America is a land of opportunities and dreams but also one where danger lurks around every corner.
Some cities in America are notoriously known for crime, drugs, and poverty, but wait; how bad has it really become? Join me today as we uncover the Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America. So today, we’re delving deep into some of America’s most dangerous and perilous streets and neighborhoods.
Our ranking of the cities is based on data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, local news coverage, and additional research.
So, stick around to the end as we take an in-depth look at crime statistics across 10 of America’s most dangerous cities for this year, starting from Memphis’ streets to Chicago’s alleyways to discover which of the neighborhoods has the highest crime rate and of greatest risks to you, if are thinking of visiting or moving there.
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Here are the Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America.
1. Memphis, Tennessee:
Coming at number 1 in this list is Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is widely considered to be the most dangerous city in America. With a crime rate 237% higher than the national average, Memphis boasts an exceptionally high violent crime rate. In 2022 alone, there were 15,318 incidents of violent crime, including 289 counts of murder, 2,134 cases of robbery, and 12,484 instances of assault. If you find yourself in Memphis, it’s best to avoid neighborhoods like Shelby-Forest Frayser, Downtown, Parkway Village-Oakhaven, or White Haven-Coro Lake if possible.
2. St. Louis, Missouri:
Saint Louis is the second most dangerous city in America on this list, with a crime rate 234% higher than the national average. Residents here have an 80% chance of becoming victimized by violent crime; in 2020, there were 6,107 incidents reported, including 263 counts of murder, 1,242 of robbery, and 4,278 incidents of assault. The most risky neighborhoods in St. Louis, Missouri, include Peabody-Darst-Webbe, Hamilton Heights, Walnut Park West, and College Hill – with residents having one in 50 chances of becoming victimized by violent crime.
3. Oakland, California:
Oakland, California is renowned for its high crime rates. At 175% above the national average, Oakland had 5,714 violent incidents in 2022 alone – including 103 counts of murder, 2,515 robberies, and 2,730 assaults. Much of Oakland’s violence can be attributed to gang activity; some of its most dangerous neighborhoods include North Stonehurst, South Stonehurst, Caballo Hills, and South Prescott.
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico:
Currently, Albuquerque is the fourth most dangerous city in America, with a crime rate of 171%, which is higher than the national average. In 2022 alone, there were 7,552 violent crimes reported – 80 counts of murder, 1,439 cases of robbery, and 5,592 incidents of assault. Property crime also plagues Albuquerque, with 5,075 burglaries, 18,131 incidents of theft, and 4,965 vehicle theft reported for 2022. The most hazardous neighborhoods include Quigley Park, La Mesa, Jackson Area, and Crestview Bluff.
5. Baltimore, Maryland:
Baltimore is notorious for its high violent crime rate – there were 177 homicides reported in just the first six months of 2022 alone. With an overall violent crime rate of 6,170 per 100k people in Baltimore, residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming victimized by one. Most violent crime in this city is related to gangs or drugs; the most dangerous neighborhoods include Cherry Hill, West Baltimore, Greenmount East, Fairfield Area, and Pulaski.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana:
With a population of 376,971, New Orleans has an overall crime rate of 5,864 per 100,000 residents – making it the fifth most violent city in America, according to the current statistics.
New Orleans is considered to be the sixth most dangerous city in America. In 2020, there were 5,221 violent crimes reported, including 201 counts of murder, 1,106 cases of robbery, and 3,200 incidents of assault. Furthermore, 18,098 property crimes occurred, with 2,039 counts of burglary and 3,526 incidents of vehicular assault. The most dangerous neighborhoods in New Orleans include Lower 9th Ward, Wake Lake Forest and Pines Village.
7. Detroit, Michigan:
Coming at number 7 on this list top 10 most dangerous cities in America is Detroit, Michigan, which notorious for its high crime rates – 130% higher than the national average. In 2022 alone, 14,430 violent crimes were reported, including 330 counts of murder, 1,850 of robbery, and 11,565 incidents of assault. Furthermore, 21,258 property crimes were recorded. The most dangerous neighborhoods in Detroit were Franklin Park, Fiskhorn, Warrendale, Von Steuben, and Greensbriar.
You may need to be extra careful when visiting these areas or maybe stay away from them if you are very familiar with those neighborhoods.
8. Lubbock, Texas:
In Lubbock, Texas, there was a crime rate 121% higher than the national average, with 5,196 crimes reported per 100,000 people in 2020. Of these crimes, 2,856 violent incidents took place, including 28 counts of murder, 431 robberies, and 2,169 assaults; on top of this, there were 13,858 property crimes reported as well. The most dangerous neighborhoods were Jackson, Tech Terrace, Chatman Park Maxey, and Dunbar.
9. Stockton, California:
Stockton, California, has a crime rate that is 82% higher than the national average, with 4,047 incidents of violent crime reported in 2022 alone. Of these crimes, 56 counts were murder, 918 were robbery counts, and 2,883 involved assault. The most dangerous neighborhoods in Stockton include Civic Center, Park, Lakeview, and Seaport.
10 Chicago, Illinois:
Chicago is one of America’s most dangerous and violent cities, boasting a crime rate that is 67% higher than the national average. In 2020 there were 26,620 violent crimes reported – including 774 counts of murder. Much of Chicago’s violent crime can be attributed to gang conflict that is closely connected to drug trade activities. The most dangerous neighborhoods include Englewood, Austin, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, and Washington Park.
So guys, there you have the top 10 most dangerous cities in America.
These ten cities are projected to be among America’s most dangerous in 2023, with disproportionately high rates of violent and property crime. Though many have safe areas, it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards before visiting or relocating to one of these cities.
As you know, crime is a complex issue that affects communities nationwide. While these cities face significant obstacles, there are also dedicated community leaders, law enforcement officers, and residents that are working hard to create safer and more prosperous places within these states. Only time will tell if their efforts will be successful in turning around these cities’ fortunes.
