic.

We used the most recent complete crime data from the FBI to identify which big US cities reported the most crimes.¹ Collectively, violent crime rose across the board year over year, but property crime in the metro areas we analyzed continued its downward trend, reflecting nationwide patterns.

The good news is that violent crime in the US has declined over 47% since peaking in 1991, according to FBI data. We’re hopeful the recent upward tick is more of a blip than a long-term trend.

If you live in a major metro area or plan to visit one, here's a deeper dive into the big cities with the highest rates of crime incidents—including demographic information and other community insights.

Here are the 10 most dangerous big cities in the US for 2022:

• Memphis, TN-MS-AR
• Anchorage, AK
• Albuquerque, NM
• Lubbock, TX
• Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
• Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
• Bakersfield, CA
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Springfield, MO
• Corpus Cristi, TX

Learn more about every metro area that made our list

• What it's like to live in the most dangerous big cities
• How did crime change year over year?
• Interesting findings
• Crime rates
• Income and education data
• City budgets

How to make a safe home anywhere

• Find the safest cities in each state

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How these cities ranked most dangerous

When looking at crime rates and trends across the most populated areas of the US, we decided it made more sense to compare metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) instead of standalone big cities.

MSAs include major "anchor cities" and outlying communities with high social and economic integration. So it paints a more accurate picture of both crime and the socioeconomic factors impacting the quality of life for residents.

We started with per capita crime rates for each MSA, based on FBI crime and population data. This data isn't perfect—it's self-reported by law enforcement agencies yearly—but it's the most comprehensive US crime data available.

We look at both property and violent crime—calculating the rate of each per 1,000 people. That's where the ranking comes from—if a metro area reports the lowest weighted and normalized violent and property crime rates per 1,000 residents, it lands at the top of the list. Those with higher crime rates fall to the bottom, with the lowest 10 making up the list of “most dangerous” big cities.

If a metro area didn't submit a complete report to the FBI or doesn't meet our population threshold of at least 300,000 people, we don't consider it for ranking.

We also explore median household income, employment, education, and annual budgets for more context about the "safest" and "most dangerous" metros. This contextual data doesn't factor into our scoring.

Read our complete safest cities reporting methodology .

For the purposes of this report, the terms "safest" and "dangerous" refer explicitly to crime rates as calculated from FBI crime data—no other characterization of any community is implied or intended.

The country’s biggest city is always conspicuously absent from our report, and inquiring minds want to know why. The reason is that NYC doesn’t participate in the FBI’s crime report collection. But we can give you some insight into crime in the Big Apple: 3  

• Over the past two years, major crimes have surged 27% overall, with robberies, burglaries, and larceny-thefts leading as the most-reported major crimes.
• NYC reports an overall crime rate of 13.3 major crimes per 1,000 people, with 2.8 violent crimes per 1,000.

What it's like to live in the most dangerous metro areas in America

Big-city life can be fast paced, exciting, and full of challenges. More people, more problems (am I right?). To give context outside of crime rates, we dug into socioeconomic and lifestyle factors among the most dangerous cities in the US—like poverty rate, high school graduation rate, and median household income.

Here’s how the most dangerous metros measure up in some key areas:

People in these metros worry more about violent crime and property crime.

• On average, people from the states home to our most dangerous metros are more worried (49%) about crime and safety than nationwide (47%).

These metros have smaller populations.

• The most dangerous metros are home to almost 350,000 fewer people than the safest metros, on average (430,000 versus 787,000).
• Only 2 of the most dangerous metros have populations over 1 million, with 1.3 million in Memphis being the largest. The safest metros have 3 cities over 2 million, with 4.8 million in the Boston area being the largest.

People in these metros are more likely to live below the poverty line.

• 80% of the most dangerous metros have more people living below the poverty line than the national average.

Salaries in these metros are lower than the national average.

• The average median household income among the most dangerous metros is $58,692—that's 13% below the national average.

These metros spend more on public safety than the safest cities we ranked.

• The most dangerous metros spend around 74% more on public safety than the safest big cities.
• These cities spend an average of 33% of their city budgets on public safety, versus only 19% in the safest metros.

These metros have about the same number of high school graduates as the average American city.

• About 88% of people who live in the most dangerous big cities have a high school diploma or higher—that's on par with the national average—and 4 metros come in with high school graduation rates over 90%.
• Last year, the most dangerous metros had 2.5% fewer graduates than the US average.

Unemployment is higher in the most dangerous metros.

• The average unemployment rate among the most dangerous cities (4.0%) is about 30% higher than the safest metros (2.8%).

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How has crime changed in the last year in the most dangerous metros?

In step with national trends, violent crime rates increased year over year in both the safest and most dangerous metro areas, while property crime rates dropped across the board.

America's violent crime rate increased for the first time since 2016—from 3.7 incidents per 1,000 people last year to 4.0—a 5% increase. Although the average violent crime rate among the most dangerous metros increased from 7.9 to 8.5—8% higher than the previous year—these cities still saw a smaller jump than the safest metros. Violent crime in the safest metros rose 18% year over year, from 1.7 incidents per 1,000 people to 2.0.

On the other side of the coin, property crime continued a sustained decline—dropping 69% since 1991. The national property crime rate dropped from 21.1 to 19.6 year over year—a 7% decrease. Among the most dangerous metros, property crime fell 4% collectively, from 35.5 incidents per 1,000 people to 34.2.  The drop in the average property crime rate among the safest metros went further—from 11.4 to just 9.9. That's a 13% decrease, nearly double the gain nationwide.

While an increase in violent crimes can bring new worries, the continued drop in property crimes in this year's report is worth celebrating.

There’s no denying the alarm that comes with rising violent crime rates, and they shouldn’t be ignored or diminished. But it can be reassuring to put today’s violent crime patterns into a historical context.

• The US homicide rate fell by more than 50% between 1991 and 2014—from 9.8 murders per 100,000 people to 4.4.
• In 2020, the US homicide rate came in around 6.5 incidents per 100,000, which hasn’t been seen since the late ‘90s but is still below the 9.8 peak.
• The number of violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2020 (398.5) is relatively flat compared to a decade ago. In 2010, the US saw 404.5 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

2014 boasts the lowest violent crime rate of the last decade, with 361.6 violent crimes reported per 100,000.

Interesting safest and most dangerous metro findings

Most dangerous metro area in america: memphis, tn-ms-ar.

Memphis unseated Anchorage, AK, which topped our list for the past two years. Here's why it ranks first:

• In Memphis, TN (our most dangerous metro), your risk of being a victim of a property crime is 1 in 27 . Your risk of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 74 .
• By comparison, your risk of being the victim of a property crime in Rockingham County-Strafford County , NH (our safest metro), is 1 in 104 , based on the latest FBI crime data. Your risk of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1,111 .

New cities among the most dangerous metros in the US for the first time

Three of the most dangerous metro areas are new this year: Albuquerque (3), Little Rock (5), and Salt Lake City (8). Both Albuquerque and Little Rock failed to report complete data to the FBI in 2019, which excluded them from the 2021 report. Here’s a closer look at Salt Lake City’s descent into the most dangerous big cities.

• Salt Lake City, UT, was 107 out of 131 cities in last year’s ranking, making it the 25th most dangerous city in the US. This year’s jump to number 8 was a big surprise—especially to this former SLC resident.
• Property crime is Salt Lake City’s undoing . The city reported the highest property crime rate among the most dangerous cities: 38.2 incidents per 1,000, 4 more than the average among all the metros on our list.
• On the flip side, Salt Lake City comes in with flying colors for violent crime . Not only is its rate of 3.7 incidents per 1,000 the lowest on the list, it’s also lower than the US average.

When it comes to crime, size does matter

The two most populous cities reported the largest numbers of crimes.

• Memphis, the biggest metro on the list, accounted for 30% of all the violent crimes reported among the most dangerous metros.
• Combined, Memphis and Salt Lake City—the only cities with over 1 million residents—reported around 40% of the total property crimes among the most dangerous cities.

State with the most dangerous metro areas: Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the number of major metros with higher crime rates. Last year, California claimed this dubious distinction with three cities landing in the top 10.

• Corpus Christi and Lubbock remained among the most dangerous metros in the US for the second consecutive year, but both cities saw improvement year over year.
• Lubbock fell one spot from number 3 last year, despite a rise in violent crime from 8.3 to 9.2 incidents per 1,000. Thankfully, a 9% drop in property crime (from 40.2 to 36.5) helped Lubbock improve overall.
• Corpus Christi dropped from number 7 to the bottom of the list this year. The violent crime rate held steady at 7.4 and property crime plummeted 7% year over year, to fewer than 30 incidents per 1,000.

Crime rates in the most dangerous metro areas

Income and education in the most dangerous metros, city budget in the most dangerous metros.

Whether your city made our list or not, we encourage everyone to be proactive about home security. One of the best ways to stop a burglary before it happens is to add a home security system.

We found the best home security options for nearly every budget, including self-monitored systems with no monthly fees and professionally monitored systems starting as low as $10 per month.

Find out which companies we recommend for every budget and lifestyle in our roundup of the Best Home Security Systems —and learn the basics with our guide on Everything You Need to Know About Home Security . 

Find home security systems in the most dangerous cities:

• Compare the best home security systems in Memphis, TN
• Compare the best home security systems in Anchorage, AK
• Compare the best home security systems in Albuquerque, NM
• Compare the best home security systems in Lubbock, TX
• Compare the best home security systems in Little Rock, AR
• Compare the best home security systems in Shreveport, LA
• Compare the best home security systems in Bakersfield, CA
• Compare the best home security systems in Salt Lake City, UT
• Compare the best home security systems in Springfield, MO
• Compare the best home security systems in Corpus Cristi, TX

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Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana

Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania

Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Find the Safest Cities in each state

Click on the state image below to check out the safest cities for each state—and find out how people in your state feel about crime and safety in our State of Safety report .

Related articles on SafeWise

• The State of Safety in America
• 100 Safest Cities in America
• 50 Safest College Towns
• 50 Safest Cities to Raise a Child

1. Median income, poverty line, and high school graduation statistics

• US Census Bureau (2020), " American Community Survey 5-year estimates ," Retrieved from Census Reporter Profile page for each metro area and the United States. Accessed September 14, 2022.

2. Unemployment rates

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics, " Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Unemployment Rates for Metropolitan Areas, Annual Averages ," August 2022. Accessed September 14, 2022.

3. City budget allocations

Note: City budget data comes from the first city listed in the metro area—usually the most populated. We refer to these representative samples of a metro area as "anchor cities."

• City of Memphis, Tennessee, " FY 2021 Adopted Operating Budget ." Retrieved from page 24. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska " General Government Revised Budget ," April 26, 2022. Retrieved from page 5. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• Detroit, Michigan, " FY 2020-2021 Adopted Budget ." Retrieved from page 1. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• City of Lubbock, Texas, " Adopted Operating Budget & Capital Program ," October 1, 2020. Retrieved from page 33. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• City of Little Rock, Arkansas, " 2021 Annual Operating Budget ." Retrieved from page 89. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• ​​City of Shreveport, Louisiana, " 2021 Annual Operating Budget ." Retrieved from page 8. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• City of Bakersfield, California, " Budget Expenditures Broken Down by Department ." Retrieved from page 31. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• Salt Lake City, Utah, " Capital and Operating Budget FY 2020-2021 ." Retrieved from page 27. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• City of Springfield, Missouri, " FY 2020-2021 Adopted Annual Budget ." Retrieved from pages 51, 163, and 217. Accessed October 7, 2022.
• City of Corpus Christi, Texas, " Proposed Operating Budget ," July 28, 2020. Retrieved from pages 46, 164. Accessed October 7, 2022.

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The 50 most miserable cities in America, based on census data

• The most miserable city in the US is Gary, Indiana.
• The state with the most miserable cities is California, with 10. New Jersey is close behind, with nine, and Florida comes in third, with six.
• These cities have things in common — few opportunities, devastation from natural disasters, high crime and addiction rates, and often many abandoned houses.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Not the worst, just the most miserable.

We've identified the 50 most miserable cities in the US, using census data from 1,000 cities, taking into consideration population change (because if people are leaving it's usually for a good reason), the percentage of people working, median household incomes, the percentage of people without healthcare, median commute times, and the number of people living in poverty. ( See the data and how we weighted it here. )

Often, these cities have been devastated by natural disasters. They've had to deal with blight and with high crime rates. Economies have struggled after industry has collapsed. These cities also tend to have high rates of addiction.

The state with the most miserable cities was California, with 10 in the top 50. New Jersey was second, with nine, and Florida had six. Here are the 50 most miserable cities in the US, based on US census data.

Editor's Note: We have updated the story headline to make clear that the ranking was based on US census data, and included a link to the data in the story.

50. Lancaster, California

Lancaster, a desert town, has almost 160,000 people, 51% of whom work, and 23% of whom live in poverty. It's had crime problems, both with meth addiction and neo-Nazis . But Mayor R. Rex Parris is doing what he can to kickstart the city, including looking to China for investment .

49. St Louis

St. Louis has almost 303,000 people, but it lost 5% from 2010 to 2018. Sixty-five percent of people work, and one quarter are living in poverty.

The city has struggled with crime and gun violence. In 2015, killings rose 33% from the year before to 159 deaths . The city has relatively relaxed gun laws, including allowing people to carry loaded guns in cars without permits. Then-Mayor Francis Slay said in early 2015 that crime was the No. 1 priority for the city .

48. Pasadena, Texas

Pasadena has 153,000 people, 65% of whom are working, and one-fifth live in poverty. While the median income is $50,207, nearly 29% of people don't have health insurance.

Mostly working-class , the city is based near petrochemical plants and is known for its race issues . It used to be home to the Texas headquarters of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, it's divided. In the north it's primarily made up of Latino people and to the south it's mostly white people.

47. Macon-Bibb County, Georgia

Macon-Bibb County has 153,000 people, but it lost 1.7% of its population from 2010 to 2018. Fifty-six percent are working, and 26% live in poverty.

One of Macon-Bibb County's biggest problems is blight. Across the city there are about 3,700 unoccupied buildings , including dilapidated homes and overgrown yards.

46. Danville, Virginia

Danville has 40,000 people, but its population fell by 5.5% from 2010 to 2018. Fifty-five percent of people are working, and 21% live in poverty.

It used to be one of the richest cities in the Piedmont area . But it's struggled since its tobacco and textile mills shut down. The city is fighting for a comeback, however. It's set up solar farms, and its downtown is in the midst of a rehabilitation to turn abandoned warehouses into mixed-use developments.

45. Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport has about 189,000 people, and it lost nearly 6% of its population from 2010 to 2018. Fifty-eight percent of people work, and 26% are living in poverty.

In 2015, it struggled with floods from the Red River. Its murder rate also doubled from 2015 to 2016 , up to 42 murders, and the city also had an increase in other crimes, like rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

44. Hemet, California

Hemet has a population of 85,000 people, and from 2010 to 2018 it grew by 8.5%. It's struggled since the 2008 recession, however. Twenty-three percent of people live in poverty, and crime rates are high. In 2016, 623 cars were stolen, 170 robberies were reported, and the police logged 398 aggravated assaults — the most this century .

43. Mansfield, Ohio

Mansfield has 46,000 residents but lost 2.7% from 2010 to 2018. Forty-eight percent of people are working, and 24% are living in poverty.

It used to have lots of industrial work, with people making things like steel, machinery, and stoves, but that dried up in the 1970s and 1980s. More recently, in 2010, a GM factory closed its doors , leading to more job losses. It's also had a surge in crime, and from 2012 to 2017 violent crimes rose by 37% .

42. San Bernardino, California

Of San Bernardino's 216,000 residents, 57% are employed, and 30% live in poverty.

It's 60 miles east of Los Angeles and has an interesting history . It's where McDonald's began, as well as the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Along with a tough recession, it had a steel plant and an Air Force base close down, meaning even fewer jobs.

41. Compton, California

Compton has 96,000 people, 40% of whom aren't working, and 23% live in poverty.

The city struggles with poverty and unemployment. But it's no longer as dangerous as the way it was portrayed in the film "Straight Outta Compton." In 1991 there were 87 murders, and in 2014, it was down to 17 .

40. Montebello, California

Of Montebello's 62,632 people, 60% are working, and 14% live in poverty. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 19% of people don't have health insurance.

A big issue is affordable housing. A home-ownership counselor told The New York Times in 2019 that prospects for first-time buyers weren't good and that opportunities to live there weren't growing.

39. Harlingen, Texas

Harlingen has 65,000 residents; 56% are working, and 30% live in poverty.

It's a hot city, with little rainfall , though recently it's been dealing with flooding . It's also one of three cities where 2,000 immigrants were released in 2019 , putting pressure on the city to help them.

38. Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading has 88,495 residents, of whom almost 62% are working and 36% live in poverty. In 2011, The New York Times said it was the poorest city in the US .

Its economy struggled after factories closed down or downsized, laying people off. An estimated 44% of households are on food stamps , among the most in the country.

37. Hallandale Beach, Florida

Hallandale Beach has about 40,000 people, 60% of whom are working; 20% live in poverty. More than 29% of people are without health insurance.

Halfway between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, it's been called a "once scruffy beach town," by The Wall Street Journal . It also has plenty of strip clubs and has been nicknamed "Hound-ale Beach."

36. Palmdale, California

Palmdale has 156,667 people — 59% are in the workforce, and 19% live in poverty.

It also has a median commute time of 42.7 minutes, which is the highest on the list. It was at one point called "the foreclosure capital of California."

35. Anderson, Indiana

Anderson has 55,000 residents but lost 2% from 2010 to 2018. Fifty-six percent of people are employed, and one-quarter live in poverty.

Things deteriorated for the once thriving GM city, which had 24 factories, when the carmaker closed factories and 23,000 people lost their jobs . It's also been a city that has been dealing with blight. In 2015, the city was given $2.8 million to tear down 100 abandoned homes , and there were hundreds more that could have qualified.

34. Fort Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce has 46,000 people and grew by almost 10% from 2010 to 2018. Just over half of people there are employed, and almost 36% of people in poverty.

This city used to have an economy based around citrus farming , but it struggled with diseases and the effects of trade deals. It also has to replenish the sand on its beaches every few years because of ocean erosion.

33. North Miami Beach, Florida

North Miami Beach has almost 46,000 people; 65% are working, and just under 20% are living in poverty. But 32% of residents don't have healthcare, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.

Another issue for living in this area could be the tumultuous politics, as two recent mayors have faced criminal charges for their spending .

32. Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson has almost 165,000 residents, but from 2010 to 2018 it lost more than 5% of its population. Sixty-two percent of the population is working, and almost 29% live in poverty.

In February, the city threatened to cut off water for 20,000 people  because $45 million worth of bills hadn't been paid. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, elected in 2017, said his goal was to make the city the "most radical" on earth  by taking on issues like poverty in new ways.

31. Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw has 48,000 people, and from 2010 to 2018 it lost 6% of its population. Fifty-five percent of people are working, and nearly 34% are living in poverty.

Like many other cities on this list, it used to have a lot of manufacturing jobs — at one point about 25,000 with General Motors. But they didn't last.

Some locals reportedly refer to the city as "sag-nasty" because of its issues with crime. In May 2019, violent crime had fallen in the city, with 16 shootings to date, compared with 30 at that point in 2018.

30. Plainfield, New Jersey

Plainfield has 50,693 people, 70% of whom are working and one-fifth of whom live in poverty. Nearly one-third are without health insurance, and the median commute time is 31 minutes.

It used to be a violent city — in 1990 there were 719 violent crimes , but since then things have improved. Still, in 2016 there were 12 murders.

29. West New York, New Jersey

West New York has nearly 53,000 people, and it grew by 6.6% from 2010 to 2018. Almost 70% are working, and 22% are living in poverty.

Cleanliness and parking are meant to be two of the biggest issues for its new mayor. The median commute time is 37 minutes.

28. Miami Gardens, Florida

Miami Gardens has 113,000 people — 60% are working, while about 22% live in poverty.

In 2014, it was called the "stop and frisk capital of America," after an investigation showed nearly 57,000 people had been frisked since 2008.

Another issue in the area is the cost of water. Because it comes from a plant owned by the City of North Miami Beach, the cost of living is a little bit higher. In March, the city was suing to fight the extra 25% surcharge .

27. Cleveland

Cleveland, sometimes called the "mistake by the lake," has 384,000 people. Its population fell 3% from 2010 to 2018. Nearly 59% of the population is working, and 35% live in poverty. An August 2019 report found that half of those living in poverty were working .

The city has struggled for years since losing the bulk of its manufacturing industry. In 2010, Forbes said it was the most miserable city in the US . It also had a bad year for gun violence in 2015 , with 85 gun homicides.

26. Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown has about 65,000 people, and it lost 3% of its population from 2010 to 2018. Just over half of its population is working, and nearly 37% of its people live in poverty.

It used to have a population of 170,000 and was the third-biggest steel producer in the United States , until the factory began downsizing in 1977. It was also recorded as having some of the worst air pollution in Ohio  in 2017.

25. North Miami, Florida

North Miami has about 63,000 people, 65% of whom are working, while 23% are in poverty.

One of the big issues it faces is flooding, even when it doesn't rain. Sometimes, all that's necessary for flooding is a full moon . It is also facing problems around septic tanks (the city has 2,780) that soon might not be able to operate properly because of rising sea levels. This could result in wastewater ending up in yards and other places it's not meant to be .

24. Huntington, West Virginia

Huntington has 46,000 people, and it lost 6.4% of its population from 2010 to 2018. Just over half are working, and about a third live in poverty.

A thriving coal town with 90,000 people in 1950 , it has since fallen on harder times. In 2008, the city was described as the unhealthiest in America . The opioid crisis has led Huntington to be named America's overdose capital . But overdoses have fallen since 2017.

23. Hammond, Indiana

Hammond has about 76,000 people, and its population fell by 6.2% from 2010 to 2018. Sixty-one percent of people are in the labor force, and 22% live in poverty.

A 2014 study found the city was one of the most industrial in the state and as a result had problems with air and water pollution . Lead contamination has been a particular concern for residents.

22. El Monte, California

El Monte has 115,000 residents; 58% of its population is working, and 22% live in poverty. The average commute time is half an hour.

The city, which is located near two freeways and close to Los Angeles, had a lot of revenue coming in from car dealerships, but it struggled during the recession when three dealerships closed, and the city's tax revenue fell. It's continued to have issues with finances, and the city is now divided over the future of marijuana production, and one large facility in particular .

21. Lynwood, California

Lynwood has 70,500 residents — 60% work and 23% are impoverished. It was once called "the best place to live best." But things didn't stay that way.

The construction of Interstate 105, which cut right through the city , caused many to leave their homes and 1,000 homes and businesses to be knocked down. More recently, officials have struggled to manage the city's finances , resulting in losses that could have been used to help the city.

20. Huntsville, Texas

Huntsville has 41,500 residents; 39% of its people are working, and almost 35% live in poverty. The low employment, however, is in part because those living in prisons are counted in the city's population.

The Department of Criminal Justice is the city's biggest employer , providing nearly 7,000 jobs. Since 1999, Texas' executions have been done exclusively out of Huntsville .

19. Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson has 145,000 residents, 57.5% of its population is working, and 29% live in poverty.

It used to produce silk in the 19th century , but it's since struggled. In a cruel twist of fate, the Great Falls, which was used to power factories, ended up flooding the city after Hurricane Irene in 2011.

From 2009 to 2016, the city's tax revenue fell by 38% . It's also had problems with blight . At one point it had 1,250 abandoned homes, but that dropped to 770 in 2016.

18. Albany, Georgia

Nicknamed "the good life city," Albany has 75,000 people, though its population fell by almost 3% from 2010 to 2018. Nearly 58% of the population is working, and a third live in poverty.

Along with poverty and crime, it also has been dealing with severe damage and ruined crops from a severe tornado and Hurricane Irma in the past few years.

17. Trenton, New Jersey

Trenton has a population of 84,000. Almost 60% of people are working, and 27% are living in poverty.

It used to be an industrial city with a catchphrase, "Trenton makes, the world takes," but it has since fallen on harder times. Its violent crime isn't increasing, but neighborhood gangs have been known to fight one another, and gun violence is a problem .

16. Cicero, Illinois

Cicero has 81,500 residents, but that fell by 3% from 2010 to 2018. Two-thirds of people are working, and just under 20% live in poverty. The median commute time is 31 minutes.

It's known for being Al Capone's "private playground" back in the 1920s, and since then the city has fought the nickname and crime. In 1999, the city even voted to make gang members leave within 60 days  or face a daily $500 fine.

15. Union City, New Jersey

Union City has 68,500 residents, almost 70% of whom are working, while 23% live in poverty. The average commute time is 33 minutes.

It's only 1.28 square miles, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the US .

14. Bell Gardens, California

Bell Gardens has 42,300 residents; 63% of people are working, and almost 30% are living in poverty.

According to a city official in 1991, the problem with the city was too many people . The city has had to depend on a casino for much of its tax revenue — in 2002, it provided more than half .

13. Hialeah, Florida

Hialeah has 239,000 residents, 56% of whom are working, while almost 26% live in poverty. Nearly 31% don't have health insurance.

With a primarily Hispanic population, it's one of the least diverse cities in the country. It's also been rated as the worst city in the US for having an active lifestyle .

12. Brownsville, Texas

Brownsville has 183,000 residents, 56% of people are working, and more than 31% of people are living in poverty. More than 35% don't have health insurance.

The city is on the Mexican border and is often a crossing for immigrants who entered the country illegally, making it one of the most patrolled places in the country . According to locals, three types of helicopters  fly overhead. Concern around immigration has also made it difficult for some residents to sell their properties .

11. New Brunswick, New Jersey

New Brunswick has 56,000 residents, 54% of people are working, and 35% are living in poverty. It has had problems with crime. In 2017, the city's assaults with guns rose 64% .

10. Huntington Park, California

Huntington Park has 58,000 residents; 63% of people are working, and 28% of people live in poverty. The median commute time is 31 minutes.

The Los Angeles Times describes Huntington Park as a "working class haven," which has affordable housing, but high poverty rates mean many struggle to purchase homes. The area is more than 97% Latino and has been called an "entry point for immigrants." A reasonable portion of those immigrants are unauthorized and can't vote, resulting in low political engagement for the area.

9. Warren, Ohio

Warren has 38,000 residents, and its population fell by 7.7% from 2010 to 2018. About half of people are working, and two-thirds live in poverty.

It's had a slow economy for a while, but things weren't helped when General Motors announced in 2018 it would stop work in a plant nearby, meaning people had to leave the city to find work. Along with Youngstown, Warren has the second-highest rate of people struggling to find enough food in the country.

8. Camden, New Jersey

Camden has 74,000 residents, and its population fell by 4% from 2010 to 2018. Nearly 57% of people are in the work force, and 37% live in poverty. The average household income is $26,105 — the lowest on this list.

It used to be a manufacturing city, but that fell to pieces between the 1950s and the 1970s . It's had a high crime rate and been known as one of the most dangerous cities in the country, but it is improving. In 2017, there were 22 murders, which was the lowest number since 1987 , thanks in part to new police procedures.

7. Flint, Michigan

Flint has 96,000 residents, and it's fallen by 6% from 2010 to 2018. Just over half of people are working, and 41% of people are living in poverty — the highest on this list.

The city has struggled with a decline in manufacturing. By 1990, General Motors had downsized in the area , leaving many without jobs.

Flint is perhaps best known for the water crisis it's been facing since 2014 , where residents were being poisoned with lead. On top of that, it's got 20,000 abandoned properties to deal with, a consistently high murder rate, and an opioid problem.

6. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Pine Bluff has 42,000 residents, and from 2010 to 2018 it lost nearly 14% of its population — the biggest loss on this list. Fifty-two percent of people are working, and 30% are living in poverty.

People left as the state lost almost 3,000 manufacturing jobs from 2016 to 2017. In 2019, things deteriorated further when the Arkansas River flooded the city .

5. Newark, New Jersey

Newark has 282,000 residents, 62% are working, and 28% are living in poverty. The median commute time is over 35 minutes.

Like Flint , the city has had problems with lead poisoning its water supply . The city has also struggled with race relations, which bubbled up in violent riots in 1967 , and has its fair share of violent crimes, particularly in 2013 .

4. Passaic, New Jersey

Passaic has 70,000 residents — 58% of people working, and a third are living in poverty.

Its youth council said the city had problems with drugs, violence, and poor sex education .

Detroit has 672,000 people, and from 2010 to 2018 it lost nearly 6%. While 54% of people are working, 38% live in poverty. The median household income is $27,838.

The city already lost many of its residents between 1950 and 1980, when 600,000 people left after the manufacturing industry collapsed. With 43,000 abandoned homes , it's been struggling with blight and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States .

2. Port Arthur, Texas

Port Arthur, a city surrounded by oil refineries, has 55,000 residents. Fifty-three percent are working, and 30% are living in poverty.

The city was hit by hurricanes in 2005, 2008, and 2017. Harvey, the latest, caused $1.3 billion in damage . Officials fear that if people keep leaving, Port Arthur will fall below 50,000 people and make it ineligible for federal grants .

1. Gary, Indiana

Gary has 75,000 residents but lost 6% from 2010 to 2018. Just over half of the population works, and 36% live in poverty. The most miserable city in the US was once a manufacturing mecca, but those days are over.

A drug-enforcement agent who grew up in the area told The Guardian in 2017: "We used to be the murder capital of the US, but there is hardly anybody left to kill. We used to be the drug capital of the US, but for that you need money, and there aren't jobs or things to steal here."

When the jobs dried up, most white people left, and now 84% of people living in Gary are African American . The city is experimenting with plans to try to revitalize the area , including selling abandoned homes for $1 .

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25 Most Dangerous Cities In the US

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The United States is ripe with amazing cities to live in and travel to (in fact, here are some of our favorite cities to visit in the US ). Despite ongoing concerns over firearm violence in America , the country as a whole is safer than you might realize. In fact, with a violent crime rate of 369 incidents committed for every 100,000 people in 2018, the U.S. is statistically the safest it’s been in the last three decades. Unfortunately, safety can look quite different at a local level than it does nationally. When it comes to individual cities, there are definitely some that are considered more dangerous than others.

Using the FBI’s most recent crime data from its 2018 Uniform Crime Reporting Program , we’ve ranked the cities with the highest violent crime rates in the country. This population-adjusted statistic measures all violent crimes and is a useful tool for determining how dangerous a city is.

We should note that just because a city is declared dangerous, doesn’t mean it should be avoided altogether. You’ll find there are safe neighborhoods in even the worst cities. Still, we’d recommend exercising caution if you’re thinking of traveling to one of the following 25 cities, which rank as the most dangerous cities in the US .

25. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,048, property crimes per 100k: 6,058.

Surrounded by mountains and nestled along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga more than lives up to its official nickname of “Scenic City”. However, those looking to explore the great outdoors in Chattanooga should take heed of the city’s high violent crime rate. While homicides were low, the city experienced 783 cases of aggravated assault per 100,000 people in 2018 — more than triple the national average.

The good news is that local authorities are taking steps to address the problem. More than 30 surveillance cameras have been installed across the city over the last three years to help increase public safety in Chattanooga’s most dangerous areas.

24. Beaumont, Texas

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,059, property crimes per 100k: 3,783.

With a violent crime rate of 1,059 per 100,000 residents, Beaumont just narrowly tops Houston as the most dangerous major city in the Lone Star state. Much like Chattanooga, Beaumont has an aggravated assault problem, with a whopping 798 reported in 2018. In 2019, Beaumont has also experienced more homicides than the previous year and city officials are desperate to change the narrative.

“Per ca-pita, we are the murder capital of the state of Texas, and we want to change that, we’re not satisfied with that,” said Jefferson County District Attorney Bob Wortham.

The Beaumont Police Department has implemented a high tech tool to help curb firearm violence. Known as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network , the tool allows authorities to better track firearms used in different crimes.

23. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,065, property crimes per 100k: 5,430.

While it may not be under attack by masked criminals like in HBO’s hit 2019 series Watchmen , the real-life city of Tulsa is still a dangerous place. In fact, based on its violent crime rate, Tulsa is the most dangerous major city in the state of Oklahoma.

While there’s a lot to love about Tulsa, including a thriving craft beer scene and a world-renowned art museum, its violent crime rate is not one of them. Firearm violence, in particular, has been a major problem for Tulsa, which has prompted police to more than double the number of firearms confiscated since 2011.

22. Hartford, Connecticut

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,066, property crimes per 100k: 3,602.

The capital city of Connecticut, Hartford is also known as the “Insurance Capital of the World” thanks to the many insurance companies headquartered there. It also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cities in the United States and a great destination for history buffs. In spite of these distinctions, Hartford is a city currently suffering through a high crime rate and economic woes.

Hartford’s violent crime rate of 1,066 incidents per 100,000 people can be at least partly attributed to the city’s high unemployment and poverty. The unemployment rate (7.0%) and poverty rate (30.5%) are both well above the national average of 3.9% and 14.9%, respectively.

21. Lansing, Michigan

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,108, property crimes per 100k: 3,030.

The capital of Michigan (that’s right, it’s not Detroit!), Lansing is home to Michigan State University — one of the largest universities in the country — and is an important cultural, commercial, and industrial hub. Unfortunately, Lansing is held back by higher than average violent crime and poverty. The city’s main issue is aggravated assault, which accounted for nearly 74% of the 1,301 violent crimes reported in 2018.

The good news is the Department of Justice awarded Michigan more than $122 million earlier this year to help curb violent crime, so the situation stands to get better in Lansing going forward.

20. Nashville, Tennessee

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,113, property crimes per 100k: 4,011.

With its unbeatable live music scene and an amazing selection of bars and restaurants, it’s no surprise Nashville is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US. But what you won’t find on your typical list of the best things to do in Nashville are the city’s crime statistics, which are actually quite alarming.

Believe it or not, Nashville’s violent crime rate is more than triple the national average, with aggravated assaults leading the way. In fact, the city’s Metro Police reported that aggravated assaults were up 23% in 2019, which suggests things may be getting worse in Nashville.

However, this doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip to “Music City, USA”. As long as you take precautions and avoid Nashville’s most dangerous spots , there’s no reason you can’t safely take in the Grand Ole Opry.

19. New Orleans, Louisiana

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,163, property crimes per 100k: 4,557.

The home of Creole cuisine and Mardi Gras, New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States. But while the city has benefited greatly from redevelopment efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s mass devastation, crime continues to be a major issue in “The Big Easy”.

Homicides are especially high in New Orleans, with the city’s homicide rate (37 per 100,000 people) ranking fifth-highest among mid – to large-size American cities. Fortunately, the 141 homicides New Orleans saw in 2018 were actually the lowest total since 1971 and that downward trend has continued in 2019, so things might be looking up for Louisiana’s most populous city.

18. Wichita, Kansas

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,179, property crimes per 100k: 5,618.

Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas and a major aeronautical hub, earning it the nickname of “The Air Capital of the World”. While Wichita’s unemployment and poverty rates fall within national averages, the city has experienced a “ precipitous increase ” in violent crime over the last three years.

The situation has gotten bad enough that earlier this year, Wichita sought federal help . The city is now a participant in the U.S. Department of Justice National Safety Partnership, a national program that aims to drive down crime. The three-year program provides training and technical assistance to the Wichita Police Department at no extra cost.

17. Indianapolis, Indiana

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,272, property crimes per 100k: 4,129.

Home to the Pacers and Colts , Indianapolis is also where you’ll find the world’s largest children’s museum and one of the largest privately funded zoos in the country. The city is an economic hub for the state of Indiana and boasts an unemployment rate lower than the national average. Unfortunately, Indianapolis’s violent crime rate makes it the most dangerous city in the state, with hate crimes and firearm violence, in particular, standing out as pain points.

The good news is that Indianapolis has made great strides in tackling its firearm problems in recent years. There are now several intervention programs in place, including firearm buyback events designed to get firearms off the streets.

16. Oakland, California

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,273, property crimes per 100k: 5,390.

For years, Oakland has struggled to break free of its reputation as a dangerous city. Unfortunately, statistics only help support the reality of Oakland being one of the most dangerous places to live in California. While the city’s violent crime rate did go down a bit in 2018, it still sits nearly four times the national average. The robbery rate in Oakland (610 incidents per 100,000 people) is especially concerning, trailing only Baltimore as the highest in the country.

There is reason to be optimistic about crime prevention in Oakland though. The city’s police department now uses a high tech program developed in nearby Silicon Valley called Law Enforcement Analysis Portal to help collect and analyze large amounts of crime data.

15. Anchorage, Alaska

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,309, property crimes per 100k: 4,927.

Home to more than 41% of Alaska’s entire population, Anchorage is an important northern economic center that boasts spectacular views (six different mountain ranges make up its skyline). Sadly, along with being the most northern capital city in the U.S., Anchorage holds the unfortunate distinction of being the country’s sexual assault capital.

With 210 reported sexual assaults for every 100,000 people, Anchorage has the highest rate of any US city with a population of at least 100,000. The reasons for this are complex but it’s not just Anchorage suffering from violent crimes. Alaska as a whole is considered the most dangerous state for women , with 59% of women who live there having experienced violence.

14. Springfield, Missouri

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,316, property crimes per 100k: 7,019.

Home to three universities — Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University — Springfield has the look and feel of your average midwestern college town. However, this unassuming city has a surprisingly high violent crime rate, nearly three times that of Missouri as a whole.

In an effort to curb violent crime, Springfield Police recently formed the “Career Criminal Task Force” alongside the FBI to target repeat offenders. “We’re going to go after the bad guys and we’re going to put them in jail. People deserve to feel safe,” Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt told KSPR .

13. San Bernardino, California

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,333, property crimes per 100k: 4,135.

Home to the very first McDonald’s restaurant (now a McDonald’s Museum), San Bernardino is an inland California city that lies along the iconic Route 66. Unfortunately, the city has become better known for its struggling economy over the last 25 years. The closing of Norton Air Force Base in 1994 cost San Bernardino 10,000 jobs and the city has never truly recovered.

San Bernardino was declared America’s second poorest city behind Detroit in 2011 and while things have somewhat improved, more than 30% of residents still live below the poverty line. Areas with limited economic opportunities tend to have high crime, so it’s little surprise the violent crime rate in San Bernardino is nearly four times the national average.

12. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,364, property crimes per 100k: 6,179.

Although it never had to deal with a drug kingpin named Heisenberg , the real-life Albuquerque, New Mexico has crime problems of its own. Incidents of sexual assault and homicide are more than double the national average, while aggravated assaults are three times as common.

The fact that Albuquerque accounts for half of all crime in New Mexico while only being home to a quarter of the state’s population prompted the city’s mayor Tim Keller to ask for state help . We’ll have to wait until the FBI releases its 2021 data to see if the situation in Albuquerque improves.

11. Rockford, Illinois

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,386, property crimes per 100k: 3,671.

Although Chicago is probably the first city that springs to mind when you think of crime in Illinois, the Windy City is actually not the most dangerous place in the state. With a violent crime rate of 1,386 incidents per 100,000 people, Rockford stands as the most dangerous city in Illinois.

Despite economic revitalization efforts creating new jobs in the automotive, aerospace, and healthcare industries over the last few decades, Rockford continues to struggle economically. Both its unemployment rate (6.8%) and poverty rate (22.2%) sit well above national averages.

10. Stockton, California

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,399, property crimes per 100k: 3,768.

With a violent crime rate of 1,399 incidents per 100,000 people, Stockton ranks as California’s most dangerous city and the 10th most dangerous in the country. Home to the oldest university in California — The University of the Pacific — Stockton has a rich history, being one of the hubs of the 19th century Gold Rush.

Unfortunately, the 2008 financial crisis hit Stockton especially hard and in 2012, it became the largest city in US history to file for bankruptcy protection (Detroit would surpass it the following year). Despite exiting bankruptcy in 2013, job opportunities in Stockton remain slim, with 6.9% of the city’s labor force unemployed in 2018.

9. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,413, property crimes per 100k: 2,971.

Milwaukee is often associated with its proud brewing tradition and cold Midwestern winters; not violent crime. Alas, with 1,413 violent crimes for every 100,000 people, the home of the Bucks is not only the most dangerous city in Wisconsin but the United States as a whole. Researchers have pointed to segregation and the opioid crisis being major factors behind Milwaukee’s violence, though a poverty rate nearly doubles the national average also hasn’t helped matters.

Much like the young Parkland survivors , Milwaukee’s youth have become heavily involved in violence prevention. 414LIFE and other organizations are currently working to establish a youth violence interruption coalition in the city’s school system.

8. Little Rock, Arkansas

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,446, property crimes per 100k: 6,547.

Don’t let the name fool you. Despite having a name one would associate with a quaint American town, Little Rock has a shockingly high crime rate. In 2018, the city saw 1,446 violent crimes for every 100,000 people, nearly quadruple the national rate.

Property crime is also a major problem in Little Rock, with non-violent crimes like burglary and larceny leading the way. The city’s property crime rate ranks third among U.S. cities with populations of 100,000 or more. It’s a shame too, as Little Rock does have some decent attractions and boasts great walks down by the Arkansas River.

7. Cleveland, Ohio

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,449, property crimes per 100k: 4,411.

Crime is a serious issue in all major Ohio cities with the exception of Columbus, which does not rank on the FBI’s list of the 50 most dangerous U.S. cities. Out of all of them, Cleveland has the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous city in Ohio.

Despite thriving healthcare and tech sectors, Cleveland has alarming poverty and unemployment figures. 6.5% of the labor force is out of work, while a staggering 35.2% of the population live below the poverty line. These factors have helped drive a violent crime rate four times the national average.

6. Kansas City, Missouri

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,590, property crimes per 100k: 4,306.

The biggest question most people have about Kansas City is, “Why isn’t it in Kansas?” But the question we really should be asking is, “Why is the city so violent?” After all, poverty isn’t a major problem in Kansas City and its unemployment rate is actually lower than the national average.

And yet, violent crime is out of control in Kansas City, with the city on course to see a record number of homicides in 2019. A 4-year wave of firearm violence has left Kansas City grasping for solutions. However, firearm violence is a problem across Missouri as a whole, meaning KC will likely have to wait for a solution to be found at the state level.

5. St. Louis, Missouri

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,800, property crimes per 100k: 5,911.

Believe it or not, Kansas City is not the most dangerous place in Missouri. That title goes to St. Louis, a major economic hub and home to ten Fortune 500 companies. Unfortunately, low unemployment has done little to curb violence in St. Louis, which saw 187 homicides in 2018.

When adjusted for population, St. Louis’s homicide rate of 61 incidents per 100,000 people make it the homicide capital of the U.S. In recent years, fed up residents have been putting pressure on Missouri lawmakers to change the state’s firearm laws. But with no solutions in sight, it may be some time before St. Louis residents see any relief.

4. Baltimore, Maryland

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,833, property crimes per 100k: 4,495.

Baltimore, Maryland is a city obsessed with preservation. Nearly one-third of the city’s buildings are designated as historic, more than any other U.S. city. Unfortunately, recent history is something the city’s residents likely want to forget, as Baltimore continues to rank as one of the country’s most dangerous places.

With 309 recorded homicides in 2018, Baltimore is easily one of the most violent and dangerous major cities in America. The city’s homicide rate of 51 per 100,000 only trails St. Louis while the robbery rate of 837 incidents per 100,000 people is the highest in the country. According to the New York Times , violent crime has spiked since the infamous passing of Freddie Gray in 2015 and it’s showing no signs of getting better anytime soon.

3. Birmingham, Alabama

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,911, property crimes per 100k: 6,313.

Once known as “The Magic City”, today Birmingham is the most populous city in Alabama and one of the largest banking centers in the U.S. Yet for all its economic successes, Birmingham has an alarming crime rate that sits 112% higher than the national average. Aggravated assaults are the primary concern, as they accounted for nearly 70% of all violent crimes reported in 2018.

The homicide rate is also shockingly high. Although the 88 homicides the city saw in 2018 is much lower than other cities on this list, the homicide rate is actually third highest in the country once the population is taken into account.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Violent crimes per 100k: 1,943, property crimes per 100k: 6,405.

With a violent crime rate of 1,943 incidents per 100,000 people, Memphis, Tennessee ranks as the most dangerous city in America’s south. One could argue that violence is just as much a part of Memphis’s identity as blues music and barbeque. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis in 1968 and since the Civil Rights Movement, the city has become ground zero for some of the worst firearm violence in the country.

In fact, the majority of the city’s 186 homicides last year were firearm-related. Recently, U.S. Attorney General William Barr unveiled a new plan to reduce firearm violence in Memphis, Project Guardian, so hopefully, Memphis will start to see some relief in the coming years.

1. Detroit, Michigan

Violent crimes per 100k: 2,007, property crimes per 100k: 4,304.

The Motor City just can’t seem to catch a break. While most major U.S. cities continue to grow, Detroit has seen one of the steepest population declines over the last half-century. At its peak, the city was home to 1.8 million people in the 1950s. But the decline in manufacturing jobs has driven the population down to less than 700,000 today. The city’s massive unemployment and poverty rates (9% and 37.9%, respectively) amount to a city with the highest violent crime rate in the country.

Today, large swaths of Detroit lie abandoned; a living reminder of the city’s decline. Unfortunately, until Detroit’s public administration gets its act together and starts attracting business and economic growth, its status as America’s most dangerous city will only continue.

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20 Most Dangerous Cities in the US 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis

• Nebojša Vujinović
• November 13, 2023

Safety is a paramount concern in choosing where to live or travel. As someone who has closely followed trends in urban safety and home protection, I’ve seen firsthand how the threat of crime can influence these decisions. In some American cities, unfortunately, higher crime rates pose a significant challenge for both residents and visitors. Residents and future homeowners in these areas are increasingly prioritizing their safety by exploring advanced home protection solutions .

In this article, I’ll share insights from my experience and expertise, drawing on data from reliable sources like PropertyClub NYC and CBS News. We’ll delve into the most dangerous cities in the US, examining not just the crime rates but also the

The US has witnessed many crimes over the years, and in some cities, people don’t feel safe in their homes. There’s a way to fix that by getting a security system installed.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways 

• High Crime Rates: The cities listed, such as St. Louis, Detroit, and Baltimore, exhibit alarmingly high rates of violent and property crimes.
• Diverse Crime Issues: Each city faces unique challenges, from drug trafficking in Tucson to gang violence in Chicago.
• Economic and Social Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and drug addiction are common threads contributing to high crime rates.
• Community Policing: Many cities are adopting community policing strategies to build trust and effectively address crime.
• Economic Initiatives: Efforts to stimulate job creation and economic growth are crucial in tackling the root causes of crime.
• Education and Rehabilitation: Investment in education and drug treatment programs is seen as a long-term solution to reduce crime.

Criteria for Identifying the Most Dangerous Cities

To identify the most dangerous cities, I followed next criteria:

• Violent crime rates :  This includes homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault rates per 100,000 inhabitants.
• Property crime rates: These include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft rates per 100,000 inhabitants.
• Total crime rates: A combination of both violent and property crime rates per 100,000 inhabitants.

Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are the top 20 most dangerous cities in the United States:

Key Crime Statistics for the Most Dangerous Cities

20. tucson, arizona: border challenges.

• Violent Crime: 4,296 incidents
• Property Crime: 39,109 incidents
• Total Crime Rate: 43,416 incidents

Source: CityRating.com – Tucson Crime Statistics

Tucson , set in the Sonoran desert and surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, is a city known for its stunning natural beauty and rich Native American heritage. However, its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border has made it a hotspot for drug trafficking and related crimes according to Department of Justice .

Factors Contributing to Crime: Being a significant transit point for drug trafficking due to its location, Tucson faces challenges stemming from border-related issues. Economic disparities and the transient nature of parts of its population also play a role in the city’s crime rates. 

Tucson’s crime problems are studied in relation to its proximity to the border and resultant issues like drug trafficking. Research underscores the need for a multi-agency approach to tackle these cross-border crime challenges effectively.

A friend of mine living in Tucson has noticed an increase in community policing efforts. They mentioned that the city’s focus on combating drug trafficking has become more visible, especially with enhanced border security measures.

I’ve witnessed a significant increase in border security measures. The city is really putting an effort into community policing, and there’s a noticeable collaboration with federal agencies to address the drug trafficking problem. On a more personal note, I’ve seen how Tucson is investing in community outreach programs, providing much-needed support and alternatives for the youth who are most at risk.

19. Las Vegas, Nevada: Dark Side of Entertainment

• Violent Crime: 25,565 incidents
• Property Crime: 75,802 incidents
• Total Crime Rate: 82,151 incidents

Source: CityRating.com – Las Vegas Crime Statistics

Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, known for its vibrant nightlife centered around 24-hour casinos and other entertainment options, has seen a rise in crimes targeting tourists, especially thefts.

Factors Contributing to Crime: The city’s heavy reliance on tourism, economic disparities, and the transient nature of its population contribute to its crime rates as stated by University of Las Vegas case study.

In Las Vegas, I’ve observed a strong focus on ramping up security, especially in areas bustling with tourists. The city is also deeply engaged in community policing, which I find reassuring. Additionally, there’s a noticeable push for public awareness campaigns aimed at educating visitors about potential risks, a move that I think is both necessary and commendable for a city that attracts so many people from around the world.

18. Seattle, Washington: T ech City’s Struggle

• Violent Crime: 5,887 incidents
• Property Crime: 40,714 incidents
• Total Crime Rate: 46,601 incidents

Source: NeighborhoodScout – Seattle Crime Rates and Statistics

Seattle, known for its tech industry, coffee culture, and the iconic Space Needle, has been grappling with property crimes and public disturbances, especially in the downtown area according to Seattle.gov .

Factors Contributing to Crime: Economic challenges, homelessness, and drug-related issues have played a role in the city’s crime rates.

Seattle is implementing community engagement programs, increasing police patrols in affected areas, and launching social programs targeting homelessness and addiction.

A colleague from Seattle shared that the city is actively addressing property crimes through increased patrols. They feel that community engagement programs are making a positive impact, especially in downtown areas.

17. New York City, New York: The Urban Jungle

• Violent crime rate: 1,500 per 100,000 inhabitants
• Property crime rate: 5,100 per 100,000 inhabitants
• Notable issue: Protests leading to violence and the migrant crisis.

According to the Bloomberg report .

Overview: New York City , the city that never sleeps, with its iconic skyline and melting pot of cultures, has seen eruptions of violence among protesting groups, especially outside the mayor’s residence.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Political tensions, economic disparities, and the ongoing migrant crisis have played a role in the city’s challenges.

In New York City, I’ve noticed an uptick in police presence during protests, which seems to be part of a broader strategy for maintaining order. The city is also actively engaging in community dialogues, a step that I believe is crucial for understanding and addressing diverse viewpoints. Additionally, there’s a concerted effort to find solutions to the migrant crisis, a complex challenge that the city is tackling with a sense of urgency and responsibility.

16. San Francisco, California: Challenges Beyond the Golden Gate

• Violent Crime: 6,561 incidents
• Property Crime: 62,705 incidents
• Total Crime Rate: 69,260 incidents

Source: CityRating.com – San Francisco Crime Statistics

Hoover Institution says that San Francisco, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, diverse culture, and tech-driven economy, is facing challenges with open drug use and homelessness. The city’s streets, especially in areas like the Civic Center district, have become a hub for drug-related activities.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Economic disparities, lack of affordable housing, and the opioid crisis have contributed to the city’s challenges.

San Francisco’s struggle with property crime and homelessness is often analyzed through the lens of income inequality and housing crises. Studies advocate for comprehensive solutions including affordable housing and social welfare programs.

A relative in San Francisco mentioned the city’s efforts in addressing drug use and homelessness. They’ve observed an increase in social programs aimed at providing support to those in need, which is making a noticeable difference.

15. Indianapolis, Indiana: Racing Against Crime

• Violent crime rate: 11,907 incidents
• Property crime rate: 41,540 incidents
• Notable issue: High rates of property crime and drug-related offenses.

Source: FBI DATA

Indianapolis, best known for the Indy 500, is a hub of sports and culture. However, the city has seen a rise in property crimes and drug-related offenses in recent years stated by Bleacher Report .

Factors Contributing to Crime: Economic challenges, drug addiction, and lack of access to quality education in certain areas have contributed to the city’s crime rates.

Indianapolis is working on community engagement, economic development initiatives, and drug rehabilitation programs. The city is also focusing on strengthening its community policing efforts to build trust with residents.

14. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The City of Brotherly Love’s Struggle

• Violent crime rate: 12,788 incidents
• Property crime rate: 41,847 incidents
• Notable issue: High rates of robbery and gang-related violence.

Source:  Axios Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is steeped in history and is home to iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell. However, certain areas have seen a rise in robberies and gang-related incidents as stated by History Channel .

Factors Contributing to Crime: Economic challenges, gang activities, and drug-related issues have been significant contributors to Philadelphia’s crime rates.

13.  New Orleans, Louisiana: The Big Easy’s Hard

• Violent crime rate: 5,222  Incidents
• Property crime rate: 15,500
• Notable issue: High rates of robbery and assault.

Source: Crimegrade.com

New Orleans, with its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, jazz music, and unique culture, is a city like no other. However, it has faced challenges with robberies and assaults as per case study of City Of New Orleans .

Factors Contributing to Crime: The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, economic disparities, and drug-related issues have played a role in the city’s crime rates.

In New Orleans, the high crime rates are often attributed to the city’s unique socio-economic challenges, including the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina, poverty, and issues related to drug trafficking.

A cousin living in New Orleans mentioned that the city is taking a proactive approach in community policing and tourism safety. They feel these efforts are vital for maintaining the city’s vibrant culture while tackling crime.

12. Oakland, California: Bay Area’s Crime Hotspot

• Violent crime rate: 4,338 incidents
• Property crime rate: 13,198 incidents

Source: Berkeley Law

Oakland, situated across the bay from San Francisco, boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, art scenes, and beautiful landscapes. However, certain areas of the city have been grappling with crime, particularly robberies and gang-related incidents according to Sfchornicle .

“Murders, shootings, violent armed robberies, home invasions, car break-ins, sideshows, and highway shoot-outs have become a pervasive fixture of life in Oakland,”

Says Susie Nelson from Sfchronicle.com

Factors Contributing to Crime: Economic disparities, lack of access to quality education, and gang activities have been significant contributors. The city’s port also makes it a strategic point for drug trafficking, further exacerbating the crime rate.

Oakland has been proactive in its approach to reduce crime. The city has invested in community engagement programs, youth outreach, and economic development initiatives. There’s also a push for better police-community relations to foster trust and cooperation

During a bike tour through Oakland, I was impressed by the city’s artistic murals, which seemed to be part of a broader initiative to foster community pride and deter crime. It’s a creative approach, blending art and social responsibility.

11. Chicago, Illinois: Windy City Warnings

• Violent crime rate: 26,352 incidents
• Property crime rate: 84,115 incidents
• Notable issue: Gang violence and shootings.

Source: Chicago Police Department

Chicago, the Windy City, is renowned for its deep-dish pizza, architecture, and vibrant arts scene. However, certain neighborhoods have been hotspots for gang violence and shootings, casting a shadow over the city’s many positives as per study of ojp.gov .

Factors Contributing to Crime: The city’s vast size and economic disparities between neighborhoods have led to pockets of high crime. Gang activities, especially in the South and West sides, have been a persistent issue.

Chicago’s crime landscape is often analyzed in the context of gang activities and socio-economic disparities. Studies have identified concentrated poverty and historical segregation as key factors driving the city’s crime rates.

My cousin in Chicago volunteers at a community garden project that’s part of a larger crime reduction strategy. These gardens are becoming social hubs, bringing together diverse groups and creating safe, communal spaces in neighborhoods that were once crime hotspots.

Chicago has been focusing on community policing, youth engagement programs, and economic revitalization projects. The city is also investing in education and after-school programs to provide alternatives to gang involvement for the youth.

10. Stockton, California: Struggle Beyond the Surface

• Violent crime rate: 3751 incidents
• Property crime rate: 9177 incidents
• Notable issue: High rates of robbery and aggravated assault.

Source: Stockton Gov.

Stockton, located in California’s Central Valley, has faced significant challenges with crime in recent years. In 2024, the city reported 14.6 homicides and 1,415 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

During a visit to Stockton, I attended a street festival organized by local businesses and community groups. These festivals, which are becoming more frequent, aim to reclaim public spaces and strengthen community bonds, which in turn helps in reducing crime and building trust.

9. Kansas City, Missouri: The Hidden Challenges

• Violent crime rate: 7,915 incidents
• Property crime rate: 20, 842 incidents
• Notable issue: High rates of homicide and gang-related violence.

Source: Opendatanetwork.com

Kansas City, famous for its barbecue and jazz scene, is no stranger to the challenges of crime. In 2024, the city reported 23.8 homicides and 1,326.4 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

Kansas City is working to reduce crime by investing in education, economic development, and community policing programs.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Kansas City, famous for its barbecue and jazz scene, is no stranger to the challenges of crime. Economic challenges, drug addiction, and lack of access to quality education in certain areas have contributed to the city’s crime rates.

Kansas City’s crime issues are often analyzed with a focus on gang violence and drug-related crimes. Researchers have pointed out the need for community-based interventions to address these challenges.

A colleague from Kansas City is involved in an innovative program where local chefs collaborate with at-risk youth to teach them culinary skills. This initiative not only provides valuable skills and job opportunities for the youth but also fosters a sense of community and belonging, helping to steer them away from crime.

8. Albuquerque, New Mexico: Dessert Struggle

• Violent crime rate: 7,737 incidents
• Property crime rate: 26,883 incidents
• Notable issue: The city has the highest rate of motor vehicle theft in the country.

Source: AreaVibes

Albuquerque , the largest city in New Mexico, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. However, the city has also been grappling with high crime rates. In 2024, Albuquerque reported 12.4 homicides and 1,127.7 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

The city is focusing on comprehensive crime prevention strategies, community engagement, and economic opportunities to address its challenges.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. However, the city has also been grappling with high crime rates according to Pro-Move Logistics . Economic disparities, lack of access to quality education, and gang activities have been significant contributors.

7. Cleveland, Ohio: The Rock City’s Rough Side

• Violent crime rate: 3,031 incidents
• Property crime rate: 8,933 incidents
• Notable issue: High rates of property crime and drug-related violence.

Source: Best Places

Cleveland, known for its vibrant music scene and the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, faces a significant crime problem. In 2024, the city reported 21.5 homicides and 1,517.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

In Cleveland, I’ve noticed a proactive approach towards addressing crime issues. The city is investing in education and economic development, which seems like a wise move to tackle the root causes of crime. Additionally, the adoption of community-oriented policing strategies is fostering a stronger bond between law enforcement and residents. This multifaceted strategy appears to be a thoughtful way to create a safer and more prosperous community.

A friend in Cleveland took part in a unique ‘music against crime’ event where local musicians, including some from troubled backgrounds, performed across the city. This event not only provided a platform for talent but also brought the community together in a show of solidarity against crime.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Cleveland, known for its vibrant music scene and the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, faces a significant crime problem according to Ideastream . Economic challenges, drug addiction, and lack of access to quality education in certain areas have contributed to the city’s crime rates.

The number of homicides in the city is up about 20% compared to the same time last year, according to police records

Stated by Stephanie Czekalinski and Abigail Bottar from Ideastream.

6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: The Brewing City’s Crime Stats

• Violent crime rate: 13,319 incidents
• Property crime rate: 9,604 incidents

Source: Spotcrime.com

Milwaukee, Wisconsin famous for its brewing history , has been grappling with high crime rates. In 2024, the city reported 20.4 homicides and 1,333.4 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Milwaukee , famous for its brewing history, has been grappling with high crime rates stated by City of Milwaukee report . Economic challenges, drug addiction, and lack of access to quality education in certain areas have contributed to the city’s crime rates.

Milwaukee’s crime rates have been linked to economic segregation and urban poverty. Studies suggest that the disparity between different neighborhoods plays a critical role in the city’s crime scenario.

5. Little Rock, Arkansas: Underestimated Crime Challenges

• Violent crime rate: 3321 incidents
• Property crime rate: 10128 incidents
• Notable issue: High rates of property crime and gang-related violence.

Source: Littlerock.gov

Little Rock may not be as well-known as other cities on this list, but its crime rates are alarming. In the past, Little Rock reported 21.9 homicides and 1,517.2 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

In Little Rock, a family friend is part of a project that refurbishes old, abandoned buildings into affordable housing and community centers. This initiative is not just addressing homelessness but also revitalizing neighborhoods and reducing crime by making these areas more inhabited and cared for.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Little Rock may not be as well-known as other cities on this list, but its crime rates are alarming stated by News Nation. Economic disparities, lack of access to quality education, and gang activities have been significant contributors.

In Little Rock, research points towards a high incidence of gang-related activities . The city’s crime rates are also influenced by factors such as poverty and limited access to social services.

4. Memphis, Tennessee: The Blues City’s Crime Blues

• Violent crime rate: 1,901 incidents
• Property crime rate: 6,405 incidents
• Notable issue: High rates of aggravated assault and property crime.

Source: Memphis Gov

Famous for its music scene and mouth-watering barbecue, Memphis also faces high crime rates. In the past years, Memphis recorded 28.7 homicides and 1,901 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

Efforts to address crime in Memphis include community policing, investments in education, and economic development initiatives as per report of the Police of Memphis.

A Memphis local shared their experience with a unique program where former gang members mentor at-risk youth. This peer-to-peer approach has been effective in reducing gang recruitment and violence, as it resonates more authentically with the youth

Factors Contributing to Crime: Famous for its music scene and mouth-watering barbecue, Memphis also faces high crime rates. The city’s vast size and economic disparities between neighborhoods have led to pockets of high crime. Memphis’ high crime rates are often studied in the context of socio-economic deprivation. Research indicates that issues like substandard education and lack of job opportunities contribute significantly to the city’s crime situation.

3. Baltimore, Maryland: Charm City’s Dark Side

• Violent crime rate: 11,101 incidents
• Property crime rate: 25,748 incidents
• Notable issues: High homicide rates and drug-related crime.

Source: FBI DATA (previously mentioned above)

Baltimore’s rich history and scenic harbor belie its struggle with crime. In recent years, the city reported a staggering 58.2 homicides per 100,000 residents and 1,925.5 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

Baltimore is grappling with persistent challenges like poverty, drug issues, and gang violence. The city is earnestly working towards implementing comprehensive solutions to these deep-rooted problems. It’s a tough battle, but there’s a strong commitment to bring about positive change and address these issues head-on for the betterment of the community.

During a recent visit to Baltimore, I learned about a city-wide initiative where local artists and residents collaborate to create large-scale public art projects. These projects are aimed at fostering community pride and cohesion, which in turn has a positive impact on reducing vandalism and petty crime.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Baltimore’s rich history and scenic harbor belie its struggle with crime. Persistent issues such as poverty, drugs, and gang violence continue to plague Baltimore. Crime issues are closely linked to drug trafficking and socio-economic challenges. Studies reveal a complex web of gang violence and systemic poverty fueling the city’s crime rates.

2. Detroit, Michigan: Motor City’s Crime Dilemma

• Violent crime rate: 13, 705 incidents
• Property crime rate: 31, 630 incidents

Once the epicenter of American automobile manufacturing, Detroit has faced economic decline, population loss, and urban decay, contributing to its high crime rates according to the New York Times . In recent years, Detroit reported 2,178.7 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a homicide rate of 43.3 per 100,000. The city is working to rebuild its economy and infrastructure, but challenges remain.

In response to these challenges, Detroit has been working to revitalize its economy and improve residents’ quality of life. Efforts include attracting new businesses and investments, developing affordable housing, and implementing community policing strategies. Detroit’s economic downturn and urban decay play a significant role in its crime rates. Research points to the correlation between the city’s shrinking population, job losses in the automotive industry, and rising crime.

A cousin in Detroit is part of an urban farming initiative that’s transforming vacant lots into productive green spaces. This effort not only provides fresh produce to the community but also brings residents together, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility that helps in deterring crime.

Factors Contributing to Crime: Detroit has faced economic decline, population loss, and urban decay, contributing to its high crime rates. The city’s vast size and economic disparities between neighborhoods have led to pockets of high crime.

1. St. Louis, Missouri: The Gateway City’s Crime Gateway

• Violent crime rate: 14,788 incidents
• Property crime rate: 28214 incidents
• Notable issue: The city has the highest homicide rate in the country.

Source: St. Louis Police Department

Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” The city boasts a rich history deep-rooted love for baseball, and blues music. However, St. Louis also faces a notorious crime problem that has earned it a spot on our list of the most dangerous cities in the US stated by The Economic Times .

Factors Contributing to Crime: St. Louis consistently ranks among the cities with the highest crime rates per capita. Poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and racial tensions contribute to the city’s crime dilemma. St. Louis’ high crime rates are often attributed to systemic issues like poverty and racial segregation. Studies highlight the city’s struggle with economic disparities which exacerbate criminal activities.

St. Louis consistently ranks among the cities with the highest crime rates per capita, with a staggering 87.8 homicides per 100,000 residents in recent years. Poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and racial tensions contribute to the city’s crime dilemma. Initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving the quality of life for residents include community policing, investments in education and job training programs, and partnerships with local organizations.

A colleague from St. Louis is involved in a program that pairs tech professionals with youth to teach them coding and computer skills. This initiative not only opens up future job opportunities for these young individuals but also keeps them engaged and away from the streets, indirectly aiding in crime reduction.

Several Factors That Contribute to The High Crime Rates in These Cities:

• Poverty: High poverty rates often correlate with increased crime rates, as individuals struggle to meet their basic needs, leading to desperation and criminal behavior.
• Unemployment: Joblessness can result in increased criminal activity, as people turn to illegal means to generate income.
• Drug addiction and substance abuse: Substance abuse problems often lead to increased crime rates, both in terms of drug-related offenses and other crimes committed under the influence or to obtain drugs.
• Gang activity: High levels of gang activity can lead to violent crimes, turf wars, and drug trafficking.
• Insufficient law enforcement: A lack of resources or ineffective policing can result in higher crime rates, as criminals feel emboldened to commit offenses without fear of consequences.

“History provides us with numerous examples of people who were convinced that they were doing the right thing and committed terrible crimes because of it.”

Steps Being Taken to Reduce Crime Rates

Various measures are being implemented to reduce crime rates in these cities:

• Community Policing: We’re emphasizing community-based policing. This approach involves law enforcement officers collaborating closely with residents, addressing their concerns directly, and working together to prevent crime.
• Economic Development Initiatives: I’m seeing a significant investment in programs aimed at job creation and economic stimulation. By reducing poverty and unemployment, we aim to lower the overall crime rates.
• Drug Treatment Programs: We’re providing better access to addiction treatment and support services. This step is crucial not only in reducing drug-related crimes but also in improving the overall health of our communities.
• Gang Intervention and Prevention Programs: Tackling gang activity is a priority. We’re working on intervention programs specifically targeted at at-risk youth and implementing comprehensive strategies to dismantle criminal networks.
• Investment in Education: Increasing funding and resources for education is another key strategy. By creating more opportunities for young people, we hope to deter them from engaging in criminal activities.

Comparing the Safety of the US with Other Nations

While the United States is relatively safe when compared to numerous countries, it doesn’t rank as favorably when juxtaposed with other developed nations, especially those in Europe. Data from the World Population Review places the US as the 36th most perilous country. Its peace index stands at 2.401. In contrast, Iceland, known for its tranquility, boasts a peace rating of 1.072, making it the 161st most perilous nation.

Such statistics indicate that, although the US is considerably more secure than countries facing severe turmoil like Afghanistan and Syria, it lags behind many of its developed counterparts in terms of safety.

Tips for Ensuring Safety While in the US

• Be vigilant about your environment and interactions.
• Trust the robust policing system for safety.
• Always lock doors and windows, whether at home or in a hotel.
• Stay conscious of your surroundings, both indoors and outdoors.
• Exercise caution when interacting with strangers.
• If in need, approach trusted community figures like police officers or established business owners.
• Travel in groups when exploring urban areas.
• Stick to populated and well-lit areas.
• Avoid flaunting expensive items or large amounts of cash.
• Following these guidelines can greatly reduce potential safety risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what makes a city dangerous.

A city is considered dangerous when it has high crime rates, particularly in the areas of violent crime such as homicide, assault, rape, and robbery. A variety of factors can contribute to these crime rates, including poverty, unemployment, lack of access to education and social services, and gang activity.

2. How are the most dangerous cities in the US determined?

They are typically determined based on annual crime statistics published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies. These statistics include data on violent crimes, property crimes, and overall crime rates.

3. What are some of the most dangerous cities in the US?

As of the knowledge cutoff in 2024, some of the most dangerous cities included St. Louis, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; Memphis, Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri. Keep in mind that crime rates and city rankings can change over time, so it’s important to consult the most recent data.

4. Are there any safe areas within dangerous cities?

Yes, there can be safe neighborhoods within these cities. Crime rates can vary greatly between different areas of a city, so it’s important to research specific neighborhoods when considering where to live or visit.

5. What can be done to make these cities safer?

Improving safety in these cities typically involves addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and social services. This can include implementing community-based policing, investing in education and job training programs, and addressing systemic issues that contribute to crime.

6. Is it safe to travel to these cities?

While there may be risks associated with them, many people visit these cities without incident. It’s important to take precautions, such as researching the specific areas you plan to visit, avoiding high-crime neighborhoods, and being aware of your surroundings. It’s also a good idea to follow general safety tips, like not displaying valuables, traveling in groups, and staying in well-lit areas.

7. How do US cities compare to other dangerous cities around the world?

While some US cities have high crime rates, the most dangerous cities globally tend to be located in countries with high levels of violence, such as those affected by drug trafficking, gang violence, and political instability. Comparatively, most cities in the US are considered relatively safe when viewed on a global scale.

Although the cities listed above have high crime rates, it is essential to remember that crime can happen anywhere . The factors contributing to these crime rates are complex and multifaceted, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach from both local governments and community members.

By understanding the causes of crime and working together to implement effective solutions, it is possible to make these cities, and the country as a whole, safer for everyone.

https://www.city-data.com/crime/ NeighborhoodScout https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/

Please note that the content provided here is based on personal opinions, expertise, and experiences, as well as information gathered from various online sources. It reflects an individual perspective and should be considered as a subjective interpretation of life. This narrative aims to share personal insights and experiences to offer a unique view of the city, rather than an exhaustive or universally applicable guide.

• crime prevention , crime rates , dangerous cities , high crime cities , property crime , Safety , US crime statistics , US states , violent crime

The proud owner of southwestjournal.com and a seasoned PHP programmer. By day, I navigate the digital landscape, shaping online content and news. By night, I transform into a DJ, blending beats that mirror my diverse musical palette.

My passion for programming extends beyond work, weaving the virtual fabric of the web. With a love for casual living and a constant itch for travel, I find joy in exploring new destinations and embracing the ever-evolving rhythm of life. <3

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Watch CBS News

The most dangerous cities in America, ranked

By Elisha Fieldstadt

Updated on: November 9, 2020 / 1:27 PM EST / CBS News

In 2019, FBI data show there were an estimated  366.7 violent crimes per 100,000 residents  in the United States. The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program classifies murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault as violent crimes.

These were the 50 American cities with the highest rates of violent crime in 2019.

50. Rochester, New York

In 2019, there were 748 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Rochester.

49. West Palm Beach, Florida

This South Florida city saw 762 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019.

48. Columbia, South Carolina

There were 775 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in Columbia.

47. Springfield, Illinois

The FBI reports that there were 777 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019.

46. Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport saw 780 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

There were 35 murders in this city in 2019, more than three times the national population-adjusted rate.

44 (TIE). Syracuse, New York

This city in upstate New York reported 793 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

44 (TIE). Pompano Beach, Florida

There were 793 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in Pompano Beach.

Here, Clinton Jones holds a portrait of his late son Corey Jones, who was shot to death by former police officer Nouman Raja. Raja was convicted of manslaughter and attempted first-degree murder in the case.

43. Corpus Christi, Texas

There were 794 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019.

42. Modesto, California

Modesto reported 812 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

The aggravated assault rate in Modesto was more than double the national rate.

41. Greensboro, North Carolina

There were 819 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in Greensboro, according to FBI data.

39 (TIE). Cincinnati, Ohio

For every 100,000 residents in Cincinnati, there were 845 violent crimes in 2019. The rate of rapes in Cincinnati was more than double the national rate.

39 (TIE). Vallejo, California

Vallejo reported 845 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

38. Hartford, Connecticut

The violent crime rate in Hartford is 858 per 100,000 residents.

There were 21 people murdered there in 2019.

37. Indianapolis, Indiana

There were 887 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in Indianapolis.

36. New Haven, Connecticut

The violent crime rate in New Haven was 895 per 100,000 residents.

35. Akron, Ohio

Akron reported 901 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

The robbery rate in Akron was more than double the national rate in 2019.

34. Springfield, Massachusetts

There were 905 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019, including 20 murders.

Here, anti-gun-violence activists protest outside of the Smith and Wesson headquarters in Springfield.

33. Minneapolis, Minnesota

The violent crime rate in Minneapolis is 926 per 100,000 residents.

There were 46 murders in 2019.

32. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge reported 936 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

31. Chicago, Illinois

The violent crime rate in Chicago is 943 per 100,000 residents. 

• CBSN On Assignment: The Guns of Chicago

30. Toledo, Ohio

There were 952 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019.

29. Dayton, Ohio

Dayton reported 962 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

28. North Charleston, South Carolina

There were 966 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019.

Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager , seen here, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for the 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott, an unarmed Black man who was shot in the back during a traffic stop.

27. Washington D.C.

The nation's capital reported 977 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

26. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa officials reported 987 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

25. Buffalo, New York

There were 991 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in Buffalo.

24. Lubbock, Texas

There were 1,008 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019. 

There were 268 rapes in 2019; that's more than double the population-adjusted national rate.

23. Odessa, Texas

Odessa saw 1,038 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

In 2019, seven people were killed  and 22 injured during a shooting rampage in Odessa and Midland that began with a traffic stop. Law enforcement officials said the shooter was also killed.

22. Peoria, Illinois

There were 1,044 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in Peoria.

21. Beaumont, Texas

The violent crime rate in Beaumont is 1,047 per 100,000 residents. 

In 2019, 19 people were murdered there.

20. Chattanooga, Tennessee

The violent crime rate in Chattanooga is 1,070 per 100,000 residents.

The city saw a 1.2% increase in violent crime between 2018 and 2019.

19. Houston, Texas

Texas' most populous city is also its most dangerous. The violent crime rate is 1,072 incidents per 100,000 residents.

18. Nashville, Tennessee

The rate of violent crime in Nashville is 1,073 per 100,000 residents. 

In 2019, FBI data said 83 people were murdered there.

17. Lansing, Michigan

The violent crime rate in Lansing is 1,104 per 100,000 residents.

Twelve murders were reported in the city in 2019. 

16. Wichita, Kansas

Wichita reported 1,141 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2019.

15. New Orleans, Louisiana

The violent crime rate in New Orleans is 1,145 per 100,000 residents.

There were 121 murders within the city limits in 2019.

14. Rockford, Illinois

The violent crime rate in Rockford, in northern Illinois, is 1,174 per 100,000 residents. 

Fourteen people were murdered in that city in 2019. 

13. Anchorage, Alaska

The violent crime rate in Anchorage is 1,245 per 100,000 residents.

12. Oakland, California

The violent crime rate in Oakland is 1,272 crimes per 100,000 residents.

There were 78 murders in the city in 2019. 

11. San Bernardino, California

The violent crime rate in San Bernardino is 1,319 per 100,000 residents.

In 2019, 46 people in the city were murdered.

10. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The violent crime rate in Milwaukee is 1,332 incidents per 100,000 residents. 

9. Albuquerque, New Mexico

The violent crime rate in Albuquerque is 1,352 per 100,000 residents. 

There were 84 people murdered there in 2019.

8. Stockton, California

The violent crime rate in Stockton is 1,397 per 100,000 residents. 

In 2019, there were 34 murders there.

6 (TIE). Cleveland, Ohio

The violent crime rate in Cleveland is 1,517 per 100,000 residents.

6 (TIE). Little Rock, Arkansas

The violent crime rate in Little Rock is 1,517 per 100,000 residents. 

The aggravated assault rate in this city was nearly five times the national rate.

5. Springfield, Missouri

The violent crime rate in Springfield is 1,519 per 100,000 residents.

There were 356 rapes there in 2019. That's nearly five times the national rate.

4. Baltimore, Maryland

The violent crime rate in Baltimore is 1,859 per 100,000 people. 

In 2019, 348 people in Baltimore were murdered.

3. Memphis, Tennessee

The violent crime rate in Memphis is 1,901 per 100,000 residents. 

In 2019, 190 people were murdered there.

2. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis has a violent crime rate of 1,927 per 100,000 people.

In 2019, 194 people were murdered in that city.

1. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit overtook St. Louis as the nation's new most dangerous city. Detroit's violent crime rate is 1,965 incidents per 100,000 residents.

In 2019, 275 people were murdered.

13 Most Dangerous Cities in America

Hash-mark top 13 most dangerous cities in america (2024).

• Memphis, Tennessee
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Oakland, California
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Cleveland, Ohio
• New Orleans, Louisiana 
• Detroit, Michigan
• Lubbock, Texas
• Stockton, California
• Chicago, Illinois

hash-mark 1. Memphis, Tennessee 

The most dangerous city in America is Memphis, Tennessee. With a population of 628,127, Memphis has an overall crime rate that is 237% higher than the national average. Memphis has 7,913 crimes per 100,000 people, with an exceptionally high violent crime rate. In 2022, there were 15,318 incidents of violent crime, including 289 counts of murder, 2,134 counts of robbery, and 12,484 incidents of assault. The violent crime rate is 652% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 40 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis are Downtown, Parkway Village-Oakhaven, and Berclair-Highland Heights.  

hash-mark 2. St. Louis, Missouri 

St. Louis, Missouri, is also one of the worst cities in America due to its high crime rate. St. Louis has a population of 239,210 and a crime rate that is 234% higher than the national average. St. Louis has 7,847 crimes per 100,000 people, with 6,112 violent crimes and 17,396 property crimes reported in the 2023 year. Of the 6,107 violent crimes, there were 264 incidents of murder, 1,246 incidents of robbery, and 4,280 incidents of assault. Overall, residents have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis are Peabody-Darst-Webbe, Hamilton Heights, Walnut Park West, and College Hill. 

hash-mark 3. Little Rock, Arkansas

With one of the highest violent crime rates in America, Little Rock is another one of the worst cities in the US. Home to 202,591 residents, Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas. The Little Rock crime rate is 209% higher than the rest of the country, with 7,182 crimes per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is especially high, 1,833 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is almost 400% higher than the national average. There were 79 murders reported in 2022 (the latest year of available FBI crime data), which makes the murder rate 144% higher than the country overall. The property crime rate is also 5,349 crimes per 100,000 residents, or 174% higher than the rest of the US.

Little Rock neighborhoods with the highest crime rate include the South End, Oak Forest, and Stephens.

hash-mark 4. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is another one of the most dangerous cities in the US. Its population is 227,470, making it the second-largest city in Louisiana after New Orleans. The crime rate in Baton Rouge is 196% higher than the national average at 6,880 incidents per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 1,028 crimes per 100,000 residents, meaning it’s 178% more dangerous than the average US city. The murder rate is 128% higher than the national average, with 29.1 homicides per 100,000 people. Plus, the property crime rate is nearly 200% higher than the rest of the country, with 5,852 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Based on crime data, the worst neighborhoods in Baton Rouge are Brookstown, Victoria Gardens, and Greenville Addition.

hash-mark 5. Oakland, California 

Located East of San Francisco, Oakland consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in California and the country. Out of a population of 433,823, Oakland has a crime rate of 6,459 per 100,000, making Oakland 175% higher than the national average and 150% higher than California. In 2022 there were 5,714 violent incidents, including 103 murders, 2,515 robberies, and 2,730 assaults. Much of the violence in Oakland can be attributed to gang violence. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Oakland are Eastmont, Acorn, and Webster.  

hash-mark 6. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Another one of the worst cities in America is Albuquerque. With a population of 562,599, Albuquerque has a crime rate of 6,356 per 100,000 people making the city 171% more dangerous than the national average. In 2022 there were 7,552 violent crimes, including 80 murders, 1,439 robberies, and 5,592 assaults. Overall the chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime is 1 in 75. Property crime is also a problem in Albuquerque. In 2022 there were 5,075 burglaries, 18,131 incidents of theft, and 4,965 incidents of vehicle theft. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Albuquerque are Quigley Park, La Mesa, Jackson Area, and Crestview Bluff. 

hash-mark 7. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is also one of the most dangerous cities in America. It has a population of 567,498 and a violent crime rate of 6,170 per 100,000 people. As of 2022, there were 9,498 incidents of violent crime and 18,370 incidents of property crime, making the overall chance of becoming a victim 1 in 17. Baltimore has a particularly high violent crime rate, with 177 homicides in the first six months of 2022. Much of the violent crime in Baltimore is gang and drug-related. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Baltimore are Middle East, Fairfield, West Baltimore, and East Monument Historic District.

hash-mark 8. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland is another one of the most dangerous cities in the US. It has a population of 372,623, making it the 2nd largest city in Ohio population . The crime rate in Cleveland is 5,931 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 115% higher than the rest of the country. The violent crime rate is even higher at 1,614 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it 336% more dangerous than the rest of the US. The murder rate is particularly high at 39.9 homicide per 100,000 residents, while the national average is 6.3. Property crime in Cleveland is also 121% higher than the rest of the US, with 4,317 crimes per 100,000 residents.

The  most dangerous neighborhoods in Cleveland  are Saint-Claire-Superior, Industrial Valley, and North Broadway.

hash-mark 9. New Orleans, Louisiana 

Another one of the most dangerous cities in the US is New Orleans. Out of a population of 376,971, New Orleans has a crime rate of 5,864 per 100,000 people making it 150% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 5,208 violent crimes in New Orleans, making the chance of falling victim to a violent crime 1 in 74. Out of that number, there were 201 murders, 1,106 robberies, and 3,200 assaults. There were also 18,098 property crimes in 2020, with 2,039 counts of burglary and 3,526 counts of vehicular assault. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in New Orleans are Pines Village, Wake Lake Forest, Central City and Desire. 

hash-mark 10. Detroit, Michigan 

Detroit is known for its high crime rates, which make it one of the deadliest cities in America. Out of a population of 632,464, Detroit has 5,389 crimes per 100,000. The crime rate in Detroit is 130% higher than the national average. The chance of being the victim of a violent crime is 1 in 44, with 14,430 violent crimes reported in 2022. Of that number, there were 330 counts of murder, 1,850 counts of robbery, and 11,565 counts of assault. In addition, there were 21,258 property crimes in 2022. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Detroit are Franklin Park, Fiskhorn, Warrendale, Von Steuben, and Greensbriar. 

hash-mark 11. Lubbock, Texas

Another one of the most dangerous cities in the US is Lubbock, Texas. With a population of 260,993, Lubbock has a crime rate that is 121% higher than the national average. In 2022, Lubbock had 5,263 crimes per 100,000 people, with 2,856 violent crimes. Of those violent crimes, there were 28 murders, 431 robberies, and 2,169 assaults. Overall the chances of becoming the victim of a violent crime were 1 in 90. There were also 13,858 incidents of property crime. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Lubbock were Jackson, Tech Terrace, Chatman Park, Maxey, and Dunbar. 

hash-mark 12. Stockton, California 

Stockton is also one of the most dangerous places to live in America. With a population of 322,120, Stockton has a crime rate of 4,259 per 100,000 people, making the city 82% more dangerous than the US national average. In 2022 the chance of becoming the victim of violent crime was 1 in 79, with 4,047 incidents. Of that number, there were 56 murders, 918 robberies, and 2,883 assaults. 

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Stockton are Civic Center, Park, Lakeview, and Seaport. 

hash-mark 13. Chicago, Illinois 

Chicago is also one of the worst cities in the US. It constantly makes the news as one of America’s most dangerous and violent cities. With a population of 2,746,388, Chicago has a crime rate of 3,926 per 100,000 people, making it 67% more dangerous than the US average. In 2020, Chicago had 26,620 violent crimes, including 774 murders. Much of violent crime can be attributed to gang violence and conflict, which is closely tied to the drug trade. 

Much of Chicago’s gang violence is based in neighborhoods in which gangs operate. In general, the South Side and West Side of Chicago are considered to be the most dangerous. The most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago are Englewood, Austin, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, and Washington Park.

hash-mark Most Dangerous Cities in the US Bottom Line

These ten cities are the most dangerous in the United States due to their high crime rates and the level of danger posed to residents and tourists. These cities have disproportionately high violent and property crime rates. If you want to feel safe at home, it's best to avoid the places mentioned as they are some of the worst cities in America due to their high crime rates.  

Although crime is high and many parts of these cities are dangerous, there are safe areas in each city. If you plan on visiting or relocating to one of these cities, knowing the area you intend to visit beforehand is crucial. 

hash-mark Most Dangerous Cities in America Methodology

To determine the most dangerous cities in the US, we looked at numerous factors, including violent crime rates as well as overall crimes per capita (population), to determine how dangerous each city is. We used data from the FBI's most recent crime report as well as local and state data from 2021, 2022, and 2023.

For our ranking of the worst cities in America, we only considered larger cities with at least 200,000 residents. Even with large populations, many of these cities have unusually high proportions of murders and other violent crimes. 

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Geek For The Win

The 14 Most Dangerous Cities In The United States You Need To Avoid

Posted: March 24, 2024 | Last updated: March 24, 2024

The safety of a city is a critical factor when choosing a place to live or visit. While many cities in the United States boast vibrant cultures, thriving economies, and welcoming communities, some are unfortunately plagued by higher crime rates. In this article, we will delve into the 14 most dangerous cities in the United States that you might want to exercise caution or avoid altogether.

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit has long been associated with economic struggles and high crime rates. While revitalization efforts are underway, the city still faces challenges related to poverty and unemployment, contributing to crime issues. Visitors should be cautious, especially in certain neighborhoods.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis consistently ranks high in violent crime rates, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the country. The prevalence of robberies and aggravated assaults raises concerns about personal safety, particularly in specific areas within the city.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis grapples with high rates of violent crime, including homicides and assaults. Poverty and a lack of economic opportunities contribute to the challenges the city faces. Tourists should be vigilant, especially in certain districts known for criminal activities.

Baltimore, Maryland

Despite being a city rich in history and culture, Baltimore struggles with persistent crime issues. Homicide rates are a concern, and certain neighborhoods have earned a reputation for drug-related crimes. Visitors should stay informed about safety recommendations when exploring the city.

Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham faces challenges associated with poverty and unemployment, contributing to crime rates above the national average. While the city has made efforts to improve safety, it’s important for residents and visitors alike to be aware of their surroundings, especially in certain areas.

Oakland, California

While Oakland is renowned for its diverse culture, it has struggled with crime, particularly in terms of robberies and property-related offenses. The city’s efforts to address these issues are ongoing, but it remains crucial for residents and visitors to stay vigilant.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge has consistently ranked high in violent crime rates, with particular concerns about robberies and assaults. Economic disparities and a history of social issues contribute to the challenges the city faces. Visitors should exercise caution, especially in specific neighborhoods.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock grapples with elevated crime rates, especially in terms of violent offenses. Poverty and limited economic opportunities play a role in the city’s struggles with crime. Residents and visitors should be mindful of their safety, especially in certain areas.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque faces challenges related to property crimes and violent offenses. Economic factors and issues such as drug addiction contribute to the city’s crime rates. Travelers should be cautious, especially in neighborhoods known for criminal activities.

Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland has faced economic challenges, leading to higher crime rates in certain areas. While the city has made strides in revitalization, it’s essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about safety precautions, particularly in neighborhoods with higher crime rates.

Stockton, California

Stockton has struggled with high rates of violent crime, including robberies and assaults. Economic hardships and social issues contribute to the challenges the city faces. Residents and visitors should exercise caution, particularly in certain districts.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has faced challenges related to violent crime, particularly homicides. Economic disparities and a history of racial tensions contribute to the city’s struggles. Those exploring the city should stay informed about safety recommendations.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo faces challenges associated with poverty and unemployment, contributing to higher crime rates. While the city has made efforts to improve safety, it’s important for residents and visitors alike to be aware of their surroundings, especially in certain areas.

Springfield, Missouri

Springfield struggles with elevated crime rates, especially in terms of property crimes. Economic factors and issues such as drug addiction contribute to the city’s challenges. Residents and visitors should exercise caution, especially in certain neighborhoods.

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10 of the Worst Cities To Travel in the United States

Chris Phelan

October 5, 2023

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Nothing beats the feeling of exploring a new city. From the restaurants to the nightlife to the architecture – and everything in between – exploring a new town is at the top of most travelers' to-do lists. However, not all cities are worth the trip! Recently, a group of adventurers converged in an online discussion with one goal: reveal the worst cities to visit in the United States.

1. Detroit, Michigan

It seems like Detroit has been in a state of rebuilding for decades now. Although the downtown area has been given a facelift, many travelers say all bets are off once you leave downtown.

“Once outside downtown Detroit every street I saw had abandoned homes that looked like there had been a war there,” one man says. “It was disturbing to see a city in such terrible shape. I used to hear people make fun of Detroit and thought they were just exaggerating. Then I saw Detroit for myself. It is truly bad.”

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

Don't get me wrong, New Orleans is a tourist's haven for debauchery and fun times, and it's a city everybody should visit. However, after you and a group of friends stroll down Bourbon Street once, please do yourself a favor and call it a night. Venturing outside the touristy area is a recipe for getting mugged, harassed, or worse. 

3. San Francisco, California

Despite its gorgeous landscape and rich history, San Francisco has unfortunately suffered from an increased homeless population problem in recent years.

As a result, the city's beauty has been marred by a large number of vagrants and homeless people, with many visitors admitting to being shocked the first time they visit. The city has vowed to fight this problem, but the unhoused population problem across America seems to be an issue without a clear solution.

4. St. Louis, Missouri

Although generally, the city of St. Louis is safe, the part of town known as East St. Louis lives up to its dangerous reputation. One traveler admits that it is the city he will avoid for the rest of his life. “I will never go within a 100 miles of East St. Louis ever again,” he says. “That's the ‘Purge' right there. No law. No order. Nothing but potential violence and death even in broad daylight.”

5. Provo, Utah

Utah has plenty of breathtaking scenery, which is why it's shocking to read that so many people don't like visiting. Countless travelers complain that despite its beauty, there's nothing to do while you're there. For lack of a better word, Provo is boring – and nobody wants to visit a boring town.

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Nicknamed the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia manages to turn off many visitors due to its high crime rate and rundown neighborhoods.

One woman who recently visited the city didn't give a glowing testimonial, “Philadelphia after dark is a pretty dangerous place where decent people will stop and ask if you are ok and tell you to go home or stop in the nearest bar and get a cab.”

7. Los Angeles, California

Many tourists get lured by the bright lights and old Hollywood charm that can only be found in Los Angeles. But, unfortunately, many neighborhoods in Los Angeles aren't what visitors expect: replace bright lights with urban blight and Hollywood charm with dilapidated buildings and a severe homeless population problem that poses obvious challenges for visitors.

8. Baltimore, Maryland

There's been television shows and movies produced based on the level of violence and corruption in Baltimore, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the town makes this list. I have many friends who live in the area, and all of them have given me the same advice: don't walk alone at night. In related news, I'd love it if they moved outside the city, like, yesterday.

9. Seattle, Washington

When the weather is favorable, travelers are near-unanimous in calling Seattle one of their favorite American cities to visit. However, statistics don't lie. Seattle only enjoys an average of 152 days of sunny weather per year, which means you most likely will be dealing with heavy cloud cover and rainfall whenever you visit this iconic Pacific Northwest town.

10. El Paso, Texas

Plenty of cities lack imagination, architecture, and passion; El Paso is the most notable. “El Paso, TX struck me as utterly charmless, full of strip malls and truck stops,” one traveler laments. “Plus, the hills surrounding it give one an unpleasant view across the Rio Grande at Juarez, Mexico, for a long time the most violent city in North America.” That description doesn't make you want to visit, does it?

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14 Most Dangerous Cities In The US According To 2024 Data

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.

Most dangerous U.S. cities in 2024, according to neighborhoodscout.com:

14. albany, georgia, 13. milwaukee, wisconsin, 12. kalamazoo, michigan, 11. cleveland, ohio, 10. alexandria, louisiana, 9. little rock, arkansas, 8. pine bluff, arkansas, 7. birmingham, alabama, 6. detroit, michigan, 5. memphis, tennessee, 4. saginaw, michigan, 3. monroe, louisiana, 2. mobile, alabama, 1. bessemer, alabama, about neighborhoodscout.com and its crime data.

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

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. 

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.

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.

Alexandria, Louisiana, has faced challenges with crime rates, earning it a reputation as one of the more dangerous cities in the United States. The city has grappled with issues related to crime and safety, and efforts are ongoing to address these concerns and enhance public safety.

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. 

Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. The city has struggled with high crime rates and various social and economic challenges, contributing to its reputation for safety concerns. Efforts to address these issues and improve safety continue, but Pine Bluff remains a city with significant crime-related challenges.

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.

Residents and visitors need to take necessary precautions and stay vigilant to ensure their safety.

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.

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! 

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

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. 

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.

Latest Update / Crime News: Mobile no longer listed as second ‘most dangerous city in the United States’ after FBI corrects data

As per multiple studies and analyses, Bessemer has been identified as the most dangerous city in the U.S. coming into 2024.

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.

NeighborhoodScout.com is a comprehensive real estate data website providing detailed information about neighborhoods across the United States.

The platform collects data through a combination of public and private sources, including U.S. Bureau of the Census, FBI crime reports, and U.S. Geological Service, among others.

It analyzes this information to offer insights into real estate trends, demographic profiles, crime rates, school quality, and housing market conditions.

I’ve lived in Bessemer, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham Alabama since I was 12 and I’m 36, racism is not as bad as what you think. There are lots of African Americans who work right alongside Caucasian workers in most places. I think people should know more about what they are talking about before they put their opinion out here like that.

Being a black person myself I think as much as people would like to blame racism for everything negative black people do, Somewhere we as individuals have to look at ourselves and ask why do I choose to be a stereo type instead of taking the higher road. We all have choices and thats no matter your race. Everything cant be blamed on slavery and racism.

These cities especially in the south were not given equal opportunities for many of the African Americans to live and work. I feel that racism plays a big part in the way in which most of the cities you mentioned have such a high crime rate. Slavery from years past is the catalyst for the decline and greed of the White population.

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These are the worst cities to live in America. Is yours one of them?

Deciding on the right city to live in will always require some compromise.

A city like New York may have a booming job market , but it is also one of the most expensive places in the country.

Alternatively, while a dollar may go a long way in Houston, residents of the the south Texas city are also nearly three times more likely to be a victim of a violent crime than the typical American.

While there is no such thing as the perfect city, the United States is full of places with few, if any, strengths. Poor socioeconomic conditions tell a similar story of urban blight in dozens of cities across the country.

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24/7 Wall St. created an index of over two dozen measures to identify the worst cities to live in. These cities tend to have high crime rates, widespread poverty, weak job markets and little in the way of entertainment options or cultural attractions.

Conditions like these tend to be more common in areas with lower educational attainment . In every city on this list, the share of adults with a four-year college degree falls short of the 30.9 percent national bachelor's degree attainment rate . In 19 of these cities, fewer than one in every 10 adults have a bachelor’s degree.

Though the cities on this list span every region of the country, they are overwhelmingly concentrated in the South and the West. Only a dozen of the 50 cities on this list are in the Midwest or Northeast.

Worst cities to live in America:

50. Beverly Hills, Florida • Population: 9,144 • Poverty rate: 32.9 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: N/A • Median home value: $63,400 (bottom 10 percent)

Beverly Hills is one of the poorest cities in Florida. The typical household earns just $26,525 a year, less than half the $57,652 the typical American household makes. The low incomes are reflected in the city's real estate values, as the typical home in Beverly Hills is worth just $63,400.

Low property values are also likely a product of the relatively few entertainment and cultural attractions in the city. The city has a far lower concentration of bars, restaurants, theatres, and museums than is typical nationwide.

49. Bridgeport, Connecticut • Population: 147,586 • Poverty rate: 20.8 percent (top 25 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 900 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $170,300

Bridgeport is the only city in Connecticut – and the broader New England region – to rank among the worst U.S. cities to live in. A relatively poor city, the typical household in Bridgeport earns just $44,841 a year, and more than one in every five city residents live below the poverty line. Those on the low end of the income spectrum in Bridgeport are strained further by the city's high cost of living. Goods and services in Bridgeport are 30.8 percent more expensive than the average nationwide.

The area's low incomes are partially attributable to a weak job market. According to Census estimates, an average of 9.3 percent of workers have been unemployed over the last five years.

48. Orange Cove, California • Population: 9,567 • Poverty rate: 45.9 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 600 (top 25 percent) • Median home value: $114,300 (bottom 25 percent)

Orange Cove is one of the poorest cities in the country. Nearly 46 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and about half of all households earn less than $26,000 a year. Low incomes and financial hardship are partially the product of a weak job market. The city's five-year average unemployment rate of 7.8 percent is well above the comparable national rate of 4.1 percent.

For residents of Orange Cove with disposable income, local entertainment options are limited. The area's concentration of places like bars, restaurants, theatres, and museums is far lower than the average nationwide.

47. Arvin, California • Population: 20,826 • Poverty rate: 27.5 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,071 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $132,300

Arvin is one of three California cities in the Bakersfield metro area to rank among the worst places to live. With 1,071 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, Arvin is the most dangerous city in the broader Bakersfield metro area. Crime is often more common in poorer areas, and more than one in every four Arvin residents live below the poverty line.

Like most other California cities on this list, Arvin does not have much to offer in the way of cultural or entertainment options. There are far fewer restaurants, bars, recreation centers, museums, and theatres per capita in Arvin than is typical nationwide.

46. Asbury Park, New Jersey • Population: 15,830 • Poverty rate: 30.4 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,361 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $335,500 (top 25 percent)

Asbury Park is a relatively poor city along the New Jersey coast. The typical household in the city earns just $39,324 a year, about $18,000 less than the typical American household. Low income residents are strained further by the area's high cost of living. Asbury Park is located within the broader New York City metro area, one of the most expensive regions of the country , and goods and services in the city are 22.4 percent more expensive than average.

The city's low incomes and a high cost of living likely contribute to widespread food insecurity in Asbury Park. Additionally, more than one in every three city residents have limited access to a grocery story or large supermarket.

45. Bellmead, Texas • Population: 10,315 • Poverty rate: 26.6 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 2,305 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $70,000 (bottom 10 percent)

Bellmead is a small city in the Waco, Texas, metro area in between Dallas and Austin. The city has some of the highest crime rates anywhere in the country. There were 2,305 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents in 2017, six times the national violent crime rate. Additionally, there were 6,509 property crimes for every 100,000 people in Bellmead, more than double the national property crime rate.

The area's high crime may be suppressing property values. The typical home in Bellmead is worth just $70,000 – far less than the national median home value of $193,500.

44. Desert Hot Springs, California • Population: 28,298 • Poverty rate: 36.8 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,017 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $154,600

Desert Hot Springs is one of two cities within the San Bernardino metro area to rank among the worst cities to live. Like other communities in the metro area, Desert Hot Springs is dangerous. There were 1,017 violent crimes in the city in for every 100,000 people in 2017 – more than at least 90 percent of other American cities for which data was available.

The typical household in Desert Hot Springs earns $34,251 a year, well below the national median of $57,652. Low incomes in poorer areas tend to be somewhat offset by a low cost of living, but not Desert Hot Springs. Goods and services are 3.5 percent more expensive there than average nationwide.

43. Ecorse, Michigan • Population: 9,321 • Poverty rate: 36.8 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,533 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $37,900 (bottom 10 percent)

Ecorse is one of three cities in the Detroit metro area to rank among the worst places to live. One of the poorest cities in the country, Ecorse's poverty rate of 36.8 percent is more than double the national poverty rate of 14.6 percent. For area residents that have disposable income, local entertainment options are limited. Ecorse has a far smaller concentration of places like bars and restaurants than the U.S. as a whole.

Property values are typically a reflection of what area residents can afford, and in Ecorse, half of all homes are worth less than $38,000. For context, the typical American home is worth $193,500.

42. Taft, California • Population: 9,224 • Poverty rate: 24.1 percent (top 25 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 884 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $150,100

The typical home in California is worth $443,400. While the state has some of the most expensive real estate markets in the country, Taft is not one of them. The median home value in Taft is just $150,100 – well below the median home value nationwide of $193,500. The area's high violent crime rate may be suppressing property values. There were 884 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in Taft in 2017, more than double the national violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000 people.

Many who live in Taft are financially insecure. Nearly one in every four residents live in poverty, one of the higher poverty rates of any U.S. city.

41. Douglas, Arizona • Population: 16,576 • Poverty rate: 31.9 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 249 • Median home value: $88,200 (bottom 10 percent)

Douglas, a small city in southern Arizona along the Mexican border is the only city in the state to rank among the worst places to live. A relatively poor city, half of all area households earn less than $31,000 a year, and nearly 32 percent of the city's population lives below the poverty line. While Douglas has a relatively low violent crime rate, property crimes like larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft are far more common in Douglas than the U.S. as a whole.

In recent years, jobs in the city have been disappearing. Employment in Douglas declined by 37.5 percent between 2012 and 2017. Over the same period, the number of people living in Douglas fell by 4.4 percent.

40. Monroe, Louisiana • Population: 48,938 • Poverty rate: 34.8 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 2,225 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $143,200

Monroe's high poverty rate is one of the main reasons the Louisiana city ranks among the worst U.S. cities. Over one-third of Monroe residents live in poverty, more than double the national poverty rate of 14.6 percent.

Monroe also has one of the highest crime rates in the country. For every 100,000 residents, there were 2,225 violent crimes reported in 2017. Only five other cities have a higher violent crime rate. Nationwide, the violent crime rate is 383 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is also common in Monroe. The city's property crime rate of 8,232 crimes reported per 100,000 residents is more than triple the U.S. property crime rate.

39. Natchitoches, Louisiana • Population: 18,176 • Poverty rate: 44.7 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,187 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $150,800

Established in 1714, Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the oldest settlement in the entire 827,000 square mile area acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. Today, few U.S. cities are shedding jobs faster than Natchitoches. The number of people working in the city declined by 28.8 percent over the last five years. Over the same period, total employment nationwide climbed by 6.1 percent.

The increasingly limited job opportunities do not bode well for improved economic prosperity in the area going forward. Currently, 44.7 percent of Natchitoches residents live below the poverty line, nearly the highest poverty rate in the state and more than triple the 14.6 percent national poverty rate.

38. Yazoo City, Mississippi • Population: 11,189 • Poverty rate: 49.0 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: N/A • Median home value: $72,700 (bottom 10 percent)

Yazoo City, Mississippi, is one of the poorest cities in the United States. At least half of all households earn less $21,000 annually, and 49.0 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, more than triple the national poverty rate of 14.6 percent.

The widespread financial instability is partially attributable to the area's weak job market. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11.8 percent of workers in Yazoo City have been unemployed over the last five years, more than double the comparable national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. Unlike the majority of U.S. cities , Yazoo has been shedding jobs in recent years. The overall number of people employed in the city declined by 14.1 percent between 2012 and 2017.

37. Newburgh, New York • Population: 28,444 • Poverty rate: 31.2 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,236 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $170,900

Newburgh is the only city in New York and one of only a few in the northeastern United States to rank among the worst cities to live. The city earned this distinction in part because of its high violent crime rate of 1,236 reported incidents per 100,000 people – more than three times the U.S. violent crime rate.

Newburgh residents also face difficult economic conditions. The city's median household income of $36,922 a year is more than $20,000 lower than the U.S. median. This relatively low income is made more challenging by the fact that Newburgh's cost of living is about 18 percent higher than it is on average nationwide. Like many of the other cities on this list, Newburgh's population is shrinking. In the past five years, the number of people living in Newburgh dropped by 1.5 percent.

36. Belle Glade, Florida • Population: 19,175 • Poverty rate: 39.1 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,234 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $111,400 (bottom 25 percent)

At least half of all households in Belle Glade, Florida, earn less than $26,000 a year. Those low-income residents face further financial strain because of the area's high cost of living. Goods and services in the southern Florida city are about 6 percent more expensive than they are nationwide, on average. Housing is particularly expensive. The typical home in the area is worth $111,400, 4.3 times the area's median income. Nationwide, the typical home is worth just 3.4 times the median income.

The low median income in Belle Glade is partially attributable to a lack of jobs. Over the last five years, an average of 8.5 percent of workers in the area were unemployed according to Census estimates, more than double the comparable national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

35. Arab, Alabama • Population: 8,200 • Poverty rate: 17.6 percent • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 549 (top 25 percent) • Median home value: $143,800

Few U.S. cities are shedding jobs faster than the northern Alabama city of Arab. In the last five years, the number of people working in the city declined by 9.8 percent, even as employment across the U.S. as a whole climbed by 6.1 percent.

Crime is also a problem in Arab. There were 6,217 property crimes – which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft – for every 100,000 people in Arab, more than double the 2,362 per 100,000 property crime rate nationwide.

34. Fairfield, Alabama • Population: 10,850 • Poverty rate: 25.5 percent (top 25 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,905 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $96,100 (bottom 25 percent)

The typical home in Fairfield, Alabama, is worth just $96,100 – less than half the median home price nationwide. Real estate markets are often a reflection of what residents can afford, and many in Fairfield are struggling financially. The median annual household income is just over $36,000, and more than a quarter of residents live below the poverty line.

Fairfield's job market lags behind that of most other U.S. cities. The city's five-year unemployment rate is 7.0 percent compared to 4.1 percent nationwide. Over the past five years, employment growth in the city has been slower than average.

33. Helena-West Helena, Arkansas • Population: 11,210 • Poverty rate: 42.5 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,112 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $75,400 (bottom 10 percent)

Helena-West Helena is the poorest city in one of the poorest states in the country . The typical household earns just $21,667 a year, less than half the median annual household income across Arkansas of $43,813 – which itself is nearly $14,000 less than the national median of $57,652.

Lower income areas often report higher levels of crime, and Helena-West Helena is no exception. There were 1,112 violent crimes for every 100,000 city residents in 2017, more than in over 90 percent of all U.S. cities for which data is available. The area's high crime and low paying jobs may be driving residents out as over the last five years, Helena-West Helena's population declined by 8.3 percent.

32. Fort Valley, Georgia • Population: 8,790 • Poverty rate: 38.3 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,016 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $76,400 (bottom 10 percent)

Fort Valley is one of the poorest cities in Georgia and the United States. The city's 38.3 percent poverty rate is more than double both the state and national poverty rates of 16.9 percent and 14.6 percent, respectively. Widespread financial hardship is due in large part to a weak job market. According to Census estimates, 9.5 percent of the city's workers were unemployed over the last five years, more than double the comparable national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. Jobs have also become more scarce in Fort Valley in recent years. The number of people working in the city fell by a staggering 21.9 percent in the last half decade.

31. Immokalee, Florida • Population: 25,686 • Poverty rate: 43.4 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: N/A • Median home value: $99,700 (bottom 25 percent)

The typical household in Immokalee, Florida, earns just $29,308 a year. The city's low incomes are in stark contrast to much of the broader metro area. In nearby Naples, half of all households earn over $90,500 a year.

Low-income households in the area are strained further by the city's high cost of living. Goods and services are 8.5 percent more expensive in Immokalee than they are on average nationwide. Food insecurity is also a problem in Immokalee. Nearly 32 percent of Immokalee residents have low access to a grocery store or supermarket, well above the 22 percent national food insecurity rate.

30. Corcoran, California • Population: 22,650 • Poverty rate: 35.6 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 349 • Median home value: $122,700 (bottom 25 percent)

Corcoran, California ranks among the worst cities to live in largely because of widespread financial hardship. The city's 35.6 percent poverty rate is among the highest in the state and more than double the 14.6 percent national poverty rate. For those in the city with disposable income, there are not many local entertainment options. The number of venues like bars, restaurants, theaters, museums, and recreation centers per person is far lower in Corcoran than is typical nationwide.

As is true in many cities on this list, Corcoran's population is shrinking. The number of people living in the city fell by 7.3 percent over the last five years.39006509

29. Trenton, New Jersey • Population: 84,867 • Poverty rate: 27.3 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,286 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $95,900 (bottom 25 percent)

Employment in Trenton, New Jersey, has been largely stagnant over the past five years. The number of people in the city with jobs has increased by just 0.4 percent in that time period compared to 6.1 percent employment growth nationwide. The city's five-year unemployment rate is also relatively high at 7.8 percent – nearly double the comparable U.S. rate.

This lack of employment opportunities likely contributes to Trenton's relatively low median annual household income of $35,524 – more than $22,000 below the U.S. median. A dollar does not go nearly as far in Trenton as it would in the typical American city. The city's cost of living is more than 17 percent higher than the average U.S. cost of living.

28. East Point, Georgia • Population: 35,380 • Poverty rate: 24.8 percent (top 25 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,307 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $96,900 (bottom 25 percent)

East Point is a small city in the Atlanta metro area. Like some other smaller cities around Atlanta, East Point is one of the most dangerous cities in the country. There were 1,307 violent crimes for every 100,000 city residents in 2017, a higher crime rate than in over 90 percent of all U.S. cities.

Unsafe streets may be depressing property values in the area. Half of all homes in East Point are worth less than $97,000. Across Georgia as a whole, most homes are worth more over $158,000.

27. Albany, Georgia • Population: 74,892 • Poverty rate: 33.2 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,130 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $101,000 (bottom 25 percent)

Albany, Georgia, residents are more likely than most Americans to face financial hardship. Nearly a third of the city's population lives below the poverty line, one of the highest poverty rates in the country. The city's median household income of $31,843 a year is well below the U.S. median of $57,652.

There are likely many factors that contribute to low incomes in the area, though one of the most significant is employment. Across the United States, employment increased by 6.1 percent from 2012 to 2017. In the same time period, employment in Albany fell by 4.0 percent. Albany also has a five-year unemployment rate of 9.7 percent, more than double the 4.1 percent U.S. unemployment rate during that same time.

26. College Park, Georgia • Population: 14,360 • Poverty rate: 35.1 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,467 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $154,700

A poor city in just south of Atlanta, College Park's poverty rate of 35.1 percent is higher than the poverty rate in over 90 percent of American cities. Areas with high poverty tend to struggle with crime, and crime is also an issue in College Park. The city's violent crime rate of 1,467 reported incidents per 100,000 residents is nearly four times higher than the overall U.S. violent crime rate.

Though this factor was not included in the index, College Park may be an undesirable place to live because of its proximity close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – the busiest in the world. Those who live near an airport are subjected to loud noise, excessive levels of pollution, and traffic from travelers.

25. Nanakuli, Hawaii • Population: 11,757 • Poverty rate: 16.2 percent • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: N/A • Median home value: $310,300 (top 25 percent)

Even though Nanakuli, Hawaii, has a relatively high median annual household income at $65,101, residents typically do not have as much purchasing power as the average American. This is because the cost of living in the city is 61 percent higher than the average cost of living across the nation. Adjusted for cost of living, the median income in Nanakuli is only about $40,000.

A high cost of living is especially burdensome for people who are out of work. Nanakuli has an 8.3 percent five-year unemployment rate, more than double the comparable U.S. rate.

24. Robstown, Texas • Population: 11,546 • Poverty rate: 35.1 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 894 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $54,300 (bottom 10 percent)

Robstown is a small city in southern Texas, just west of Corpus Christi. The city has struggled with a high jobless rate for years. The Census estimates that an average of 8.1 percent of the area's labor force has been unemployed over the last five years, well above the comparable 4.1 percent national unemployment rate. Indeed, jobs appear to be disappearing in the city. Overall employment dipped in Robstown by 6.6 percent between 2012 and 2017, even as U.S. employment rose by 6.1 percent.

Likely due in part to the weak job market, Robstown is losing residents. Even though Texas ranks as one of the fastest growing states , Robstown's population shrunk by 0.2 percent in the last five years.

23. Maili, Hawaii • Population: 10,190 • Poverty rate: 20.2 percent (top 25 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: N/A • Median home value: $436,200 (top 25 percent)

Maili, Hawaii, ranks among the worst cities to live largely because of its high cost of living – which does not align with what many residents can comfortably afford. Goods and services in the area are 61.4 percent more expensive than they are nationwide, on average. Though the typical area household earns $71,806 per year, incomes are actually far lower than average after accounting for cost of living. The cost of living is especially straining for the larger than typical 20.2 percent share of residents living in poverty.

Housing is particularly expensive in the city. The typical area home is worth $436,200 – or about 6.1 times the median household income. Nationwide, the typical home is worth $193,500, or just 3.4 times higher than the $57,652 median income.

22. Bogalusa, Louisiana • Population: 11,852 • Poverty rate: 36.3 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,298 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $68,800 (bottom 10 percent)

Of the more than 4,700 cities considered for this list, fewer than 100 have a median home value lower than in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Most homes in the city cost less than $70,000. For comparison, the typical home in the U.S. is worth $193,500. Very few residents are equipped to pay for an expensive home, as the city's median annual household income is just $24,600.

Bogalusa has a five-year unemployment rate of 9.4 percent, well above the U.S. unemployment rate over that time. Despite these economic difficulties, there are signs of improvement in the city. Employment growth in the city over the past five years has exceeded 10 percent, outpacing the U.S. employment growth rate of 6.1 percent.

21. Firebaugh, California • Population: 8,275 • Poverty rate: 30.0 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 320 • Median home value: $150,700

Areas with lower levels of education tend to have lower of incomes and higher poverty rates. This holds true in the case of Firebaugh, California. Just 6.3 percent of Firebaugh adults have a bachelor's degree, compared to 30.9 percent of U.S. adults. Three in 10 city residents live in poverty, more than double the U.S. poverty rate. At least half of all city households earn less than $42,000 per year.

The five-year unemployment rate in Firebaugh of 11 percent is more than double the U.S. unemployment rate over that time. The area's job market appears to be improving however. Total employment increased by 15 percent over the last five years, far outpacing the comparable 6.1 percent employment growth nationwide.

20. Benton Harbor, Michigan • Population: 9,944 • Poverty rate: 48.0 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 2,202 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $56,200 (bottom 10 percent)

Benton Harbor is a small city in western Michigan. With over 2,200 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents in 2017, it ranks as the most dangerous city in the state and one of the most dangerous in the country. For reference, there were 383 violent crimes for every 100,000 people nationwide the same year.

Unsafe streets can drive current residents away and make a city less appealing to potential residents. In the last five years, Benton Harbor's population declined by 1.7 percent, even as the U.S. population grew by 3.8 percent.

19. Muskegon Heights, Michigan • Population: 10,743 • Poverty rate: 39.3 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,808 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $42,900 (bottom 10 percent)

For both individuals and broad populations, incomes tend to rise with educational attainment. In Muskegon Heights, Michigan, just 5.8 percent of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, one of the smallest bachelor's degree attainment rates of any U.S. city. Incomes in the area are similarly low. The typical household in the city earns just $25,411 a year, less than half the median across the U.S. as a whole of $57,652.

Muskegon also struggles with crime. There were over 6,000 property crimes reported in the city for every 100,000 people in 2017, the most of any city in Michigan. Additionally, the city's violent crime rate of 1,808 incidents per 100,000 people is higher than over 90 percent of all U.S. cities.

18. Detroit, Michigan • Population: 679,865 • Poverty rate: 37.9 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 2,057 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $42,800 (bottom 10 percent)

Home to nearly 700,000 residents, Detroit is by far the largest city to rank among the worst places to live. The quintessential Rust Belt city, Detroit is now a shadow of its former self, declining in population from a mid-century peak of 1.8 million. Though the broader metro area's iconic manufacturing sector has staged a comeback in recent years, unemployment in Detroit remains high. The Census estimates that an average of 10.6 percent of the city's labor force was unemployed over the last five years, more than double the comparable 4.1 percent national rate.

Struggling economically, Detroit is also dangerous. It is one of only 11 cities nationwide where there were over 2,000 violent crimes reported for every 100,000 people in 2017.

17. Adelanto, California • Population: 32,867 • Poverty rate: 38.5 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 706 (top 25 percent) • Median home value: $151,600

In Adelanto, California, 38.5 percent of residents live in poverty, one of the 50 highest poverty rates among more than 4,700 cities considered for this list. Higher poverty rates are often associated with lower educational attainment rates. Just 5.2 percent of adults Adelanto residents hold a bachelor's degree, one of the smallest shares of any U.S. city and well below the 30.9 percent share of American adults.

Adelanto residents also face an average daily commute of more than 41 minutes one way, about 15 minutes longer than the average American's trip to work. This additional travel time adds up to nearly 2.5 hours in the course of a single week. Lengthy commutes can lead to considerable stress and detract from overall quality of life.

16. Hammond, Louisiana • Population: 20,325 • Poverty rate: 34.1 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,487 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $149,400

Hammond, Louisiana, is one of the poorest cities in the country . More than one in every three residents live below the poverty line, and the typical area household earns just $37,059 a year. Hammond also has a high food insecurity rate. An estimated 41.1 percent of the population have low access to supermarkets or grocery stores, nearly double the 22.4 percent comparable national share.

Crime is a serious problem in Hammond. There were nearly 9,700 property crimes reported in the city for every 100,000 people in 2017, the most of any city in Louisiana. Additionally, the city's violent crime rate of 1,487 incidents per 100,000 people is higher than in over 90 percent of all U.S. cities.

15. Union City, Georgia • Population: 20,793 • Poverty rate: 20.7 percent (top 25 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,224 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $81,900 (bottom 10 percent)

Though the population of Union City, Georgia, increased by 7.4 percent in the past five years, the number of people employed in the city dropped by 1.2 percent. The city's unemployment rate has been relatively high over the last five years at an average of 7.4 percent. The weak job market likely contributes to the city's relatively low median household income of $35,627 a year.

Union City ranks as one of the worst cities to live in also because of crime issues. Its violent crime rate of 1,224 incidents per 100,000 residents is more than three times as high as the U.S. rate. The city's property crime rate is also more than four times higher than the U.S. rate at 10,940 reported incidents per 100,000 residents.

14. East St. Louis, Illinois • Population: 26,678 • Poverty rate: 43.1 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 2,752 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $55,000 (bottom 10 percent)

East St. Louis is the most dangerous city in the most dangerous metro area in the United States . Across the broader St. Louis metro area, there were 2,082 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents in 2017 – more than five times the national violent crime rate of 383 incidents per 100,000 people. In East St. Louis, there were 2,752 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, more than seven times the national rate.

High crime areas are often poor, and many in East St. Louis face serious financial hardship. The city's 43.1 percent poverty rate is among the highest of any U.S. city. Unsafe streets and widespread poverty may be driving some out of the city. In the last five years, East St. Louis's population declined by 1.6 percent, even as the U.S. grew by 3.8 percent.

13. Bridgeton, New Jersey • Population: 24,948 • Poverty rate: 32.3 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,091 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $103,400 (bottom 25 percent)

Bridgeton, a small city in southern New Jersey, is the worst city to live in in the state and one of the worst in the country. The typical household earns just $34,135 a year, less than half the median annual household income of $76,475 across the state as a whole. Lower-income residents are further burdened by the city's high cost of living. Goods and services are 9.3 percent more expensive in Bridgeton than they are nationwide, on average.

Like many cities on this list, Bridgeton is losing residents. Over the last five years, the city's population declined by 1.2 percent, even as the U.S. population grew by 3.8 percent.

12. Prichard, Alabama • Population: 22,063 • Poverty rate: 35.1 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,826 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $67,400 (bottom 10 percent)

Over the past five years, the number of jobs in Prichard, Alabama has decreased by nearly 17 percent, one of the highest rates of job losses anywhere in the country. Over the same period, employment climbed 6.1 percent nationwide.

Prichard, near Mobile in southern Alabama, has a median annual household income of $25,818 – less than half of the U.S. median. Prichard, like many other low income areas on this list, is losing residents. In the last five years, Prichard's population dropped by 3.4 percent.

11. Flint, Michigan • Population: 97,810 • Poverty rate: 41.2 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,945 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $28,200 (bottom 10 percent)

Flint, Michigan, is one of the poorest and most dangerous cities in the United States. About half of all households in Flint earn less than $26,330 a year, and 41.2 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Poor areas often report higher crime levels than more affluent places, and in Flint, there were 1,945 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in 2017, more than in over 90 percent of all U.S. cities.

Flint has made national news in recent years after it was discovered that the city water supply was contaminated with lead. The contamination crisis has driven people out of the city and depressed real estate values. In the last five years, Flint's population fell by 5.3 percent. Additionally, the typical home is worth just $28,200, a fraction of the typical American home value of $193,500.

10. Avenal, California • Population: 13,119 • Poverty rate: 36.3 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 548 (top 25 percent) • Median home value: $129,900

Avenal, California ranks as one of the 10 worst cities to live in part because it is losing jobs at a much faster rate than almost anywhere else in the country. From 2012 to 2017, employment dropped by more than 23 percent in the California city. This is at least partially explained by the fact that, in the same time period, the city's population dropped by 14.5 percent.

Real estate in California is typically much more expensive than the average nationwide, as most homes cost more than $440,000 compared to the median of $193,500 nationwide. Yet in Avenal, the typical home is worth less than $130,000, a reflection of low incomes in the area. More than one in every three Avenal residents live below the poverty line.

9. Anniston, Alabama • Population: 22,097 • Poverty rate: 29.5 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 3,434 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $95,700 (bottom 25 percent)

Like many cities on this list, Anniston, Alabama, is losing residents. In the last five years, Anniston's population declined by 4.2 percent. Over the same period, the number of people working in the city fell by a staggering 10.9 percent.

The city's population decline may be attributable to low incomes and a high violent crime rate. The typical household in Anniston earns just $32,070 a year. Additionally, there were 3,434 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in Anniston in 2017, the most of any city in the country.

8. Waianae, Hawaii • Population: 13,636 • Poverty rate: 27.0 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: N/A • Median home value: $339,500 (top 25 percent)

Waianae, Hawaii, is one of the few cities on this list with a higher median income than the U.S. as a whole. The typical household in the city earns $60,282 a year, or $2,630 more than the typical American household. Bigger paychecks are not nearly enough to cover the high cost of living in Waianae, however. Goods and services in the area are 61.4 percent more expensive than they are on average nationwide.

The high cost of living imposes an especially heavy burden on the relatively large share of Waianae residents living below the poverty line. Of the city's 13,636 residents, 27 percent live in poverty, a higher poverty rate than in over 90 percent of U.S. cities.

7. Bastrop, Louisiana • Population: 10,643 • Poverty rate: 43.5 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,511 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $73,000 (bottom 10 percent)

In Bastrop, Louisiana, there were 1,511 violent crimes reported for every 100,000 residents in 2017. That means violent crimes occurred there nearly four times as frequently as they did in America as a whole.

Crime is often more common in poorer areas, and Bastrop has one of the highest poverty rates of any U.S. city. Some 43.5 percent of residents live below the poverty line – nearly three times higher than the U.S. poverty rate. Like many other cities that rank among the worst places to live, Bastrop is losing a significant portion of its residents. In the past five years, the city's population fell by 6.2 percent.

6. Bessemer, Alabama • Population: 26,697 • Poverty rate: 29.7 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 2,986 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $84,000 (bottom 10 percent)

With 2,986 violent crimes reported per 100,000 residents a year, Bessemer, Alabama, has the second highest violent crime rate in the nation, trailing only Anniston, Alabama. Bessemer also has the sixth highest property crime rate with nearly 9,800 reported property crimes per 100,000 residents.

In addition to high crime, residents face a number of economic challenges. Nearly 30 percent of residents live in poverty, and more than one in three residents have low access to grocery store or super markets. The typical Bessemer home earns less than $32,000 a year, well below the U.S. median annual household income of $57,652.

5. Highland Park, Michigan • Population: 10,955 • Poverty rate: 49.0 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,701 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $33,500 (bottom 10 percent)

Highland Park, Michigan, ranks as the fifth worst city to live in the country in part because it is the poorest American city by a wide margin. Highland Park's median annual household income is $15,699, nearly $42,000 lower than the U.S. median. It is the only city in the nation in which most households earn less than $20,000 a year.

In Highland Park, which is within the Detroit metro area, 49 percent of residents live below the poverty line – one of the highest poverty rates nationwide. The city's five-year average unemployment rate of 13.2 percent is well above the comparable U.S. rate of 4.1 percent. The economic situation in Highland Park has worsened in recent years. From 2012 to 2017, employment has dropped more than 15 percent.

4. Makaha, Hawaii • Population: 8,832 • Poverty rate: 30.1 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: N/A • Median home value: $407,200 (top 25 percent)

Makaha is the worst city to live in in Hawaii and among the five worst in the country. Like other cities in the state, Makaha ranks poorly largely because of its high cost of living and low affordability. Goods and services are 61.4 percent more expensive in the city than they are on average nationwide. Housing is particularly unaffordable. The typical home in Makaha is worth nearly $564,000 – about eight times the median annual household income in the city of $51,833. Meanwhile, the typical American home is worth $193,500 – just 3.4 times the median income of $57,652.

Makaha is also struggling with a high jobless rate. The Census estimates that an average of 9.7 percent of the city's labor force has been out of work over the last five years, more than double the comparable national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.

3. California City, California • Population: 13,495 • Poverty rate: 29.9 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 640 (top 25 percent) • Median home value: $102,000 (bottom 25 percent)

California City, California, residents are some of the most likely to be unemployed. Over the past five years, the average unemployment rate in city was 10.7 percent, according to Census estimates. Over the same period, employment in the city fell by 11.3 percent. This lack of jobs likely contributes to the city's 29.9 percent poverty rate, which is more than double that of the U.S. as a whole.

Home values in California are some of the highest in the nation, with a $443,400 median value statewide. Yet, in California city, the median home value is just $102,000 – a reflection of lower incomes in the area. At least half of all households earn less than $46,000 a year.

2. Florida City, Florida • Population: 12,149 • Poverty rate: 41.2 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 2,276 (top 10 percent) • Median home value: $110,800 (bottom 25 percent)

Florida City is the most dangerous city in the state. There were 2,276 violent crimes reported for every 100,000 residents in 2017 – nearly six times higher than the national violent crime rate. The city, located about 35 miles south of Miami, also has a high property crime rate. Property crimes include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, and there were 7,925 reported incidents of these crimes for every 100,000 residents in 2017, more than triple the national property crime rate.

High crime areas are often lower income, and the share of people living below the poverty line in Florida City is staggering. Florida City's 41.2 percent poverty rate is higher than in over 90 percent of all other U.S. cities.

1. Mendota, California • Population: 11,396 • Poverty rate: 49.5 percent (top 10 percent) • 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 646 (top 25 percent) • Median home value: $139,000

For both individuals and broad populations, incomes tend to rise with educational attainment. In Mendota, California, just 1.8 percent of adults have a bachelor's degree, the smallest share of any U.S. city. The city also has one of the poorest populations in the country. Half of all households earn less than $27,500 a year, and 49.5 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

The widespread financial insecurity is partially attributable to a lack of jobs. The Census estimates that an average of 15.4 percent of the city's labor force were unemployed in the last five years, the highest unemployment rate of any U.S. city and more than triple the comparable 4.1 percent national rate.

Methodology

To identify the best cities to live in, 24/7 Wall St. created a weighted index of 25 measures that fall into one of four categories: affordability, economy, quality of life, and community.

In the affordability category, the ratio of the median home value to the median income was given full weight. Cities where the median home value is closer to the median household income were rewarded. Cost of living, as determined by the average cost of goods and services in an area relative to average prices across the nation as a whole, was given a full weight. Property taxes are largely levied at the local level, and cities where residents pay more property taxes as a percentage of their home value were penalized. Property taxes were given a one-quarter weighting.

In the economy category, the unemployment rate was also given a full weight. We used five-year average unemployment due to lack of comparable annual data at local levels. Five-year employment growth and the share of the total working-age population with a job were each given a half weight, favoring areas with greater employment and growing jobs opportunities.

In the quality of life category, the poverty rate was given a full weight, penalizing cities where poverty is more common. The share of the population that struggles to put food on the table due to distance from a grocery store, known as the food insecurity rate, was given full weight. A city’s mortality rate, calculated as the number of people who died while in hospital care per hospital by city, was also given full weight. In cases where city-level data was not available, mortality rates were imputed from county level data.

The drug overdose mortality rate was given a one-quarter weighting, as was the hospital readmission rate, or the share of those released from the hospital who were readmitted within 30 days. Distance from the center of the city to the nearest hospital was given full weight.

The number of hospitalizations that would have been prevented by regularly scheduled doctor visits for every 1,000 Medicare enrollees – known as the preventable hospitalization rate – was given half weighting.

Measures used in the community category included the average travel time to work, which was given full weight. The violent crime rate – the total number of rapes, robberies, murders, and aggravated assaults adjusted per 100,000 residents per year– was given full weight. So, too, was the property crime rate, which is the total number of burglaries, larcenies, motor vehicle thefts, and incidents of arson per 100,000 residents per year.

The share of commuters either walking, cycling, or taking public transit to work was given half weight. The total number of restaurants, bars, museums, theater companies, movie theaters, libraries, and parks per capita were each given a one-quarter weighting.

To avoid geographic clustering, we only took the top-ranking city in a given county. Our list includes cities, towns, villages, boroughs, and Census designated places. We did not include places with fewer than 8,000 residents in our analysis.

Median household income, median home value, average travel time to work, poverty rate, population, employment-to-population ratio, median property taxes paid, and average unemployment rate are all five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and are for 2017. Overall cost of living is for 2014 and comes from data analysis and aggregation company ATTOM Data Solutions.

The population-adjusted number of entertainment and cultural venues like restaurants and museums comes from the Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns data set, and is for 2016.

Violent and property crime rates are from the FBI’s 2017 Uniform Crime Report. Drug overdose mortality rates are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are for the years 2014 to 2016. Mortality rates and hospital readmission rates are from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and are as of June 2015. Preventable hospitalizations are from the latest release from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute joint program.

24/7 Wall Street is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Introduction

Full data set, methodology, worst cities in the u.s..

Lamentably, not all American cities are created equal. Some seem to be plagued by societal problems such as economic disparity, unemployment, and poor health care accessibility. In our analysis of the 50 worst cities in the United States, we ranked the cities based on indicators including population change, workforce participation, median household income, lack of health insurance, commute times, and poverty levels. 

Key findings from the data include:

• Geographically, the cities in our lowest-ranking list are quite diverse, spanning from the midwestern heartland (Gary, IN), through the Rust Belt (Detroit, MI), to the densely populated northeastern states (Passaic, NJ, and Newark, NJ).
• States like Michigan, New Jersey, and Indiana have more than one city in the top list indicating state-level issues might be playing a significant role in the status of these cities. Michigan, for instance, has three cities in the list: Detroit, Flint, and Camden indicating an economic downturn related to the decline of domestic auto production.
• A noteworthy pattern is that many of these cities had industrial roots, and their decline can largely be traced back to the decline in manufacturing in the U.S. and the subsequent loss of jobs. Cities like Gary, IN, and Detroit, MI, were once thriving industrial hubs.
• While Southern states have often been associated with higher poverty and lower median household income, only one city from the South, Port Arthur, TX, is included in the top ten of this worst city list.

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Top 10 most dangerous cities in America, ranked

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Hold on to your hat because this list might be more alarming than your worst tech glitches. Security Gauge pulled crime data from 18,000 agencies — including the FBI and local police — to find the most dangerous U.S. cities in 2023. Did yours make the list?

Most dangerous US cities

1. Bessemer, Alabama

Once known as “The Marvel City,” Bessemer is now infamous for a different reason. Home to just 27,000, this town clocked 33.18 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

2. Monroe, Louisiana

While it reigned supreme on the crime charts for the past two years, Monroe’s been nudged down by Bessemer. Its 47,000 residents face a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. 

3. Saginaw, Michigan

It’s not just proximity to Detroit. Saginaw has its own crime challenges. Case in point: A tragic shooting at an unsanctioned street bash that killed two and injured 15 more. 

4. Memphis, Tennessee

Rock’ n roll, Elvis and … crime? With a population of around 700,000, Memphis has seen its murder rates climb, with experts pointing fingers at everything from policy to policing.

5. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s been grappling with crime for years, fueled by urban decay and population decline. With a crime rating of 23 per 1,000, locals face a 1 in 43 chance of becoming a victim. 

Rounding out the top 10 are:

6. Birmingham, Alabama

7. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

8. Little Rock, Arkansas

9. Alexandria, Louisiana

10. Cleveland, Ohio

Stay safe out there, folks. Here’s how to automatically alert loved ones if something goes wrong — no matter where you live.

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Worst Cities in America 2024

What are the worst cities in America?

While one’s ideal location to live is subjective and varies widely based on personal preference, some cities are considered the worst to live in.

24/7 Wall Street used 25 measures to create an index determining which cities are the worst cities to live in. Each of the measures fell into one of four categories: affordability, economy, quality of life, and community; and was given a full weight, half weight, or one-quarter weight. To avoid geographic clustering, only the top-ranking city in every county was included and only cities with populations over 8,000 were evaluated.

The affordability included factors such as median home value, taxes, and cost of living. The economy category included unemployment rate, five-year employment growth, and the share of total work-age population. In the quality of life category is the poverty rate, mortality rate, and drug overdose mortality rate. The community category included factors such as average travel time to work, the violent crime rate, property crime rate, and the total number of restaurants, bars, museums, parks, and other entertainment per capita.

Based on these factors, the ten worst cities in America are:

• Mendota, CA
• Florida City, FL
• California City, CA
• Highland Park, MI
• Bessemer, AL
• Bastrop, LA
• Waianae, HI
• Anniston, AL

Mendota, California, is the worst city in the United States . Almost half (49.5%) of the city’s population of 11,396 lives in poverty. Only 1.8% of the population has a Bachelor’s degree and half of all households earn less than $27,500 per year. The financial insecurity in Mendota is attributed to a lack of jobs, with an unemployment rate of 15.4%.

Highland Park, Michigan , is the fifth worst city in America but is by far the poorest on the list. The median household income is $15,699, which is almost $42,000 lower than the national median income, and it is the only city in the United States where most households earn less than $20,000 per year. 49% of the city’s residents live below the poverty line.

Of the top ten cities, Anniston in Alabama has the highest violent crime rate of 3,434 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The lowest median home value is $33,500 in Highland Park, Michigan.

There are some trends among the top 50 worst cities. One of these being that high crime rates, widespread poverty, weak job markets, and few entertainment options are more common in areas with lower educational attainment. The highest percentage of adults in these cities with a Bachelor’s degree is still below the national attainment rate of 30.9%. In 19 of the 50 cities, fewer than 10% of adults have a Bachelor’s degree. A majority of the cities on the list are in the West or South, with only 12 cities being in the Midwest or Northeast. In the top ten cities, nine out of the 10 are located in the West or South.

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