Top 10 most dangerous cities in the US

When discussing the most dangerous cities in the U.S., patterns of crime and safety come into sharp focus through the lens of FBI crime reports. These reports, particularly for cities with populations of 50,000 or more, track violent offenses such as murder, aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and other serious crimes. The data provides a comprehensive look at which cities experience higher levels of danger, offering insight into the complex factors that contribute to these elevated crime rates. Economic challenges, population density, and the availability of community resources can all play a significant role in shaping a city's crime landscape, and understanding these patterns is key to addressing the issue of safety.

While some of these cities may be renowned for their rich history, cultural significance, or vibrant local attractions, they also face significant struggles with crime that put them on the list of the most dangerous cities in the country. High rates of violent crime can impact the quality of life for residents and create challenges for law enforcement and policymakers who work to make these areas safer. However, it’s important to recognize that behind the statistics are real communities striving to reduce crime and improve living conditions. Examining which cities have the highest violent crime rates, based on FBI reports, sheds light on where efforts to increase safety might be most needed, and highlights the resilience of these urban centers despite their challenges.

Oakland Population: 422,575 3,641 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 9.97 chance of being a victim: 1 in 27 Total Crimes / 100k: 13,758

Oakland is widely recognized for its high rates of violent crime, consistently ranking among the most dangerous cities in the U.S. Violent crime is prevalent, particularly in certain areas like East Oakland and West Oakland, where violence tends to be more concentrated. Despite its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to San Francisco, the city faces ongoing challenges with crime that impact both residents and visitors. FBI crime data regularly highlights Oakland’s elevated violent crime rates, making public safety a persistent concern within the community.

Memphis Population: 650,910 2,612 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 7.16 chance of being a victim: 1 in 38 Total Crimes / 100k: 11,215

Memphis is the most dangerous city in the U.S. due to its high rates of violent crime, particularly in areas like South Memphis, Frayser, and Orange Mound. These neighborhoods face significant challenges with gang violence, drug trafficking, and economic hardship, which drive the city’s crime rates. South Memphis is particularly notorious for shootings and assaults, while Frayser struggles with frequent burglaries and robberies. The city's strategic location along major highways has made it a hub for drug trafficking, further fueling gang activity. Despite efforts to improve safety, Memphis continues to battle deep-rooted issues that keep its violent crime rates alarmingly high.

Detroit Population: 672,351 2,052 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 5.62 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,786

Detroit consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with particularly high levels of violent crime concentrated in areas such as the east side, including neighborhoods like Brightmoor and the Dexter-Linwood district. These parts of the city face challenges related to gang violence, drug trafficking, and poverty, which have contributed to Detroit's elevated crime rates. The city's long-standing economic struggles, including high unemployment and abandoned properties, have created environments where crime flourishes. While downtown Detroit has seen revitalization efforts, including an increase in police presence and new development, the city still battles with a high number of homicides, robberies, and assaults, making it one of the most dangerous urban areas in the U.S.

Little Rock Population: 198,067 1,801 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.93 chance of being a victim: 1 in 56 Total Crimes / 100k: 7,229

Little Rock is frequently listed among the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with particularly high crime rates in neighborhoods such as Southwest Little Rock and the East End. These areas experience elevated levels of violent crime, including shootings, robberies, and aggravated assaults, often linked to gang activity and drug-related issues. Little Rock's crime challenges are compounded by poverty and economic instability, which have created persistent safety concerns in parts of the city. Despite efforts by local law enforcement to address these issues through community policing and crime prevention programs, Little Rock continues to struggle with high rates of violence, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the country.

Cleveland Population: 383,331 1,703 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.67 chance of being a victim: 1 in 59 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,516

Cleveland is frequently ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with crime concentrated in areas such as the East Cleveland, Hough, and St. Clair-Superior neighborhoods. These parts of the city face high rates of violent crime, including shootings, robberies, and assaults, often driven by gang activity and drug-related issues. Cleveland's long-standing economic challenges, such as high poverty and unemployment rates, have created an environment where crime persists. Despite revitalization efforts in parts of downtown and the west side, the city continues to struggle with high levels of violent crime, keeping Cleveland among the more dangerous urban areas in the nation.

Camden Population: 73,742 1,690 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.63 chance of being a victim: 1 in 59 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,880

Camden has long been known as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with crime heavily concentrated in neighborhoods like North Camden and Whitman Park. The city faces persistently high levels of violent crime, often driven by gang violence, drug trafficking, and poverty. Camden’s economic challenges, including high unemployment and abandoned properties, have contributed to its struggle with crime. Although recent efforts have focused on revitalization, including increased police presence and community programs aimed at reducing violence, Camden continues to battle deep-rooted crime issues, maintaining its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the nation.

Baltimore Population: 602,274 1,572 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.31 chance of being a victim: 1 in 64 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,850

Baltimore is often ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with high concentrations of violent crime in areas like West Baltimore, Cherry Hill, and Sandtown-Winchester. The city struggles with significant levels of homicides, shootings, and drug-related crime, much of which is fueled by gang activity and the pervasive influence of the illegal drug trade. Baltimore’s longstanding issues with poverty, unemployment, and abandoned properties contribute to the environment where crime thrives. Despite efforts by local authorities to implement crime reduction strategies, including community policing and neighborhood revitalization, Baltimore continues to grapple with one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, making it a focal point in national discussions about urban safety.

Birmingham Population: 210,928 1,549 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.24 chance of being a victim: 1 in 65 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,113

Birmingham sees particularly high crime rates concentrated in areas like Ensley, West End, and East Lake. These neighborhoods face significant issues with violent crime, including frequent shootings, robberies, and assaults, much of which is tied to gang activity and drug trafficking. Birmingham’s history of economic challenges, along with high poverty and unemployment rates, have contributed to the city's ongoing struggles with crime. Despite revitalization efforts in parts of downtown and increasing police presence, the city continues to experience one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, making Birmingham a focal point in discussions about urban safety.

Kansas City Population: 491,158 1,478 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.05 chance of being a victim: 1 in 68 Total Crimes / 100k: 6,436

Pueblo Population: 111,776 1,474 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.04 chance of being a victim: 1 in 68 Total Crimes / 100k: 7,010

Pueblo is often ranked among the most dangerous cities in Colorado, with particularly high crime rates in areas such as the East Side and Bessemer neighborhoods. The city struggles with elevated levels of violent crime, including aggravated assaults, shootings, and robberies, as well as a significant presence of gang activity and drug trafficking. Pueblo's economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment, have contributed to these crime issues, making it difficult for the city to reduce violence. Despite efforts by local authorities to curb crime through community engagement and policing initiatives, Pueblo continues to face one of the highest crime rates in America, making it a dangerous city relative to its size.

Full list of the most dangerous cities in

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Oakland	422,575	3,641	13,758
2	Memphis	650,910	2,612	11,215
3	Detroit	672,351	2,052	6,786
4	Little Rock	198,067	1,801	7,229
5	Cleveland	383,331	1,703	6,516
6	Camden	73,742	1,690	4,880
7	Baltimore	602,274	1,572	5,850
8	Birmingham	210,928	1,549	6,113
9	Kansas City	491,158	1,478	6,436
10	Pueblo	111,776	1,474	7,010
11	St. Louis	304,709	1,445	7,845
12	Milwaukee	592,649	1,438	4,136
13	Flint	95,999	1,422	3,121
14	Lansing	117,488	1,401	4,215
15	Beaumont	117,321	1,376	4,706
16	New Orleans	391,249	1,361	6,451
17	Albuquerque	560,447	1,317	6,022
18	Battle Creek	51,084	1,297	4,237
19	Wilmington	70,655	1,285	4,896
20	Springfield	58,957	1,253	6,012
21	Kalamazoo	76,106	1,250	5,412
22	North Little Rock	66,079	1,247	5,353
23	Tacoma	215,766	1,243	8,599
24	Peoria	112,644	1,213	5,063
25	South Bend	102,686	1,208	3,739
26	Compton	95,804	1,192	4,633
27	Elkhart	52,657	1,177	4,279
28	Springfield	167,601	1,170	5,281
29	Stockton	311,103	1,154	4,232
30	Rockford	147,441	1,149	3,843
31	Toledo	275,116	1,145	4,139
32	Evansville	118,414	1,133	4,778
33	Wichita	390,566	1,132	5,865
34	Minneapolis	424,536	1,132	6,384
35	Nashville	667,070	1,129	5,534
36	Dayton	140,444	1,105	5,813
37	Jackson	67,036	1,095	4,466
38	Houston	2,313,238	1,092	5,599
39	Chattanooga	181,370	1,091	5,949
40	Pontiac	59,714	1,086	3,005
41	San Bernardino	216,784	1,071	4,294
42	Richmond	110,051	1,069	4,235
43	Anchorage	292,090	1,062	3,953
44	Washington	701,974	1,047	5,205
45	Trenton	83,387	1,040	2,907
46	Indianapolis	869,387	1,031	4,653
47	Fort Smith	87,788	1,022	5,189
48	Denver	715,878	1,022	6,772
49	Canton	70,863	1,005	5,259
50	Baton Rouge	222,191	1,004	6,530

Methodology

The AreaVibes ranking of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. is based on data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR Program), which provides a comprehensive analysis of crime trends across the nation. By collecting detailed crime statistics from law enforcement agencies nationwide, the UCR program offers a reliable and consistent source of information. The rankings rely on the most current UCR data, with a focus on violent crimes such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder, which are the most critical concerns for public safety.

To ensure accurate comparisons across cities with varying populations, crime rates are standardized and presented per 100,000 residents. This method allows for a fair and balanced assessment of crime levels, regardless of population size, making it easier to identify cities that are struggling with high crime rates. By using this standardized approach, the rankings provide a clearer understanding of crime concentration, offering valuable insights for residents, policymakers, and local authorities about public safety across different regions. For this list, we used cities with a minimum population of 50,000.

Map of Violent Crime By State

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The interactive map above offers a detailed visual guide to the most dangerous cities in America, highlighting regions with both the highest and lowest crime rates. With a straightforward color-coded system, it enables quick identification of states where crime is more or less concentrated.