When considering the safest place to reside, what comes to mind is peaceful communities, lower crime rates, effective policing among locals, and community-oriented neighborhoods. Yet, violent crime continues to remain a leading concern for far too many American cities, instilling fear in both residents and visitors. It’s good to know which cities top the chart for crime rates in order for people to make certain choices about travel or relocation, or to take some sort of safety measures.
This article examines a number of the most dangerous cities in the United States by reviewing violent crime statistics for 2023, including homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery figures. It is important to remember that in many cities, crime is confined to distinct areas; for this reason, neighborhood-specific safety information is an important tool to use when assessing any area.
1. St. Louis, MO
Violent Crime Rate: 1,427 per 100,000 people(wiki 2023)
Hot Topics: Gun violence, homicides, gang-related crime.
St. Louis is still in the top of the most dangerous cities’ lists in the United States mainly because of its outrageous rate of violent crime. Being among the leading cities in the United States with the largest murder rate. St. Louis seriously suffers from such problems as extreme poverty, unemployment, and gang violence. Although numerous other neighborhoods in this city started to improve, violence is a huge problem throughout.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
Violent Crime Rate: 1,152 per 100,000 people(wiki 2023)
Hot Topics: Narcotics-based violence, shooting, theft
New Orleans is on the radar as one of the cities in America with higher crime rates. While the lively French Quarter and its historic districts attract millions of tourists, other neighborhoods experience high incidents of violent crime, including homicides and shootings. The addition of poverty and drug trafficking makes the city one of the most dangerous urban areas.
3.Memphis, Tennessee
Violent Crime rate per 1,169 per 100,000 people(wiki 2023)
Hot Topics: Gun violence, robberies, gang-related crime
Memphis is regularly ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Violent crime in the city, mainly driven by shooting incidents, has become a key concern for residents and local authorities alike. The city’s ongoing struggles with poverty, limited education, and gang activities form the very foundations of its high crime rates.
4.Birmingham, Ala.
Violent Crime Rate per 1,087 per 100,000(wiki 2023)
Primary Concerns: Income disparity, gang violence, shootings
Birmingham, Alabama, sees a very high rate of violent crime. Shooting and homicide incidents have time and again hit the headlines. While the city has been trying to get over the problems related to crime, continuous economic challenges, added to gangland violence, plagues many neighborhoods and makes it one of the most dangerous cities in the nation.
5.Kansas City, Missouri.
Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 people: 1,020(wiki 2023)
Principal Concerns: Firearms-related violence, narcotics trafficking, gang-related violence
Kansas City also has a rather high rate of violent crime, with shootings, homicides, and aggravated assault being the major concerns; many of these have to do with drug trafficking and gang activity. While there are efforts being made to bring down the crime rate, Kansas City continues to be among the more dangerous major cities in the United States.
6. Little Rock, AR
Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 people: 1,120(wiki 2023)
Principal Concerns: Firearms-related violence, narcotics trafficking, gang-related violence.
Cleveland has been suffering from high levels of violent crime, such as parts of this Ohio city that are deeply poor and devoid of jobs. While the city has a few programs designed to reduce crime, incidents of gun violence and gang-related illegal activities remain high enough that it helps keep Cleveland as one of the most dangerous cities.
7.Chicago, IL
Violent Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 958(wiki 2023)
Primary Concerns: Gang-related violence, firearm incidents, narcotics distribution.
Chicago immediately conjures images of a high incidence of violent crime, most notably shooting cases. While crime in the city is concentrated in some neighborhoods, the overall violent crime rate in the city remains among the highest in the country. Gangs and organized crimes make a significant contribution to the unending problems of violence that plague the city. 10. Indianapolis, Indiana Violent Crime Rate: 939 per 100,000 Principal Concerns: Murders, car theft, gang violence Violent crime has alarmingly crept up in Indianapolis, particularly in homicides and firearm-related incidents.
8.Detroit, Michigan
Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 people: 1,334(wiki 2023)
Hot Topics: Economic decline, gang violence, carjackings
Detroit, historically considered to be a successful industrial hub, has also been burdened by decades-long recessionary pressures and associated high crime rates. For some time now, Detroit has remained in the spotlight regarding crime incidents, especially shooting and homicide cases. While rehabilitation processes for certain areas of the city have already been initiated, many areas still experience problems of poverty and crime.
9.Baltimore, MD
Violent Crime Rate per 100,000: 1,249(wiki 2023)
Hot-button Issues: Narcotics trafficking, gangland violence, economic disparities.
Baltimore, highly regarded in many aspects regarding its cultural history, still struggles with high rates of violent crime because areas have always been poorer. The gangland activities that take place, the drug trafficking, and the aggravated assault are just a few common experiences among specific neighborhoods of this city that add to its dangerous aspect.
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