23 American Towns with Notorious Crime Waves

While small towns often represent images of tranquility and safety, some in America are known for their high crime rates and potential dangers. These places, despite their size, face significant challenges that make them risky to visit or live in.

Understanding the factors that contribute to their notoriety can help in making informed decisions about travel and relocation. The most popular small towns in the United States are listed here, but they should be avoided due to their dangerous reputations.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Known for its casinos, Atlantic City also has a high crime rate. The town struggles with issues related to poverty and economic instability. These factors contribute to its high levels of violent and property crimes.

Cleveland, Ohio

Certain neighborhoods in Cleveland have high rates of violent crime, making it a dangerous place to live. The town faces economic challenges and issues with gang violence. Efforts to improve safety have been ongoing but face significant hurdles.

Rockford, Illinois

Rockford has a high crime rate, particularly in terms of violent crimes such as assault and robbery. Economic decline and high unemployment rates contribute to the town’s crime problems. Residents are often concerned about their safety.

Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington’s small size belies its high rates of violent crime. The town struggles with economic disparities and gang activity. These issues have led to frequent reports of shootings and other violent crimes.

Detroit, Michigan

While Detroit is a large city, certain small neighborhoods within it are extremely dangerous. High crime rates, economic struggles, and gang activity contribute to the town’s reputation. Efforts to revitalize these areas are ongoing but challenging.

Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham has high rates of violent crime, including homicide and assault. The town’s economic struggles and issues with gang violence are significant factors. Safety remains a major concern for residents.

St. Louis, Missouri

Certain neighborhoods in St. Louis have extremely high crime rates. Economic decline and issues with gang activity contribute to the town’s dangerous reputation. Residents often express concerns about safety and security.

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore’s crime rate is high, particularly in terms of violent offenses. The town faces significant economic challenges and issues with gang violence. Efforts to improve public safety have been ongoing but face many obstacles.

Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson has a high rate of violent crime, including homicide and assault. The town’s economic difficulties and issues with drug trafficking contribute to its crime problems. Residents frequently report concerns about safety.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City has high rates of violent crime and property crime. Economic struggles and issues with gang activity are significant contributors. Residents often express concerns about safety and law enforcement effectiveness.

Newburgh, New York

Newburgh’s small size does not prevent it from having high crime rates. The town struggles with economic instability and gang activity. These issues have led to frequent reports of violent crimes.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge has a high rate of violent crime, particularly in terms of homicide and assault. The town faces significant economic challenges and issues with drug trafficking. Safety remains a major concern for its residents.

Charleston, West Virginia

Charleston has a high crime rate, particularly in terms of violent crimes. The town’s economic struggles and high unemployment rates contribute to its crime problems. Residents often express concerns about their safety.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock has high rates of violent crime, including robbery and assault. The town faces significant economic challenges and issues with gang violence. Efforts to improve public safety have been ongoing but face many obstacles.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis has a high rate of violent crime, particularly in terms of homicide and assault. The town faces significant economic challenges and issues with gang activity. Safety remains a major concern for residents.

Camden, New Jersey

Despite its small size, Camden has a reputation for high crime rates. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, are alarmingly common. The city’s economic struggles contribute to its challenges in ensuring public safety.

East St. Louis, Illinois

East St. Louis is often cited for its high crime rates, particularly violent crimes. The town faces significant economic difficulties, which exacerbate its crime problems. Residents frequently report concerns about safety and law enforcement effectiveness.

Flint, Michigan

Flint is known for its water crisis, but it also has a high rate of violent crime. The city has struggled with economic decline and public health issues. These challenges have made it one of the most dangerous small towns in America.

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Pine Bluff has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. The town suffers from economic hardships and a lack of resources. These factors contribute to its struggles with crime and public safety.

Gary, Indiana

Once a bustling industrial hub, Gary now faces high crime rates and economic decline. The town is notorious for violent crimes, including homicide and assault. Efforts to revitalize the area have been slow and challenging.

Stockton, California

Stockton’s high rates of violent crime and property crime make it a dangerous place to live. Economic struggles and gang activity are significant contributors to the town’s crime issues. Residents often express concerns about safety and security.

Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw has a troubling crime rate, particularly in terms of violent offenses. The town’s economic difficulties and high unemployment rates exacerbate its crime problems. Safety remains a major concern for its residents.

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield has a high crime rate, particularly in terms of violent offenses. Economic decline and high unemployment rates contribute to the town’s crime problems. Residents frequently report concerns about safety and security.