Top 30 Riskiest U.S. Cities: Navigating America’s Most Dangerous Destinations

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The FBI’s crime statistics for 2024 reveal the 30 cities in the U.S. with the highest crime rates. Despite nationwide concerns, perceptions of crime vary locally. Cities like Memphis and Detroit are among the top 30 despite seeing some decline in crime rates. Here’s a look at the crime situation in some of these cities from January to September 2023.

1. Memphis, Tennessee

Known for its high crime rates, Memphis, with a population of 624,944, reported 12,158 violent crimes and 40,575 property crimes in 2023. The city continues to struggle with crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

2. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, home to 626,757 people, is infamous for its high crime rates. In 2023, the city reported 9,379 violent crimes and 21,139 property crimes. Despite revitalization efforts, crime remains a significant issue.

3. Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, with a population of 201,513, reported 2,705 violent crimes and 8,143 property crimes in 2023. Aggravated assault is a common crime in the city, and reducing violent crime continues to be a challenge.

4. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, home to 363,764 people, reported 4,420 violent crimes and 12,827 property crimes in 2023. The city struggles with crimes like robbery and property crimes.

5. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, with a population of 508,856, reported 5,544 violent crimes and 18,766 property crimes in 2023. The city faces ongoing challenges with violent crimes, particularly aggravated assault.

6. Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo confronts issues related to violent crimes and property offenses. With a population of 112,618, Pueblo reported 1,214 violent crimes and 4,616 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address these issues are underway, but maintaining public safety remains a struggle.

7. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis contends with persistent issues related to violent crimes, such as homicides and aggravated assaults. With a population of 286,053, St. Louis reported 3,067 violent crimes and 13,323 property crimes in 2023. Despite initiatives aimed at reducing crime, the city remains one of the most dangerous in the US.

8. Beaumont, Texas

Beaumont faces challenges with various types of violent and property crimes. With a population of 110,898, Beaumont reported 1,185 violent crimes and 2,730 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, but maintaining law and order is a priority.

9. Lansing, Michigan

Lansing struggles with elevated levels of violent crimes, including murder and assault. With a population of 112,567, Lansing reported 1,181 violent crimes and 2,301 property crimes in 2023. Despite efforts to improve policing and community engagement, crime rates remain a pressing issue.

10. Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma grapples with various types of violent and property offenses. With a population of 219,027, Tacoma reported 2,110 violent crimes and 12,153 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address crime are underway, but significant challenges persist in ensuring public safety.

11. Peoria, Illinois

Peoria faces challenges with violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults. With a population of 110,551, Peoria reported 1,017 violent crimes and 3,112 property crimes in 2023. Despite community initiatives, reducing violence remains a top priority.

12. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee struggles with high rates of violent crimes, including murder and robbery. With a population of 561,743, Milwaukee reported 5,083 violent crimes and 9,055 property crimes in 2023. Despite efforts, the city continues to face hurdles in reducing violence.

13. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque contends with persistent issues related to violent crimes, such as aggravated assault and homicide. With a population of 560,557, Albuquerque reported 5,024 violent crimes and 16,560 property crimes in 2023. Despite community policing efforts, challenges remain in reducing violence.

14. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore struggles with elevated levels of violent crimes, including shootings and robberies. With a population of 570,546, Baltimore reported 5,003 violent crimes and 15,838 property crimes in 2023. Despite increased police presence, reducing violence remains a pressing concern.

15. Stockton, California

Stockton faces challenges with various types of violent crimes, including shootings and assaults. With a population of 323,501, Stockton reported 2,804 violent crimes and 7,534 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address crime through community engagement are ongoing.

16. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage confronts issues related to violent crimes, such as assaults and homicides. With a population of 285,821, Anchorage reported 2,469 violent crimes and 6,560 property crimes in 2023. Reducing violence remains a top priority for the city.

17. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga struggles with elevated levels of violent crimes, including aggravated assaults. With a population of 182,603, Chattanooga reported 1,573 violent crimes and 6,724 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address crime through law enforcement measures are underway.

18. Rockford, Illinois

Rockford faces challenges with violent crimes, including shootings and robberies. With a population of 146,710, Rockford reported 1,243 violent crimes and 2,880 property crimes in 2023. Despite efforts to combat crime, reducing violence remains a pressing concern.

19. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis contends with persistent issues related to violent crimes, such as homicides and assaults. With a population of 421,690, Minneapolis reported 3,530 violent crimes and 16,796 property crimes in 2023. Challenges remain in reducing violence despite community policing efforts.

20. Dayton, Ohio

Dayton struggles with high rates of violent crimes, including shootings and robberies. With a population of 137,084, Dayton reported 1,140 violent crimes and 4,832 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to combat crime through community engagement are underway.

21. Metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee

Metropolitan Nashville faces challenges with various types of violent crimes, including assaults and robberies. With a population of 679,562, Nashville reported 5,620 violent crimes and 20,247 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address crime through community initiatives and law enforcement measures are ongoing.

22. Evansville, Indiana

Evansville confronts issues related to violent crimes, such as assaults and homicides. With a population of 115,719, Evansville reported 943 violent crimes and 3,022 property crimes in 2023. Despite efforts to combat crime through community policing, reducing violence remains a top priority for the city.

23. Springfield, Missouri

Springfield grapples with elevated levels of violent crimes, including assaults and robberies. With a population of 169,822, Springfield reported 1,346 violent crimes and 4,439 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address crime through community engagement and law enforcement measures continue, but challenges persist.

24. Toledo, Ohio

Toledo faces challenges with various types of violent crimes, including shootings and assaults. With a population of 266,984, Toledo reported 2,116 violent crimes and 5,196 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to combat crime through community initiatives and law enforcement measures are ongoing.

25. Denver, Colorado

Denver struggles with high rates of violent crimes, including shootings and robberies. With a population of 705,264, Denver reported 5,562 violent crimes and 31,167 property crimes in 2023. Despite initiatives aimed at addressing crime, such as community policing efforts, the city continues to face significant hurdles in reducing violence.

26. Houston, Texas

Houston faces persistent issues related to violent crimes, such as homicides and aggravated assaults. With a population of 2,276,533, Houston reported 17,911 violent crimes and 73,511 property crimes in 2023. Despite efforts to combat crime, challenges remain in ensuring public safety.

27. Washington, District of Columbia

Washington contends with various types of violent crimes, including shootings and robberies. With a population of 671,803, Washington reported 5,193 violent crimes and 20,727 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address crime through increased police presence and community outreach are ongoing.

28. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia grapples with elevated levels of violent crimes, including shootings and robberies. With a population of 1,555,812, Philadelphia reported 11,531 violent crimes and 59,544 property crimes in 2023. Despite initiatives aimed at addressing crime, reducing violence remains a pressing concern.

29. Aurora, Colorado

Aurora faces challenges with various types of violent crimes, including assaults and robberies. With a population of 392,134, Aurora reported 2,870 violent crimes and 11,130 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to combat crime through community engagement and law enforcement measures are ongoing.

30. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge struggles with high rates of violent crimes, including shootings and assaults. With a population of 219,913, Baton Rouge reported 1,598 violent crimes and 8,743 property crimes in 2023. Efforts to address crime through community initiatives and law enforcement measures are underway.

Obstacles to Crime Prevention Persist

These cities face persistent challenges with various types of violent crimes, posing ongoing concerns for public safety. Despite endeavors to address crime, significant obstacles persist in reducing violence in these communities.

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The post Top 30 Riskiest U.S. Cities: Navigating America’s Most Dangerous Destinations was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tupungato.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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