When it comes to U.S. cities, we have the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you’re looking for somewhere to move your family to, or somewhere that’s safe for retirement, these 17 U.S. cities should be the last places you consider.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland’s property and violent crime rates are both above national averages, with residents facing 1,788 and 421 crimes per 100,000 people, respectively. These high levels are because of the city’s extremely high poverty rate of 31% of the population – over 2.5 times higher than rates across Ohio and the U.S.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has a reputation as being one of the top drug kingpins in the country and, of course, is plagued with many drug-related crimes. It’s no surprise that U.S. News reports that residents suffer from an average of 497 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although certain New Orleans neighborhoods, like Pines Village, are some of the least secure in the country, the city’s main danger is its exposure to natural disasters. More than half of New Orleans is below sea level, which makes it vulnerable to disasters, including floods and hurricanes.
Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama’s Birmingham city experiences high levels of violent crimes like homicide and assault, with the rate at 1,682 crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crime here is also something to be concerned about, with 2023 data showing that it’s over twice the national average.
Oakland, California
After analyzing the city’s police data, a CNN story reveals how, compared to 2022, the number of robberies in Oakland increased by 38%, while the number of burglaries rose by 23%. There’s a strained relationship between the police and local people, a tension which results in gun violence here. Social inequality also worsens Oakland’s insecurity.
Stockton, California
The metropolitan area of Stockton faces financial issues, limiting the funding of its law enforcement. Due to this, it exposes residents to violent crime rates that are 61% higher than the state average and almost two times higher than the national average, at 722 per 100,000 residents.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee residents deal with uncomfortable levels of violent crimes, like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, earning it a spot on our list. Both its violent crime and property crime rates are higher than national averages, and two of the most dangerous neighborhoods here are Franklin Heights and North Division.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis’s high crime rates, exposure to natural disasters, and terrible car accident statistics have placed it at the top of many ranking lists for years. The New York Post shares how it ranked as the most dangerous city in the U.S. in 2022, compared to 182 others. There are also recent mentions of a serial killer, as well as decades of police assault allegations.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Although Albuquerque is generally safe during the day, you don’t want to be caught lurking around during the night here. The city has one of the highest violent and property crime rates on our list, standing at 968 and 3,500 per 100,000 residents, respectively. Many of these crimes are drug-related.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock has a property crime rate that’s almost two times the national average and a property crime rate that’s nearly three times as high. Many of the crimes in this city take place in the Beyer Springs and Baseline areas, with the Geyer Springs neighborhood considered one of its most dangerous.
Kansas City, Missouri
Homicide rates in Kansas City don’t show any sign of stopping. According to the AP, the city reported 182 killings in 2023, which is 12 killings more than it recorded in 2022 and even a record-breaking three killings more than the levels seen in 2020 (179).
Rockford, Illinois
Rockford, like many other cities, has a mix of secure, moderately safe, and dangerous neighborhoods. But you have to be careful everywhere in this midsized metropolis. Both its violent and property crime rates are above their national averages. Thankfully, these rates have been on the decline for the past few years.
San Bernardino, California
The third Californian city on the list, San Bernardino, experiences over three times more property crime and over four times more violent crimes than many other places in the U.S. The city’s unstable economy contributes to this, with residents suffering from municipal bankruptcies and unemployment over the years.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage has friendly residents you’ll feel at home with. However, the city’s good outlook has attracted many people, and both violent and property crimes have arrived with them. Anchorage has a crime rate that’s higher than 98% of cities in the U.S., with car theft and assault running riot here.
Detroit, Michigan
In Detroit, while property crime rates are below the national average, the more dangerous violent crimes occur almost twice as much. Residents deal with almost 600 crimes per 100,000 people. Some of the worst neighborhoods to find yourself in are Belmont and Petosky-Otsego due to their high number of shootings and murders.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has one of the highest homicide rates in the U.S., and trends from the start of 2024 show that this isn’t going to change any time soon. We learn from USA Today how police officers in Memphis beat a man to death, taking the number of homicides in 2023 to “a record-breaking 398” – a 40% increase from 2022.
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is another city in Missouri you’d want to avoid if you can. Violent and property crimes here are higher than the national average, even though it’s only by a slim margin. You have over 71% of cities in the U.S. that are safer than Springfield to choose from, making it one to avoid.
Up Next: 19 Things Men Want To Avoid As They Get Older
19 THINGS MEN WANT TO AVOID AS THEY GET OLDER
18 U.S. Cities Americans Say Are the Best to Live In
18 U.S. CITIES AMERICANS SAY ARE THE BEST TO LIVE IN
17 Most Common Reasons Men Break Up With Women
