Some cities are more dangerous than others in America. These 19 cities struggle with high rates of violent and property crime, often because of high levels of poverty concentrated in specific neighborhoods and gang crime. Here are 19 of the most dangerous cities in America.
Birmingham, Alabama
Using FBI data on crime rates, MoneyGeek found that Birmingham has the highest crime cost per capita, at $11,392. Other cities have higher incidents of violent crime, but overall, Birmingham’s crime rate made it the most dangerous city in America.
Baltimore, Maryland
Charm City’s high crime rate is often attributed to the drug trade and the gang violence associated with it, which was famously portrayed in the critically acclaimed The Wire. Mayor Brandon Scott has implemented the “Baltimore City Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan,” which saw homicides drop in 2023 by 23%.
Memphis, Tennessee
Bluff City has the fifth highest crime cost per capita of cities in America and faces significant challenges with violent crimes, especially aggravated assaults. The city’s economic development efforts focus on reducing poverty, and community programs aim to improve youth education and engagement to reduce crime.
Oakland, California
Oakland’s high crime rate is closely associated with gang activity and drug trafficking. Efforts to tackle the issue include community-led initiatives and policing reforms, which have positively impacted some neighborhoods.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee struggles with a high rate of violent crime and has a significant number of homicides every year. Cream City is implementing improvements to public education as part of its long-term strategy to reduce crime.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is notorious for its property crimes, with a high number of annual auto thefts. The city has a high number of homicides for its size, but a multi-million dollar tech hub is helping the police department solve crimes faster than before.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is notorious for its stubbornly high crime rates. News 5 Cleveland reported last year that the city was resistant to the fall in murders in most major U.S. cities after the 2020 spike. The article argued that a mixture of challenging economic conditions, easy access to guns, and a low number of detectives compounded the situation.
Stockton, California
This once-bankrupt Californian city has battled high crime rates, with particularly high property crime. Advance Peace and other innovative programs aim to reduce gun violence in the city through mentorship and support.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Crescent City was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, and the city is still recovering from the aftereffects, suffering from a high rate of violent crime. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and tourism industry are helping to revive its economic fortunes.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City has a crime cost per capita of $6,398, and its homicide rate recently came under scrutiny following the deadly Chief’s parade shooting. ABC News reported that most homicides in the city involve a firearm and noted that homicides reached a record high last year.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is infamous for its crime rate. Crime related to gang violence regularly garners national attention, but the city has a comprehensive public safety strategy involving community engagement, policing reforms, and investment in social services.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia has the 14th highest crime cost per capita, with high levels of violent crimes in some neighborhoods. Initiatives in the city aim to reduce poverty and improve education, factors crucial to long-term crime reduction goals.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit has consistently ranked high for both violent and property crime rates in national surveys for decades. Efforts to revitalize the city are ongoing, and there is evidence that community policing is working. The City of Detroit noted that the city ended 2023 with the lowest number of homicides in 57 years and saw “double-digit drops in shootings and carjackings.”
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis suffers from high rates of violent crime, including homicides. Politicians and communities view economic development and educational opportunities as key to reducing crime, and policing strategies are being revamped to address the issue.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has often led the nation in homicide rates per capita, with violent crime concentrated in a handful of blocks. Initiatives like Cure Violence have been implemented to reduce violence through community engagement. Explore St. Louis claims crime in the city has “declined by nearly 50 percent over the past decade.”
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville’s myriad crime problems include a significant number of drug-related offenses. Collaborative efforts between community organizations and local law enforcement aim to tackle the root causes of crime.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has a high rate of property crimes, along with high numbers of burglaries and car thefts every year. The city is focusing on community policing to improve public safety, and economic growth and cultural vitality are central to its strategy to reduce crime.
Washington, D.C.
Despite being the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., struggles with high crime rates, particularly in certain wards like Ward 8 and the Anacostia and Fairlawn areas. In October 2023, Axios noted that violent crime was up 38% compared to the same time the previous year and that the city is aiming to balance where it deploys its police officers.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The City of Lakes has seen its homicides drop since 2021, but violent crime is much higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the 2020 murder of George Floyd highlighted policing practices in the city. Minneapolis is working on comprehensive police reform and community engagement initiatives to improve relations between the police and the public.
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