Historically, cities are more dangerous than rural areas and small towns. It seems as though the larger concentration of people directly correlates to a larger amount of crime and violence. Though this is not always true, there are some cities that are far more dangerous than others. In America, there are 10 cities that always top the charts when it comes to crime, murders, robberies, and death.
There are a number of theories as to why cities tend to be more dangerous than other areas. Some researchers believe that it could be due to pollution and gasoline exposure or other environmental factors. Many others believe that it’s human nature for crime to rise when more people are living in close and compacted quarters like in a big city.
There are several cities across the world that have high murder rates and high levels of danger. Most of the world’s most dangerous cities are found in Latin America. In fact, of the 50 most dangerous cities of 2018, 42 were found in Latin America. Often, the levels of danger in these cities are due to political unrest and corruption running rampant. Many of the most dangerous cities are found to have unreliable police systems to keep crime in check. But, a handful are also found in the Unites States. Keep reading to find out which 10 cities are the most dangerous in America, and why exactly this is the case. Whether it is due to crimes, accidental deaths, or other issues- these cities always come out on top when it comes to danger.
Springfield, Illinois
Although Chicago is a much higher profile city, the capital of Illinois is actually Springfield. The city was established in the 1810s, and former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln even lived there for a period of time. During the Civil War, Springfield was an important city and a strong center of Union support.
Springfield has a fairly high rate of violent crime, reaching about 1,055 per 100,000 residents. The rates of murders and violent crime have increased and fluctuated through the years in Springfield. The total crime rate per 1,000 residents comes to about 59.25. However, this number includes both violent crimes and property crimes, and most of the percentage is made up of property crimes. Estimations say that the chances of being a victim to violent crime in Springfield are 1 in 92, while the chances of being a victim to a property crime are much higher at a whopping 1 in 21.
Just like most cities with high crime rates, many analysts believe that it is primarily due to poverty and unemployment rates. The city is fighting back against its crime and poverty with a focus on law enforcement and economic development. In reality, visitors to Springfield need not worry unless they are passing through very specific areas of the city. Springfield is a city rich in American history, with plenty of historic sites and iconic buildings such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. In fact, there are plenty of Lincoln-related sites throughout the city including Lincoln’s Tomb.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Alongside the Tennessee River and the Tennessee-Georgia state border lies the city of Chattanooga. Although it’s only the fourth biggest city in the state, Chattanooga is well known for its beauty and scenery. It’s surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, making for some breathtaking viewpoints. Some of the main tourist attractions in and around Chattanooga are focused on nature. There are many caverns open to tourists and even a beautiful riverfront trail called the Tennessee Riverwalk.
Unfortunately, Chattanooga is one of the most dangerous cities in America. Aggravated assault is one of the top crimes in the city, especially in certain areas of the city and at night. Another common crime, which happens over 40 times each week in Chattanooga, is car theft. It’s important to ensure that your vehicle is always locked in this city!
The rate of violent crime in Chattanooga is about 7,052 out of 100,000 people. This means that over 7,000 people per year, on average, are a victim of a crime in Chattanooga. Compared to the national average of only 2,745, it’s easy to see just how dangerous the city is. Most crime statistics show that the dangers are concentrated in downtown Chattanooga. The west side of the downtown neighborhood is not a safe place to be, especially after dark. The key to staying safe in Chattanooga, and any big city for that matter, is to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t lose focus of what is going on around you and always keep an eye on your valuables.
Chicago, Illinois
Commonly nicknamed the Windy City, Chicago has the largest population of any Illinois city. It’s even the third most populated city in all of the United States. With a position right along the Great Lakes and near the Canadian border, Chicago was able to expand quickly and become a major American hub.
Nowadays, Chicago attracts millions of tourists each year because of its iconic sights. The city is known for amazing shopping options, art, architecture, and plenty of great restaurants to enjoy. Most tourists don’t pass up the opportunity to try a slice of deep-dish pizza, check out the view from the observation deck of the Willis Tower, and marvel at the Cloud Gate sculpture- more commonly known as The Bean.
Chicago is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, with higher than average rates of violent crime. The South Side neighborhood of Chicago displays high rates of crime. The neighborhood is well-known for its street gangs and higher levels of poverty and unemployment compared to other Chicago neighborhoods. The crime in Chicago is not evenly distributed. Some parts of the South Side have murder rates around 10 times higher than the rest of the city.
Chicago has more shootings than most other American cities. Many blame the generally light sentencing for people convicted of illegal firearm possession. However, the good news is that Chicago’s homicide rates have dropped steadily in the past two years. This drop came after a record high of violence on August 2016, a month where over 90 homicides were recorded.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is the second-largest city in Ohio and home to the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The city is found right on the southern edge of Lake Erie, a prime location for trade and manufacturing. This is one of the main reasons that Cleveland was able to develop a strong economic foothold in the region. Although Cleveland is currently in the midst of an economic upswing, the city hasn’t always been so stable.
Cleveland has comparatively high rates of crime, with 65.23 of every 1,000 residents encountering crime every year on average. The city can only be considered safer than 2% of other American cities, ranking high on the list of dangerous American cities. Like many other dangerous cities, economic decline and unemployment take part of the blame. Cleveland is also located on many significant drug routes, meaning that a lot of illicit substances find their way through Cleveland.
Regardless of these high crime statistics, Cleveland maintains a relatively healthy level of tourism. It’s well-known for being a musical and artistic hub. Jazz, rock, and roll, as well as polka music, are at home in Cleveland, which boasts a lively music scene and has hosted many iconic musicians. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is recognized worldwide, and Cleveland is even home to the less well-known Polka Hall of Fame.
Beaumont, Texas
Beaumont, Texas was founded in 1835 in what is now Jefferson County in the southeast corner of the state. The city was mainly developed due to the oil in the region. Beaumont’s growth spiked after 1901, and it became one of the top oil refinery and industrial areas in all of Texas. Nowadays, just over 20% of Beaumont’s population reports income below the poverty line. This is believed to be one of the reasons that Beaumont has high crime rates. The rate, on average, reveals that 54 in 1,000 residents are a victim to crimes in Beaumont each year. This translates to about 6,455 crimes per year happening in the city. Beaumont also has a high concentration of registered sex offenders within city limits.
When dealing with a city like Beaumont, it’s important to keep a couple of safety guidelines in mind. Cities are inherently more dangerous after dark, so it’s vital to consider your whereabouts when the sun is going down. Staying in well-lit areas and places, where plenty of other people are, is a good idea at night.
At all times, one should have at least a passable knowledge of their surroundings and possible dangers. You should be aware of the emergency phone numbers, the closest public area, and even the closest police station. Not only will knowing this information prepare you for a possible emergency or attack, but it will also give you some peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your trip or vacation wherever you are.
Hartford, Connecticut
The capital city of Connecticut, Hartford, is one of the oldest cities in the entire country and was founded all the way back in 1635. Nowadays, Hartford is nicknamed the Insurance Capital of the World since insurance is the major industry in the city. The city is also home to the United States’ oldest public art museum. The city has gone through some of the nation’s most dramatic economic changes throughout the years. After the Civil War, Hartford was the richest city in the country for many decades. It thrived after the Industrial Revolution and became one of the country’s primary manufacturing hubs.
More recently, however, Hartford has become one of the most poverty-stricken cities in America. 3 out of 10 Hartford families live below the poverty line and the city nearly had to declare bankruptcy in mid-2017. Hartford has also become one of the most dangerous cities in the country, with a crime rate of about 51 out of 1,000 residents. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Hartford are about 1 in 92.
Despite the crime rate, many residents live happily in Hartford, and it is well-liked by millions of tourists each year. Some of the reported crimes included in Hartford’s statistics include tourists being robbed, especially downtown and in other popular areas. Be sure to keep your valuables concealed and not easily accessible at all times.
Houston, Texas
Houston is the most populated city in the state of Texas and the fifth most populous in the whole country. Considered by total area, Houston is actually the largest city in the United States. The city was established in 1836 after the state of Texas gained independence from Mexico.
Today, Houston has an extremely high rate of crime and is considered one of the most dangerous places in the country. The number of crimes per year hits an average of over 120,000 each year. However, this is in proportion to the city’s huge population, and the crime rate per 1,000 residents is around 53. The chances of being a victim to violent crime in this city are 1 in 89, compared to a much smaller 1 in 228 in the state of Texas, on average. It’s a good idea to avoid the neighborhoods of North and East Houston as a tourist or even a resident of the city. There is also some reported gang activity in the Southwest side of Houston. These areas are known for having more crime and robberies than others. If you need to go to either neighborhood, it’s best to keep your visit during daylight areas to avoid unnecessary risk.
Even in a dangerous city like Houston, staying vigilant, avoiding risks, and keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings is usually enough to keep you safe. Although the crime rate is high, the chances of being a victim to a violent crime are still generally low.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The city of New Orleans has had a spot somewhere within the top 30 most dangerous cities in the United States for quite some time. Nowadays, the city places in the top 10 in many different evaluations of danger. The violent crime rate per 100,000 people is about 949, and the chances of being a victim to such a crime in New Orleans are 1 in 88. Other Louisiana cities like Monroe, Alexandria, and Opelousas also display high rates of homicide, violent crime, and property crime.
Even with such a dangerous reputation, New Orleans is still quite popular with tourists. The city is well known for its Mardi Gras celebrations early in the year, and its buzzing nightlife in areas like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. However, these lively parties and celebrations are often the site of robberies and pickpocket attempts.
While visiting New Orleans, it’s a good idea to leave your valuables in a safe location at home or in a hotel. Always keep a close eye on your wallet and try to keep it out of reach. Gang violence and higher risks have been recognized in the neighborhoods of 6th District, so it’s best to avoid this area of the city to the best of your ability. Car theft and vehicle robbery is also notably common in the Fontainebleau and Evangeline Oaks areas. Knowing what to expect when moving to New Orleans or visiting the exciting city is key to avoid becoming a part of the high crime statistics.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is one of the most highly recognized cities in America for being dangerous. The city was known for high murder and crime rates, as well as drug use and gang activity. The city is found right on the edge of the Canadian border and alongside the Detroit River. It’s also well known for its massive auto industry, home to General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Detroit is one of the United States’ major cultural cities- known for its contributions to art, music, and architecture in particular. However, it’s also one of the most poverty-stricken and crime-filled areas in the country. 1 in 3 Detroit residents lives in poverty, largely due to the city’s high unemployment rates.
The city of Detroit reports nearly 45,000 crimes each year and a rate of 39.8 murders per 100,000 people. The education system, crime rates, and employment rates in Detroit are all considered to be some of the worst in the country. Both the crime rate and poverty in Detroit have been steadily decreasing in recent years. The revitalization of Detroit’s downtown and riverfront area has been a major focus since their bankruptcy declaration in 2013. The city was even recognized by UNESCO as a City of Design and is the first U.S. city ever to be designated as such. Tourists considering a trip to Detroit can expect a safe trip, as long as they focus on reasonable safety precautions and avoid the dangerous parts of town.
Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri tops the charts in almost every measurement or analysis of dangerous American cities. Located along the Mississippi River and right near the Illinois border, St. Louis is the largest metropolitan area in the state. For years, Detroit and St. Louis have led the pack in crime rates. However, with Detroit’s decreasing danger, St. Louis is now considered the most dangerous city in the United States.
The crime rate in St. Louis is 2,082 per 100,000 people, although the bright side is that St. Louis isn’t as dangerous as it once was. In the 1990s, the city had a significant problem with the crack epidemic which led to a more significant crime. The crime rate even fell six percent from 2016 to 2017, indicating a positive pattern of improvement. St. Louis tourists should be more attentive of their safety efforts in this city, but there’s also no need to worry unnecessarily. The crime in St. Louis is tightly concentrated in certain areas.
Today, the northern area of St. Louis is still experiencing problems with drugs and represents more of the city’s danger. Staying out of the northern area, as well as the neighborhood of Dutchtown, is the best way to avoid crime or unnecessary risk in St. Louis. Police note that aside from these areas, St. Louis can actually be quite safe. Luckily, due to the high crime rates, more focus and funding has been given to the police. This has resulted in more vigilant efforts to combat crime.
Conclusion
When considering visiting or moving to a city, looking into things like the danger levels and crime rates is essential. It’s important to be aware of what kinds of things are going on in a city and the reasons that may be behind it. However, it’s also vital to keep in mind that every area, whether urban or rural, has both beautiful and ugly sides to it. Researchers have studied the possible reasons behind the danger and violence levels present in urban areas. It’s likely that there is a combination of reasons that work together and cause the violence that tends to take place in these American cities. Many of America’s most dangerous cities tend to share similar factors like low police funding and high levels of gang activity. However, researchers and statisticians have pointed out the fact that statistics can be misleading.
Although the above cities may be extremely dangerous on paper and have a large number of violent crimes, these crimes are often limited to specific areas and specific demographics. For example, Baltimore’s murders primarily happen to convicts and criminals, not random people or tourists. The unfortunate reality of many urban areas is that crime and poverty go hand in hand. They tend to cycle around- crime causing poverty and poverty causing crime. Since urban areas have higher levels of poverty and wider income gaps, it makes sense that the crime rates follow. On the other hand, the safest cities in America tend to be on the West Coast and have some of the highest levels of financial stability.
