While most people believe that New York and LA are the most dangerous cities in the U.S., other cities rank higher when it comes to crime and incarceration rates. We take a look at 19 U.S cities that some people consider unlivable as they are so dangerous:
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit experienced a surge in violent crime rates in the latter half of the 20th century, coinciding with economic decline and population loss. While crime rates have decreased significantly in recent years, the city still grapples with the legacy of this period.
Memphis, Tennessee
In 2023, Memphis had 397 homicides, the highest in its history. The national murder rate in 2023 was 5.3 per 1,000 residents, while Memphis’ rate was 62.1 per 1,000 residents. The causes of high crime rates are complex, including poverty, lack of economic opportunity, and gang violence. In a 2022 study, Safewise declared Memphis the most dangerous city in the U.S. for violent crime.
Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has a long history of violence, and its homicide rate is one of the highest in the country. In 2023, St. Louis had 189 homicides, with a rate of 60.7 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average of 5.3 per 100,000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s violent crime rate, particularly the homicide rate, is significantly higher than the national average. While the city has decreased in recent years, the legacy of past crime rates can shape perceptions. The city faces issues like poverty, limited job opportunities, and concentrated areas of disinvestment, which can be correlated with higher crime rates in some studies.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s property crime rate and violent crime rate, particularly for aggravated assault and property theft, are significantly higher than the national average. While declining in recent years, these statistics fuel safety concerns. People may be put off moving to the area as it has been featured in media portrayals that depict crime and poverty, reinforcing negative stereotypes of the city.
Cleveland, Ohio
While decreasing in recent years, Cleveland faced high crime rates, particularly violent crime, in the latter half of the 20th century. This history can shape lasting perceptions. The city’s industrial decline led to job losses and population shifts, contributing to social and economic crime-related issues.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia grapples with a crime cost per capita of $5,570, exceeding national averages. Rates of violent crime, particularly homicides, assaults, and robberies, remain higher than the national norm. These challenges are rooted in economic disparities and social issues within the city. While initiatives like community engagement and preventative measures aim to enhance public safety, significant improvements are still in progress.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Like other Rust Belt cities, Milwaukee faced economic decline and job losses in the latter half of the 20th century. This contributed to concentrated poverty and social issues in some neighborhoods, which can correlate with higher crime rates.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors annually, creating opportunities for crimes targeting tourists like pickpocketing, theft from hotel rooms, and scams. The city has a high turnover of residents and workers, contributing to a dynamic and sometimes anonymous environment where some may perceive less community accountability.
Fresno, California
Fresno has a poverty rate significantly higher than the national average, which can correlate with increased crime risk due to limited opportunities and economic hardship. Unemployment rates in Fresno also exceed the national average, potentially contributing to frustration and desperation, increasing crime risk in some circumstances.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta grapples with safety challenges, reflected in its crime cost per capita of $5,502 and crime rates exceeding national averages. The city experiences a higher occurrence of violent crimes like homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies. Addressing these concerns, Atlanta implements initiatives like community policing and social programs that target the root causes of crime, like economic disparities, to foster positive change.
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino experiences a higher-than-average crime cost per capita ($5,691), driven by elevated rates of violent crime, particularly homicides and aggravated assaults. Economic hardships and social issues within the community contribute to these challenges. To address these concerns, ongoing efforts like community-based policing and social development programs aim to create a safer environment for residents.
Oakland, California
Oakland’s crime cost per capita of $5,710 reflects higher-than-average rates of violent crime, such as homicides, robberies, and assaults. Socioeconomic disparities and urban challenges are recognized as contributing factors. To address these concerns, the city is actively implementing strategies like community policing and social equity initiatives to create a safer environment and tackle the underlying causes of crime.
Pueblo, Colorado
Pueblo has higher-than-average crime rates than the national average and other Colorado cities. While not as prevalent as in the past, some areas of Pueblo experience gang activity, contributing to safety concerns. One of the significant issues in the city is that drug and alcohol abuse is prevalent, particularly in areas of high poverty.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City experiences higher crime rates than the national average, particularly when it comes to violent crime. This contributes to anxieties about safety along with high levels of poverty and lack of economic opportunities that remain a challenge in some areas, potentially impacting crime rates.
Little Rock, Arkansas
The gap between rich and poor in the city is wider than the national average, potentially exacerbating social tensions and contributing to crime. Lack of these resources can lead to frustration and hopelessness, potentially increasing crime risk in some circumstances. These issues make it undesirable for many people who don’t want to live with the threat of danger.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism continues to impact social and economic disparities, contributing to challenges in some communities. Lack of educational attainment and job options can limit upward mobility and contribute to crime risk in some cases. Louisiana has high incarceration rates, which can exacerbate social problems and recidivism upon release.
Flint, Michigan
Flint once thrived as a major automotive industry center but experienced significant economic decline and job losses in the latter half of the 20th century. This contributed to concentrated poverty in some neighborhoods, which can correlate with increased crime risk due to limited opportunities and economic hardship.
Rockford, Illinois
Lack of high school diplomas and job options can exacerbate economic difficulties and contribute to feelings of hopelessness, potentially increasing crime risk in some circumstances. Although declining in recent years, gang activity still exists in some areas of Rockford and contributes to violent crime rates. Additionally, Illinois has relatively relaxed gun control laws compared to some other states, potentially contributing to the severity of violent crimes.
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If you’re planning a significant change during retirement, it’s crucial to think about the kind of home you desire and the aspects you should steer clear of. “If you’re thinking about making a big move in retirement, it’s important to consider what characteristics you want in your new home and which ones to avoid at all costs,” suggests experts. To assist you, we’ve compiled a catalog of the 15 least favorable states for retirement.