Urban centers are full of possibilities, yet within the hustle and bustle lies a grim reality—crime.
Violent crime is characterized by the use or threat of force against a victim. Crimes encompass a range of offenses, including assault, rape, homicide, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, negligence, robbery and sexual assault.
Delve into the heart of the matter as we reveal the cities in the United States with the highest crime rates, according to the World Population Review.
1. Albuquerque, NM (1,369 Crimes Per 100,000)
From gangs to petty crimes, Albuquerque is not for the faint of heart. The city has a crime rate of 1,369 per 100,000 people.
While a beautiful city surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and fun festivals, caution is advised when exploring. Many warn against leaving belongings in the car, as auto theft is a concern in the area.
2. Stockton, CA (1,415 Crimes Per 100,000)
Stockton is the most populous city in the San Joaquin County. The city has faced many challenges due to a combination of gang violence, poverty, and unemployment.
Notably, California’s unemployment rate stands at the highest in the nation, recently reported at 5.3% by the government.
3. Cleveland, OH (1,557 Crimes Per 100,000)
Famous for being the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, Cleveland has a darker side.
Cleveland’s child poverty rate stands at 45.9%, making it the highest among U.S. cities with populations over 300,000 and the ninth highest in the state.
Although the crime rate is on the decline since last spring, poverty and gang violence keep it in the top ten most dangerous cities.
4. Rockford, IL (1,588 Crimes Per 100,000)
Rockford has a high instance of property crimes and aggravated assaults. Visitors should exercise caution when visiting the beautiful city.
Fortunately, violent crime has fallen for the last two years, dropping by 20% in 2023.
5. Milwaukee, WI (1,597 Crimes Per 100,000)
Known for its beer and cheese, Milwaukee also has a dark side and, unfortunately, holds the fifth spot on the list of most dangerous cities.
Although crime rates are down this year compared to previous years, the police department acknowledge that more work needs to be done.
6. Little Rock, AR (1,634 Crimes Per 100,000)
Coming in at number six is Little Rock, Arkansas. Although it’s a charming southern city with a rich history, it has a high rate of violent crime, especially in some parts of downtown.
Prelimary data indicates that violent crime in Little Rock decreased in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, it remains 6% higher than the five-year average.
7. Memphis, TN (2,003 Crimes Per 100,000)
Memphis, like other cities on this list, has a high rate of violent crime. Notably, it is the first city to surpass 2,000 incidents, with a rate of 2,003 per 100,000 people.
Memphis has a great deal of history and culture to explore, including Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.
However, tourists should be cautious when visiting certain areas of the city, particularly those outside its downtown district.
8. Baltimore, MD (2,027 Crimes Per 100,000)
Baltimore has been in the spotlight for a few years due to its high crime rates, with gun violence and youth violence being particularly prevalent.
Despite the crime, Baltimore boasts a thriving cultural arts scene and plenty of museums and monuments.
9. Detroit, MI (2,057 Crimes Per 100,000)
Despite being home to artistic treasures, Detroit is also known for its high crime rates.
It has one of the highest murder rates in the country. Theft and aggravated assault are also common occurrences.
However, don’t let Detroit’s crime reputation scare you— the city is full of history and has plenty of safe areas to visit.
10. St. Louis, MO (2,082 Crimes Per 100,000)
St. Louis, Missouri, tops off this list at 2,082 incidents per 100,000 people.
St. Louis, known for having one of the highest homicide rates, has experienced a reduction in crime rates as of 2023. We hope the trend continues.
The city has some beautiful landmarks, including the Gateway Arch, but it’s wise to exercise caution while exploring.
Crime Can Happen Anywhere
Despite their placement on this list, each of these cities has its own allure and is worth checking out. It’s important to be cautious, but don’t let fear keep you from exploring.
Crime can happen anywhere. What matters most is to use common sense and avoid dangerous situations as much as possible. Be aware of your surroundings, take care of your safety, and don’t take chances—especially when you’re in any of the cities mentioned above.
Source. This article was produced by TPR Teaching.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.