10 Most Dangerous Cities in America in 2024

Crime Statistics: Stockton has seen high levels of violent crime with a violent crime rate of 1,352.7 per 100,000 residents. Property crimes, including motor vehicle theft, are also high.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Stockton has economic problems, including high poverty and unemployment rates, which contribute to its crime issues. The city also has drug-related crime and gang activity, which drives up the violent crime numbers and makes it one of the most dangerous cities in California.

9. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Crime Statistics: Milwaukee has seen a big increase in violent crime, especially in homicides and aggravated assaults. The city has a violent crime rate of 1,249.6 per 100,000 residents.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Milwaukee’s crime rate can be attributed to economic decline, lack of jobs, and social unrest. The city also has segregation and gang-related violence that fuel crimes.

8. Little Rock, Arkansas

Crime Statistics: Little Rock has a violent crime rate of 1,457 incidents per 100,000 residents, with a particularly high murder rate of 39.2 per 100,000.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: The city has economic instability and a lack of resources for its population. High poverty and property crime rates make it worse. Little Rock has a big gang presence, which contributes to the violent crime numbers.

7. Cleveland, Ohio

Crime Statistics: Cleveland had 7,292 violent crime incidents last year, making it one of the most dangerous cities in America. Property crime is 201% higher than the national average.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Cleveland has struggled with poverty and high unemployment for years, which contributes to its crime problem. The city is declining in population which leads to abandoned properties and weakened communities where crime flourishes.

6. Kansas City, Missouri

Crime Statistics: Kansas City has a violent crime rate of 1,833.4 per 100,000 residents, the same as St. Louis. In 2023, the city had 176 homicides, the most in its history.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Economic hardship combined with gang activity and drug-related crime has put Kansas City at the top of the list. The city has a 16.1% poverty rate and 3.9% unemployment rate making it hard for residents to escape the cycle of violence.

5. St. Louis, Missouri

Crime Statistics: St. Louis is one of the top cities with the highest violent crime rate at 1,833.4 per 100,000 residents. The city has a murder rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, one of the highest in the nation.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Poverty is a big contributor to crime in St. Louis, where 22.4% of the population lives below the poverty line. Drug-related violence is high and the city has a high number of firearm-related incidents which makes it worse. The socio-economic divide in St. Louis contributes to feelings of desperation and crime.

4. Baltimore, Maryland

Crime Statistics: Baltimore is now the deadliest big city in the US, surpassing Detroit. The city has a violent crime rate of 1,833.4 per 100,000 residents. It had 309 homicides last year, 5 times the national average.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Baltimore’s economic inequality is a big contributor to its crime rates. The city has a 22.4% poverty rate and high gang activity. Many residents are disillusioned, and the lack of community cohesion leads to robberies and violent crime.

3. Birmingham, Alabama

Crime Statistics: Birmingham is one of the most violent cities with a violent crime rate of 1,485.0 per 100,000 residents. The city has a high murder rate with 188 homicides last year.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Like many cities on this list, Birmingham’s poverty rate is a big contributor to its crime problem. 27.8% of the population lives in poverty, which is a breeding ground for crime. The city also has underfunded schools, high dropout rates, and gang-related violence.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Crime Statistics: Memphis has a violent crime rate of 361.6 per 100,000 residents, the second most dangerous city. Aggravated assaults and robberies are high, and homicides are on the rise.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Memphis has deep socio-economic struggles, with a 40% poverty rate. High unemployment and lack of economic opportunities have fueled gang violence and drug-related crimes. The city’s large population puts a huge strain on law enforcement and social programs.

1. Detroit, Michigan

Crime Statistics: Detroit is one of the most dangerous cities in the US with a crime rate of 2,007.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. The city had 261 homicides last year, cementing its spot at the top of the list.

Factors Contributing to High Crime: Detroit has been struggling for decades with economic problems, high unemployment, and poverty. A big portion of the population lives below the poverty line which creates a sense of hopelessness and crime. Gang activity, drug trafficking, and lack of social services have been a persistent problem.

How to Stay Safe in a Dangerous City in the United States

Living in or visiting a city with a high crime rate can be unsettling, but there are ways to stay safe:

Stay Informed

Check local news outlets regularly for crime hotspots, recent incidents, and patterns of criminal activity. Knowing where and when crimes are happening allows you to avoid those areas or times of day.

In addition to the news, consider using online tools like crime maps. Websites and apps like SpotCrime, NeighborhoodScout, or even Google Maps’ crime layer provide real time information on where assaults, burglaries or vehicle thefts are happening. These tools break down the types of crimes and provide alerts specific to your neighborhood.

Be Aware of Your Environment

Being aware of your environment means paying attention to the people, vehicles, and activities around you. Criminals target people who look distracted or unaware so avoid walking with headphones or staring at your phone.

When walking alone, especially at night, stay in well-lit areas and stick to busy streets. If you notice something suspicious like someone following you or loitering in one place trust your instincts and take action – this could mean crossing the street, entering a nearby store, or calling someone to let them know where you are. It’s also good to plan your route before you leave so you’re not fumbling with directions, which could make you an easy target.

Take Personal Safety Measures

Many cities offer self-defense classes through community centers, martial arts studios, or fitness clubs, and they usually focus on simple techniques anyone can use in an emergency. Another safety measure is to download safety apps. Apps like bSafe, Noonlight, or Watch Over Me allow you to share your location with trusted contacts and send instant alerts if you feel unsafe. Some apps have features like fake calls to deter potential attackers or automatic notifications to emergency contacts if you don’t check in at a certain time.

Upgrade Your Home Security

Even simple home security upgrades can make a big difference in preventing break-ins, thefts, or home invasions. Start by investing in high-quality locks for all doors and windows. Deadbolts are much better than standard door locks and adding a second lock like a chain or latch gives you extra peace of mind.

For more ideas on enhancing your home's safety, check out our Home security tips and tricks.

Security cameras are another valuable tool. Modern smart cameras can be installed easily around your home’s entry points and connect to your phone so you can monitor your property in real-time. Many systems have features like motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision, making it easier to deter intruders and alert authorities if needed.

Motion sensor lights around your home’s exterior can also increase security. These lights turn on when they detect movement which can deter intruders who prefer to operate in the dark. Installing lights near entryways, garages and secluded areas around your property can reduce criminal activity.

FAQ

What city has the highest crime rate in the US?

Detroit, Michigan has the highest with 2,007.8 incidents per 100,000 people rate of violent crime driven by high rates of violent crimes including homicide and aggravated assault.

Which US state has the highest crime rate?

Louisiana has one of the highest crime rates mostly due to cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, which have high violent crime rates.

Where do the most murders happen in the US?

Baltimore, Maryland has the highest murder rate among large cities with 309 murders last year, beating Detroit and Memphis.

Where does America rank in crime?

Globally, the US ranks high in violent crime among developed countries with cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and Memphis topping global crime rate lists.