There are tens of cities in the U.S. that are unsafe to live in, either because of gun violence, homicides, or other violent crimes. However, these 17 consistently make it to the top of lists of the most deadly cities you’ll find in the U.S. – we’ve saved the worst for last!
Chicago, Illinois
Despite the fact that shootings and homicides are down by an average of 25% compared to 2023, Chicago still saw over 31 cases of murder in the first few weeks of 2024. Data from the Chicago Police Department also shows that murder complaints have risen by 41% since 2019 – and these are sadly overshadowed by the 279% increase in auto theft complaints.
Nashville, Tennessee
Both the violent and property crime rates in Nashville are higher than national averages, at 606 and 2,326 crimes per 100,000 residents, respectively. There have been four mass shootings in the city this year, which have left three people dead and 15 people injured (excluding the criminals).
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is known for its fair share of bad news. Considering that crimes are on a downward trend, the dangers in this city aren’t only from violence. Instead, you have other drivers and environmental factors like smoke and fog to worry about when on the roads.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is known for its extremely high rate of violent crimes, with homicides in 2023 coming at a frightening 41 per 100,000 residents. The city’s crime rate exceeds that of cities with way higher populations, and its struggle with unemployment and high rates of poverty are to blame for this.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Experts in law enforcement blame the impact of the COVID pandemic, restrictive bail laws, and the increased number of guns in the street for the insecurity Milwaukee faces. There are over 1,500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents here, and these rates keep rising as the years go by.
Memphis, Tennessee
Just three months into the year (2024), we learn from Fox that Memphis had already recorded over 80 homicides, and these cases don’t seem to be slowing down soon. The city suffers from a 21% poverty rate, which is the largest contributor to its poor crime outlook.
Stockton, California
Gangs are a major contributing factor to the insecurity in Stockton, with data dating back to 1994 showing that there could be up to 140 gangs operating within the city. Stockton is also in San Joaquin County, termed by multiple news outlets as the most dangerous in the state of California.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Although, with a rate of 2,700 per 100,000 residents, your properties are the most threatened in Arkansas’ capital city, you still face worrying levels of violent crimes here. The University of Arkansas shares how the city topped its record for the most homicides only recently, with 81 killings in 2022.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland has a long history of crime that’s due to a lack of proper governance. The city’s criminal law enforcement often faces resistance from the very people it’s meant to govern. And the resulting breakdown of order has caused it to experience unstable population growth over the years.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
The crime rate in Albuquerque is almost two times higher than the national average, and you also have general civil unrest to deal with. There were 95 homicides in the city in 2023, and this doesn’t include homicides that were still being investigated or homicides termed ‘justifiable.’
Springfield, Missouri
With only 19 murders in 2023, Springfield doesn’t rank as high as other cities on our list when it comes to homicide rates. However, it’s general violent crimes are still something to worry about. It records over 438 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Gun violence in Indianapolis is on the high side, and in the first 16 days of 2024, the city already recorded 12 homicides due to it. There were a total of 230 homicides in 2023 alone (170 criminal homicides), and the property crime rate here has consistently been higher than the national average.
Oakland, California
In Oakland, you don’t only have the rising crime rates to worry about, but commuting on the roads is just as dangerous! With 33 deaths in 2023, Oakland is considered one of the most dangerous cities in California for drivers, and the city’s government says the most common causes here include unsafe turning and drivers running red lights.
Baltimore, Maryland
Crime in Baltimore occurs at rates way higher than the national average. AP reports that 2023 was the first year in over a decade that the city experienced less than 300 homicides. And although there’s been a 20% drop in murders compared to 2022, gun violence, as well as assault and robberies, are still on the high side.
San Bernardino, California
Plagued by violent gangs, San Bernardino sees thousands of cases of aggravated assault every year, and other crimes like robberies, murders, and sexual assaults aren’t rare either. Three of the most dangerous neighborhoods you’re advised to keep away from include Feldheim, Drnag, and Perris Hills.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage has one of the highest crime rates among cities of comparable size. But this isn’t what should bother you the most. The city has hundreds of unsolved homicide cases dating back to the 1990s. And in 2016 alone, investigators weren’t able to find the perpetrators of over 60% of murders.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has significant issues around gun violence and associated cases of aggravated assault and homicides. It’s so dangerous that CBS ranks it as America’s deadliest city, reporting a murder rate of 69.4 per 100,000 residents. Socioeconomic factors like poor housing and unsupportive school systems contribute to this.
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