While America is a beautiful country, there are also some areas that can be dangerous to live in. If you’re thinking of moving, you may want to avoid the following cities. Here are the 18 most dangerous places to live in America.
Detroit, Michigan
The World Population Review writes, “The most dangerous city in the United States is Detroit, Michigan. Detroit has a violent crime rate of 2,007.8 incidents per 100,000 people, with a total of 261 homicides in 2018.” Reasons for this can include high unemployment and poverty rates.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is known for having high homicide rates, along with high numbers of other crimes such as assault and robbery. The city has high rates of gang-related activities and many incidents involving drugs. The community is trying to do what it can to make Memphis a safer place, such as through security initiatives.
Birmingham, Alabama
The violent crime index for Birmingham is 59.78. These violent crimes include acts of homicide, robberies, and assaults. One of the main drivers of the city’s high rates of crime is economic issues causing poverty and unemployment. The city is focusing on these issues with support programs and community policing.
Baltimore, Maryland
Crime rates are high in Baltimore, with many centered around shootings and other violent acts. The city has seen many issues with its economy, which can increase crime rates. Even though Baltimore is trying to address its crime rates with youth programs, it’s best to avoid this city as a place to relocate.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is notorious for its high gun and youth-related violence. Socioeconomic reasons for this include high unemployment rates leading to poverty. The city has put preventative measures in place, such as investments in education and helping to teach youths to stay out of trouble.
Cleveland, Ohio
The Southwest Journal says Cleveland has 1,517.8 violent crimes for every 100,000 people and 5,070 property crimes per 100,000 people. The city has faced many economic issues and drug-related activities, both of which can spur crime. The community is doing what it can through economic and crime prevention programs.
Oakland, California
Gang violence and drugs are persistent issues in Oakland, which means it’s a city that should be avoided. The city has high rates of poverty with limited employment opportunities, meaning that people are more likely to turn to crime. Even though policing programs are in place, the crime rates in Oakland aren’t dying down.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Violent crime rates are high in Little Rock, which can be down to the economic issues that the city is facing. Poverty rates are higher than average in this city, which can be a contributing factor. The community is doing everything it can to reduce crime with youth-led programs to ensure they’re fully supported.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee has seen many violent crimes on its streets, such as shootings and robberies. The reason for its high crime rates can be due to the declining economy in the city. Milwaukee has been trying to do what it can to tackle its economic challenges, but it’s still got to have an effect on crime rates.
Stockton, California
According to Neighborhood Scout, Stockton has a crime rate of 41 people per 1,000 residents and is considered only 5% safer than other U.S. cities. Most crimes stem from robberies or aggravated assaults. Communities are trying to bring people together through festivals and other events as a way to deter crime.
Kansas City, Missouri
If there’s one thing Kansas City is known for, it’s high amounts of homicides and gang violence. The city has faced many economic challenges in recent years, including poverty and high unemployment rates. Local governments have tried to put efforts into place, such as community policing.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque has seen high rates of motor-related crimes, including regular theft of vehicles. The city has a large issue with drug activity involving gangs. The community has tried its best with initiatives, but the city is still best avoided, especially when it comes to relocating.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is infamous for its high crime rates relating to gang violence and drugs. According to CBS, almost 27,700 crimes were reported in Chicago in 2023. Poverty is at a high rate, and this can have an impact on the number of crimes in the city.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Violent crime rates are considered high in Baton Rouge, with rates of 1,028 per 100,000 residents. Not only this but property crime rates are considered to be 200% higher than the national average. Most issues come from gang violence and issues with drugs.
New Orleans, Louisiana
There are high rates of both violent and property crimes in New Orleans. The rate of crime is 150% higher than the national average and the city sees 5,864 of every 100,000 victims of crime. The population of New Orleans is only 369,000, which shows just how high a person’s chances are.
Houston, Texas
Issues with gang-related activities mean Houston’s crime rates are higher than in other cities. Most of these crimes are violent or property-related, putting its residents at serious risk. The city has tried to help with crime by creating programs to reduce gang involvement.
Indianapolis, Indiana
U.S. News writes that the crime rate in Indianapolis for both property and violent crimes was higher than the national average. The city has many issues with drugs, and this is thought to increase the number of crimes reported. Indianapolis is trying to do what it can by offering economic support to those who need it.
Flint, Michigan
Flint has faced persistent issues with violent crimes, especially assaults and homicides. It has high rates of poverty and this is only going to increase the number of crimes in the city. Flint is a city that should be avoided if you’re looking for a safe place to relocate.
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