Crime has been on the rise in the United States during the past few years, and many people are concerned that the towns in which they live might no longer be safe.
Fortunately, there are plenty of safe cities in the United States, but there are also some that are dangerous.
Most dangerous U.S. cities in 2024, according to neighborhoodscout.com:
- 14. Albany, Georgia
- 13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 12. Kalamazoo, Michigan
- 11. Cleveland, Ohio
- 10. Alexandria, Louisiana
- 9. Little Rock, Arkansas
- 8. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
- 7. Birmingham, Alabama
- 6. Detroit, Michigan
- 5. Memphis, Tennessee
- 4. Saginaw, Michigan
- 3. Monroe, Louisiana
- 2. Mobile, Alabama
- 1. Bessemer, Alabama
- About neighborhoodscout.com and its crime data
14. Albany, Georgia
Albany has a high violent crime rate – 3rd in the state. While violent crime in the coastal town of Brunswick is declining, it still ranks 5th in the state.
Albany has safe neighborhoods, yet within a five-minute walk, the area may be more dangerous. You should always follow normal safety precautions, such as not walking around at night alone, staying in well-lit places, parking near security cameras, and not being distracted while traveling.
- Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 33.42
- Chance of being a victim: 1 in 61
13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is known for its gorgeous views of Lake Michigan as well as its numerous fantastic breweries. Milwaukee, with a population of under 600,000 people, also has a relatively high crime rate.
In particular, robberies and assaults are common in Milwaukee.
12. Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo faces a significant challenge in terms of its crime rate, which stands at 66 incidents per every 1000 residents. This places it among the cities in America with the highest crime rates, surpassing even some of the largest metropolitan areas.
The odds of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime in Kalamazoo is unfortunately 1 in 15. It’s a shame that Kalamazoo’s crime rate exceeds that of all other communities in Michigan, regardless of their size or population.
11. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland boasts a disturbingly high crime rate, with 56 incidents per every 1000 residents. This places it among the top cities in America with the highest crime rates, surpassing even some of the largest metropolitan areas. The likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in Cleveland stands at a staggering 1 in 18. Sadly, this makes Cleveland an outlier in Ohio, as the majority of communities within the state have a safer crime rate.
10. Alexandria, Louisiana
Alexandria, Louisiana, has faced challenges with crime rates, earning it a reputation as one of the more dangerous cities in the United States. The city has grappled with issues related to crime and safety, and efforts are ongoing to address these concerns and enhance public safety.
9. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock is located on the Arkansas River, and is known for its gorgeous scenery. It is also home to the only active diamond mine in the United States.
Sadly, the city also has a high rate of crime. Approximately 9 crimes are committed in Little Rock every day, with burglaries and car thefts at the top of the list.
8. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. The city has struggled with high crime rates and various social and economic challenges, contributing to its reputation for safety concerns. Efforts to address these issues and improve safety continue, but Pine Bluff remains a city with significant crime-related challenges.
7. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama has a significant crime rate, with 77 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the U.S. when compared to all communities of various sizes, including small towns and large cities.
The risk of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Birmingham is 1 in 13. Despite efforts by the local authorities to reduce crime, Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than 98% of other communities within the state of Alabama.
Residents and visitors need to take necessary precautions and stay vigilant to ensure their safety.
6. Detroit, Michigan
When people think about Detroit, they usually think about the home of auto manufacturing. Even though Detroit has a tremendous amount of history, it is also one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
Detroit is a city that has dozens of crimes every day despite only having a population of approximately 600,000 people. As a result, the crime rate in Detroit is several times the national average of the United States.
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is closely associated with rock and roll music and Elvis Presley. Located on the Mississippi River, Memphis has a population of approximately 700,000 people.
Even though the nightlife can be wild, Memphis also has a lot of violent crimes committed every year. Make sure you keep your wits about you if you plan on visiting Memphis and going out at night!
4. Saginaw, Michigan
Saginaw, Michigan is known to have a high crime rate, with 42 incidents per 1,000 residents, putting it among the top in America when compared to all sizes of communities, from small towns to big cities.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of being affected by violent or property crime in Saginaw is 1 in 24.
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3. Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe, Louisiana is frequently listed as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. There are dozens of crimes committed in Monroe every day, even though the population is only about 100,000 people.
Therefore, if you visit Monroe, Louisiana, you need to take extra precautions. It is one of the cities with the highest crime rates in the United States.
2. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama is plagued by a crime rate of 141 incidents per 1,000 residents, which places it among the highest in the country when compared to communities of all sizes, including small towns and large cities.
Unfortunately, the probability of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Mobile is 1 in 7. In comparison to other communities within the state of Alabama, Mobile’s crime rate is higher than 100% of them.
Latest Update / Crime News: Mobile no longer listed as second ‘most dangerous city in the United States’ after FBI corrects data
1. Bessemer, Alabama
As per multiple studies and analyses, Bessemer has been identified as the most dangerous city in the U.S. coming into 2024.
Bessemer, Alabama has a concerning crime rate of 113 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the country among communities of all sizes, from small towns to large cities. The odds of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Bessemer are 1 in 9. Unfortunately, compared to other communities within the state of Alabama, Bessemer has a higher crime rate than 100% of them.
About neighborhoodscout.com and its crime data
NeighborhoodScout.com is a comprehensive real estate data website providing detailed information about neighborhoods across the United States.
The platform collects data through a combination of public and private sources, including U.S. Bureau of the Census, FBI crime reports, and U.S. Geological Service, among others.
It analyzes this information to offer insights into real estate trends, demographic profiles, crime rates, school quality, and housing market conditions.