21 Most Crime-Ridden Cities in the US, According to FBI Data

In America, the Land of Opportunity, where futuristic skyscrapers pierce the clouds and quiet suburban streets meander through tree-lined neighborhoods, a stark reality exists: crime.

Based on FBI crime data, certain urban areas stand out for their high rates of violent crime. Cities on this list face significant challenges, including gang activity, poverty, and insufficient law enforcement.

Let’s examine the most dangerous cities in America and the ongoing struggles their communities face.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in America, with high rates of violent crime. In recent years, the city has reported over 2,000 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Poverty, gang activity, and limited economic opportunities are all contributing factors.

Detroit, Michigan

How safe is Detroit these days? To put it simply, the city has a murder problem. The city reports approximately 2,057 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Economic decline and high unemployment rates drive crime in the Motor City.

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore’s crime rate is notably high, with a violent crime rate of around 1,858 per 100,000 residents (about three times the state and national averages!). The city struggles with drug trafficking, gang violence, and a high murder rate.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, experiences a violent crime rate of about 1,943 incidents per 100,000 people. The city is forced to contend with ongoing poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and a high concentration of panhandlers.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, known as Cowtown to locals, has a violent crime rate of approximately 1,654 per 100,000 residents. The city deals with significant issues related to drug trafficking and gang violence. Law enforcement agencies are working towards reducing these numbers.

Cleveland, Ohio

How safe is Cleveland? The city reports a violent crime rate of about 1,516 per 100,000 people. The city faces challenges such as economic decline, high poverty rates, and gang activity. More patrols and additional street lighting downtown have made the city safer in recent years.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of around 1,414 incidents per 100,000 residents. The city struggles with issues related to drug trafficking, economic inequality, and gang violence. These challenges contribute to its high crime rates and public safety concerns.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock experiences a violent crime rate of about 1,407 per 100,000 people due to drug trafficking, gang activity, and poverty. The city is working on various initiatives to improve safety and reduce crime.

Stockton, California

Gang violence, economic challenges, and drug-related crimes contribute to Stockton’s violent crime rate, which stands at approximately 1,352 per 100,000 residents. The city’s efforts to combat these problems are ongoing but face numerous obstacles.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis reports a violent crime rate of around 1,334 incidents per 100,000 people. The city deals with challenges like gang violence, drug trafficking, and economic disparity, which significantly impact public safety.

Oakland, California

gang violence, drug trafficking, and economic inequality contribute to Oakland’s violent crime rate of about 1,299 per 100,000 residents. While the city attempts to correct these issues, they remain a significant concern.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque’s violent crime rate is approximately 1,352 incidents per 100,000 people. The city faces challenges related to drug trafficking, gang activity, and economic instability. These factors contribute to its high crime rates and safety concerns.

Rockford, Illinois

Economic challenges, high unemployment, and gang activity have led to Rockford’s violent crime rate of about 1,288 per 100,000 residents. The city is working on initiatives to improve safety and reduce crime rates.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage has a violent crime rate of around 1,203 per 100,000 people. Factors such as economic challenges, substance abuse, and domestic violence play significant roles. The city is focused on addressing these issues to enhance public safety.

Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham reports a violent crime rate of approximately 1,186 per 100,000 residents. The city struggles with high poverty rates, economic challenges, and gang activity. These factors contribute to its high crime rates and ongoing safety concerns.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans experiences a violent crime rate of about 1,162 per 100,000 people. The city deals with issues such as drug trafficking, gang violence, and economic inequality. These challenges significantly impact public safety and crime rates.

Toledo, Ohio

People in Toledo have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of a violent or property crime. The city faces issues related to economic decline, drug trafficking, and gang activity. Efforts to combat these problems are ongoing but face numerous obstacles.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo reports a violent crime rate of around 1,118 incidents per 100,000 people and a high homeless population. The city struggles with economic challenges, high poverty rates, and gang violence.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Your chance of becoming a victim of a violent or property crime here is 1 in 19. The city faces challenges related to drug trafficking, gang activity, and economic instability. Efforts to address these issues continue but face significant hurdles.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

People in Chattanooga have a 1 in 16 chance of experiencing violent or property crime. Factors such as drug trafficking, gang violence, and economic challenges play significant roles. The city is working on various initiatives to improve safety and reduce crime.

Newark, New Jersey

Newark’s violent crime rate is around 1,051 incidents per 100,000 residents. The city struggles with issues such as gang violence, drug trafficking, and economic inequality. It is unsafe to walk around the city at night.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

How safe is Baton Rouge? The city reports a violent crime rate of about 1,045 per 100,000 people and deals with challenges like drug trafficking, gang activity, and economic disparity. These issues significantly impact public safety.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati has a violent crime rate of approximately 1,041 per 100,000 residents. The city faces challenges related to economic decline, drug trafficking, and gang activity. Efforts to combat these problems are ongoing but face numerous obstacles.

Springfield, Missouri

Springfield’s violent crime rate stands at around 1,035 per 100,000 people. The city struggles with aggravated assaults, robberies, and homicides due to economic challenges, drug trafficking, and gang activity.