While most cities are relatively safe to travel to and live in, some cities in America can be quite dangerous in the right circumstances. These are the ten most dangerous cities in America that you may want to prepare for if you travel there in the future.
10. Houston, Texas
Houston is our tenth most dangerous city, facing a significant challenge with violent crimes. According to recent crime data, Houston has a violent crime rate of 11.35 crimes per 1,000 residents. To combat the wave of crime, the city has implemented community policing and targeted interventions in high-crime areas to improve overall community safety.
- Population: 2,302,878
- Crime Rate: 57.34 crimes per 100,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
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9. Birmingham, Alabama
Our ninth most dangerous city is Birmingham, Alabama, with a high rate of aggravated assaults. Birmingham struggles with economic disparities, which contributes to the high crime rate. The authorities are constantly engaged in community efforts and policing to improve the safety of all residents in the city.
- Population: 196,910
- Crime Rate: 59.78 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
8. Cleveland, Ohio
Home of the NFL Browns, Cleveland is also known for its high rates of violent crimes, with around 59.91 crimes per 1,000 residents. The city’s approach to combating the issue includes community engagement and policing efforts designed to address underlying factors that contribute to crime.
- Population: 361,607
- Crime Rate: 59.91 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
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7. New Orleans, Louisiana
You may know our seventh selection based on its thriving nightlife and vibrant culture, but New Orleans also deals with several issues related to violent crime. Usually aggravated assaults, the crime rate in New Orleans is 14.46 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it much higher than the national average. Ways to curb crime include community policing and increasing surveillance in high-risk areas.
- Population: 369,749
- Crime Rate: 60.98 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
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6. Kansas City, Missouri
Surprisingly, Kansas City, Missouri is ranked sixth on our list. The city experiences a wide range of violent crimes, but most often aggravated assaults. With the crime rate at 63.18 crimes per 1,000 people, the city has implemented several ways to try and reduce crime, including policing strategies and community outreach programs.
- Population: 509,297
- Crime Rate: 63.18 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
5. Detroit, Michigan
One of the more “well-known” dangerous cities is Detroit, often cited in discussions and articles about urban decay and crime in America. With a crime rate of 66.09 crimes per 1,000 people, the city constantly has to deal with aggravated assaults and robberies. Though economic hardships and population decline have continued to hurt the city, Detroit has implemented several programs to provide a safer community.
- Population: 620,376
- Crime Rate: 66.09 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
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4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Recent years have increased violent crimes in Minneapolis, placing the city at number four on our list. Since these crimes have been increasing recently, city officials have started taking a closer look at effective crime reduction programs. These include community-based activities to reduce crime and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and community members.
- Population: 425,096
- Crime Rate: 66.28 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
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3. Little Rock, Arkansas
Jumping into our top three most dangerous cities in America is Little Rock, Arkansas. The city’s crime landscape is riddled with violent crimes, and greatly influences the community’s sense of safety. Though the population is lower than other cities on this list, Arkansas still has a crime rate of 72.08 crimes per 1,000 people. The city has implemented several strategies to help combat this wave of violence.
- Population: 202,864
- Crime Rate: 72.08 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
2. St. Louis, Missouri
Home of the St. Louis Arch, St. Louis, Missouri ranks number two on our list of most dangerous cities in America. The city has a crime rate of 87.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, with a high volume being aggravated assaults. St. Louis’s crime is of significant concern, reflecting the city’s struggle with social and economic hardships. Efforts have been implemented to try and decrease these rates.
- Population: 286,578
- Crime Rate: 87.10 crimes per 1,000 people
- Most Common Crime: Aggravated assault
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis surprisingly earns the title of the most dangerous city in America, having 97.64 crimes per 100,000 people, with aggravated assault at the top of the list. Memphis has been trying to address these issues through targeted policing and community engagement, but the high crime rates continue to impact the city’s residents.
