America is a vast country, and everyone living here knows there are massive differences between east and west as well as between individual states. Unfortunately, safety and crime rates aren’t consistent either- making some states far more statistically dangerous to visit or reside in than others. We took the 18 most dangerous states, according to the World Population Review, and investigated exactly what makes each one so risky.
Louisiana
Louisiana has the unfortunate ‘honor’ of being the most dangerous state to live in, largely due to a high homicide mortality rate of almost 22% of all deaths, equating to a total of 943 murders in 2021 alone (CDC). It has other crime issues, too, including armed robberies and gang warfare, due to its rapid urbanization and high levels of poverty and drug use.
Mississippi
Coming in second is Louisiana’s deep south neighbor, Mississippi. It also suffers from poverty, prompting violent robberies and making it difficult for its residents to afford healthcare. The World of Travel also says racial inequality, poor gun control, and drug abuse increase crime rates, while poor roadways result in more road traffic accidents.
Texas
Texas is the third most dangerous US state and, despite tough law enforcement, has several urban areas with high rates of property crimes, which often involve guns or other violence. Once again, poverty and drugs are to blame, while a huge divide between rich and poor also exacerbates the situation (San Antonio Current).
Arkansas
Arkansas faces many of the same problems that the first three states on our list suffer from- poverty, drugs, and theft-related violence. KARK reports that the number of violent crimes was 709 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Unsurprisingly, it has the third-highest number of assaults per capita of any state in the US.
Oklahoma
Because so many people living there are poor, Oklahoma experiences high rates of property and drug-related crimes, both of which can be violent. In addition, it isn’t a safe place for motorists- Lawter & Associates says that, based on IIHS statistical analysis, “Oklahoma is the 8th most dangerous state in the country for drivers.”
Montana
While the state ranks well for financial safety, it has high incidences of personal, residential, and workplace safety. While less-populated areas may be safe, cities with rapidly growing populations (like Billings) can be high risk, and this has resulted in the state having a 27% higher violent crime rate than is average for the US.
Alabama
Like other states in the region, Alabama experiences high rates of home invasion, auto theft, and substance abuse due to poverty and poor access to healthcare. Ackerman states that the five most dangerous cities are Fairfield, Anniston, Lanett, Birmingham, and Tarrant.
Florida
Florida’s crime rates vary significantly by region, with the most affluent areas experiencing very little crime compared to the poorest ghettos in Miami and other large cities. This huge socioeconomic divide, coupled with a booming drug trade and human trafficking, makes Florida particularly unsafe.
Missouri
Rates of violent crime in Missouri are well above the national average, particularly in urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City. Due to gang and drug-related violence, inadequate education, and the number of people living on low incomes, St. Louis is frequently featured at the top of lists of the most dangerous cities in the US.
Tennessee
Violent crimes, like armed robberies and aggravated assaults, are commonplace in urban areas of Tennessee, such as Memphis. High populations of people living in cities compared to rural areas have been partially blamed for the problem, as people are forced to live close to one another, sharing limited jobs and insufficient housing.
South Carolina
SC also contends with violent crime in its busiest areas, largely due to socioeconomic factors that lead to vast differences between the richest and poorest citizens. In its most dangerous city, Columbia, the metropolitan area has rates of property and violent crime considerably higher than the national average.
Kansas
According to TravelSafe, “The violent crime rate (in Kansas) is the nation’s 19th highest, with 12,300 per 100,000. Kansas’s reported property crimes also rank at number 17 in the United States, at 61,029 per 100,000.” The cities of Independence, Parsons, and Iola are currently deemed the most risky.
South Dakota
Safety concerns in this mid-northern state are uneven, with a few urbanized areas experiencing significantly more crime than rural areas. South Dakota has a particularly high rate of arson, whereas homicide rates are less worrying. Rapid City and Chamberlain are ranked as the most dangerous cities by Southwest Journal.
Colorado
TravelLemming reports that “Colorado has the third-highest property crime rate in the United States. Colorado’s violent crimes are also slightly above the national average.” In 2022, the cities of Sheridan, Pueblo, and Denver had the highest rates of violent crime, although the risk varies considerably depending on which neighborhood you’re in.
Ohio
Property crime rates remain high in Ohio, with violent crimes also being a concern in certain lower-income areas. Opioid addiction (meth and heroin abuse)and associated criminal activity is also a problem, increasing the number of gangs while elevating crime rates and reducing safety.
Georgia
Crime rates are also high in Georgia, particularly in its biggest cities. According to PropertyHub, “Atlanta has a crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 people. Crime in Atlanta is heavily dependent on location; crime is the worst in the South and Southwest parts of the city.” Despite this, the cities of College Park and East Point are considered to be the most dangerous.
Nebraska
Whilst crime is also a problem in this corn-belt state, violent crime rates are not significantly higher than the national average. However, the vastness of the state’s roadways has left some roads unmaintained. This, coupled with frequent high winds and duststorms, increases traffic collisions and associated deaths.
West Virginia
OnlyInYourState lists high humidity, dehydration, and flooding as the biggest risks of living in West Virginia! Yet violence in certain cities is still worrying, with Beckley potentially being the worst place to be trapped in after nightfall, particularly if you’re not a local. CF
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