A comprehensive study of crime across the United States has revealed the cities where residents face the highest risk of falling victim to criminal acts. These findings come from a detailed analysis of crime rates, considering both violent and property crimes per capita. Here’s a look at the top five most crime-ridden cities in America:
Memphis, Tennessee: Battling Violent Crime
Memphis tops the list as the most dangerous city in the nation, with a staggering crime rate that is 237% higher than the national average. The city, with its population of 628,127, reported 7,913 crimes per 100,000 people, with violent crime rates, including murder and assault, being exceptionally high. The year 2022 saw Memphis grappling with 289 murders among its 15,318 incidents of violent crime. Areas like Shelby-Forest Frayser and Downtown are among the most perilous neighborhoods, contributing to the city’s alarming statistics.
St. Louis, Missouri: A High Chance of Crime
Following closely, St. Louis’s crime rate stands at 234% above the national average. With 239,210 residents, the city recorded 7,847 crimes per 100,000 individuals, along with a disturbingly high violent crime count. In 2020, the city witnessed 263 murders as part of its 6,107 violent crime incidents, translating into a 1 in 50 probability of becoming a victim. Neighborhoods like Peabody-Darst-Webbe and Hamilton Heights remain hotspots for such crimes.
Oakland, California: Gang Violence Takes a Toll
Oakland emerges as not just one of California’s but also the country’s most dangerous cities. The crime rate here is 175% higher than the national average and 150% more than the state average. In 2022, the city faced 5,714 violent incidents, including 103 murders and over 2,500 robberies. Gang-related activities bear a significant blame for the violence, especially in neighborhoods like North Stonehurst and South Prescott.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: A Wide Spectrum of Crime
Albuquerque’s crime rate sits at 171% over the national average, marking it as one of America’s most hazardous cities. The city, with a population of 562,599, experienced 7,552 violent crimes in 2022, with the odds of becoming a victim being 1 in 75. Property crimes, including a high number of burglaries and vehicle thefts, also pose a significant concern for residents of areas like Quigley Park and Crestview Bluff.
Baltimore, Maryland: High Rates of Violent Crime
Baltimore’s violent crime rate, at 6,170 per 100k people, secures its place as one of the most perilous cities in the U.S. The city recorded 9,532 incidents of violent crime and 18,370 property crimes in 2020, offering a chilling chance of 1 in 17 to become a crime victim. High rates of homicides, especially in the first half of 2022, and gang and drug-related violence are particularly pronounced in neighborhoods such as Cherry Hill and Greenmount East.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Persistently High Crime Rates
New Orleans, with its vibrant culture and history, also has a less desirable reputation due to its crime rates. The city’s crime rate is 150% higher than the national average. With a population of 376,971, New Orleans experienced 5,221 violent crimes in 2020, equating to a 1 in 74 chance of becoming a victim. Murders, robberies, and assaults are particularly prevalent, with neighborhoods like the Lower 9th Ward and Pines Village being some of the hardest hit.
Detroit, Michigan: Struggling with Violence
Detroit’s high crime rate contributes to its notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in America. The crime rate here is 130% above the national average, with a 1 in 44 chance of being a victim of a violent crime. In 2022, the city reported 330 murders as part of its 14,430 violent crimes. Property crimes were also significantly high, impacting neighborhoods like Franklin Park and Warrendale the most.
Lubbock, Texas: Surging Crime Rates
In Lubbock, Texas, the crime rate is 121% higher than the national average, presenting significant safety concerns. The city, with a population of 260,993, witnessed 5,263 crimes per 100,000 people in 2022, including 2,856 violent crimes. The chance of becoming a victim here was 1 in 90, with neighborhoods such as Jackson and Tech Terrace reporting higher incidents of crime.
Stockton, California: High Crime in the Central Valley
Stockton’s crime statistics are alarming, with the city being 82% more dangerous than the national average. Of its 322,120 residents, the 2022 statistics indicated a 1 in 79 chance of falling prey to violent crime, including 56 murders and over 900 robberies. The Civic Center and Park areas are amongst the most challenging, with crime rates significantly impacting the community.
Chicago, Illinois: Gang Violence and High Crime
Despite its status as a major cultural and economic hub, Chicago faces serious crime issues, with a crime rate 67% above the national average. With a population exceeding 2.7 million, the city reported 26,620 violent crimes in 2020, including 774 murders, largely attributed to gang violence and conflicts related to the drug trade. The South Side and West Side, especially neighborhoods like Englewood and Austin, are particularly notorious for their high levels of crime.