Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In America (2023-2024)
Let’s talk about the top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America as of 2023-2024. In 2024, America grapples with safety concerns as crime rates surge in various cities nationwide. This article unveils the top 10 most dangerous cities, highlighting the alarming statistics that define their perilous landscapes.
From the crime-ridden streets of Memphis, Tennessee, to the challenges faced by Detroit, Michigan, we discover the crime rates, population sizes, and the unsettling realities residents confront daily in these urban environments. Brace yourself for a revealing exploration of the darker side of American cities, where crime rates soar above the national average, posing significant threats to the safety of their inhabitants.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In America
| No | City | Crime Rate Higher Than National Average | Population 2023 |
| 1 | Memphis | 237% | 638,912 |
| 2 | St. Louis | 234% | 2,230,000 |
| 3 | Little Rock | 209% | 200,546 |
| 4 | Baton Rouge | 196% | 767,000 |
| 5 | East of San Francisco | 150% | 433,823 |
| 6 | Albuquerque | 171% | 955,000 |
| 7 | Baltimore | 6.17 Average Rate | 601,013 |
| 8 | Cleveland | 115% | 360,040 |
| 9 | New Orleans | 150% | 1,013,000 |
| 10 | Detroit | 130% | 3,521,000 |
1. Memphis
The Memphis City, Tennessee, is the most dangerous city in America. With a population of 628,127, its overall crime rate is 237% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 15,318 violent crimes, including 289 murders, 2,134 robberies, and 12,484 assaults. The violent crime rate is 652% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 40 chance of being a victim of violent crime.
2. St. Louis
The St. Louis City, Missouri, is considered one of the least safe cities in America, primarily due to its elevated crime rates. With a population of 239,210, the city exhibits a crime rate that surpasses the national average by 234%. In 2023, St. Louis recorded 7,847 crimes per 100,000 individuals, comprising 6,112 violent crimes and 17,396 property crimes.
Within the realm of violent offenses, St. Louis reported 264 instances of murder, 1,246 cases of robbery, and 4,280 incidents of assault. These statistics underscore the city’s profound struggle with maintaining public safety. Overall, residents of St. Louis face a 1 in 50 likelihood of falling victim to a violent crime, a disconcerting metric that accentuates the city’s precarious security landscape.
3. Little Rock
The Little Rock City, a city in Arkansas with the largest population of 202,591, faces one of the highest violent crime rates in America. The overall crime rate is 209% higher than the national average, with 7,182 crimes per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is exceptionally high at 1,833 crimes per 100,000 residents, nearly 400% above the national average.
In 2022, there were 79 reported murders, making the murder rate 144% higher than the national average. The property crime rate in Little Rock is also elevated at 5,349 crimes per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 174%. These statistics highlight the significant challenges Little Rock faces in maintaining public safety.
4. Baton Rouge
The Baton Rouge City, Louisiana, is among the most unsafe cities in the US. With a population of 227,470, it’s the second-largest city in Louisiana after New Orleans. Baton Rouge’s crime rate is 196% higher than the national average, with 6,880 incidents per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 1,028 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it 178% more dangerous than the average US city.
The murder rate is 128% higher than the national average, with 29.1 homicides per 100,000 people. The property crime rate is nearly 200% higher than the rest of the country, with 5,852 crimes per 100,000 residents. These numbers emphasize the significant safety challenges faced by Baton Rouge.
5. East of San Francisco
The East of San Francisco City, Oakland is often considered one of California’s and the country’s most dangerous cities. With 433,823 people, Oakland’s crime rate is 6,459 per 100,000, 175% higher than the national average and 150% higher than California. In 2022, there were 5,714 violent incidents, including 103 murders, 2,515 robberies, and 2,730 assaults. A significant factor contributing to the violence in Oakland is gang-related activities.
6. Albuquerque
The Albuquerque City is one of the worst cities in America. With a population of 562,599, its crime rate is 6,356 per 100,000 people, making it 171% more dangerous than the national average. In 2022, there were 7,552 violent crimes, including 80 murders, 1,439 robberies, and 5,592 assaults. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 75. Property crime is also a concern, with 5,075 burglaries, 18,131 thefts, and 4,965 vehicle thefts in 2022.
7. Baltimore
The Baltimore City is one of the most dangerous cities in America. With 567,498 people, it has a violent crime rate of 6,170 per 100,000, and in 2022, there were 9,498 violent crimes and 18,370 property crimes. The overall chance of becoming a victim is 1 in 17. Baltimore faces a high rate of violent crime, with 177 homicides in the first six months of 2022, often linked to gangs and drugs.
8. Cleveland
The Cleveland City is among the most dangerous cities in the US. With 372,623 people, it has a crime rate of 5,931 per 100,000 residents, which is 115% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is even higher at 1,614 per 100,000 residents, making it 336% more dangerous than the US average. The murder rate is notably high at 39.9 homicides per 100,000 residents, far surpassing the national average of 6.3. Property crime in Cleveland is also 121% higher than the US average, with 4,317 crimes per 100,000 residents.
9. New Orleans
The New Orleans City is one of the most dangerous cities in the US. With 376,971 people, its crime rate is 5,864 per 100,000 residents, which is 150% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 5,208 violent crimes, making the chance of being a victim 1 in 74. This included 201 murders, 1,106 robberies, and 3,200 assaults. Additionally, there were 18,098 property crimes in 2020, with 2,039 burglaries and 3,526 vehicle thefts.
10. Detroit
The Detroit City is one of the deadliest cities in America due to its high crime rates. With 632,464 people, it has a crime rate of 5,389 per 100,000, 130% higher than the national average. The chance of facing a violent crime is 1 in 44, with 14,430 violent crimes reported in 2022. This includes 330 murders, 1,850 robberies, and 11,565 assaults. Additionally, there were 21,258 property crimes in 2022.