List Of Top 10 Most Dangerous States in the US (2023)

The vastness of the United States is reflected in its population and land mass. With a diverse populace, crime statistics can vary significantly from state to state. To gain insight into the states with the highest violent crime rates between 2020 and 2022, continue reading to discover America’s top ten most dangerous conditions.

10 of the Most Dangerous States in the US (2023)

Alaska

Alaska is considered the most dangerous state in the US, with the highest rate of violent and property crime combined compared to the other states.

In 2022, Alaska had the highest crime rate among all states, with 32.14 crimes per 1,000 people out of a population of 736,081. The most prevalent type of crime in Alaska is aggravated assault, with 4,222 incidents reported. Sadly, sexual assault is also a pressing issue in Alaska, with more than 1,132 incidents reported, ranking it among the highest in the country.

New Mexico

New Mexico stands out as one of the most difficult states in the United States. With a consistent track record of high violent crime rates, it consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the country. Adding to this alarming trend, Albuquerque, NM, has also earned the notorious distinction of being one of the most hazardous cities in the US.

New Mexico experienced a staggering number of over 12,000 incidents of violent assault and more than 2,000 robbery cases in the year 2021. Property crime is also a significant issue in the state, with burglary and vehicle theft particularly prevalent. Albuquerque, Gallup, and Farmington are among the cities that are infamous for being the worst affected by these crimes.

Tennessee

Tennessee, one of the states in America, is also notorious for its high rate of violence. With a population of approximately 6,917,000, the Volunteer State has an overall crime rate of 31.65 per 1,000 people. In 2021, there were more than 221,000 reported criminal incidents, of which 46,428 were violent crimes. Despite this, property crimes, such as burglary and personal theft, remain the most prevalent issues in the state.

Despite Tennessee’s growth and development, certain parts of major cities like Memphis and Nashville continue to face significant issues with violent crime.

Arkansas

Arkansas is no stranger to violent crime, with statistics showing that it is comparable to its neighbouring state, Tennessee. In 2020, the violent crime rate in Arkansas stood at 672.7 per 100,000 people out of a population of 3,013,756. Simply put, this means that residents have a 1 in 148 chance of falling victim to violent crime.

Arkansas is known for its high property crime rates. According to recent statistics, residents face a 1 in 38 chance of falling victim to theft. Burglary and vehicle theft are among the most common crimes, with a staggering 24,000 incidents reported in 2021 alone. Unfortunately, the cities of West Memphis, Little Rock, and Helena are considered hotspots for criminal activity in the state.

Arizona

Arizona is a state that boasts stunning national parks. However, it is also one of the most dangerous states. The high occurrence of violent crimes makes it alarming for its inhabitants.

Crime rates vary widely across different cities in Arizona. While towns like Scottsdale have meagre crime rates, other cities like Tempe and Phoenix still struggle with crime in many neighbourhoods. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent crime in Arizona has increased by 8.6% from 2020 to 2021. This increase was mainly driven by crimes such as robbery and assault, which accounted for 32,201 incidents in the state. Additionally, there were 504 reported murders in Arizona during this period. Unfortunately, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Arizona are relatively high, with Arizonans having a 1 in 199 chance of experiencing such an incident.

Louisiana

Louisiana is a state that has been categorized as one of the most dangerous in America, with both property and violent crime rates exceeding the national average. Cities like Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans have exceptionally high rates of violent crimes like murder, which are significantly above the national average. As of 2022, the crime rate in New Orleans is a staggering 150% higher than the national average, making it one of the most concerning regions in the country.

There’s more to worry about than just violent crime. As of 2021, property crimes like burglary and theft have been reported at 29.71 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average.

Missouri

Missouri has been notorious for its high rate of murders and violent crimes. The state recorded a staggering 723 murders in 2020, translating to 11.8 murders per 100,000 people. Apart from these, other forms of violent crimes, including assault, robbery, and rape, were also prevalent in the state, with a shocking 543 cases of violent crimes per 100,000 people.

Missouri’s cities, including St. Louis, have a notorious reputation for violent and property crime. Shockingly, St. Louis had a crime rate in 2020 that was 234% higher than the national average!

South Carolina

Despite its charm and beauty, South Carolina has a dark side. It is considered one of the most challenging states in the US, with high rates of violent and property crimes that rank among the highest in the country.

With a population of 5,118,425, South Carolina has a higher crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people compared to the national average of 4 per 1,000 people. The state’s violent crime rate is also a concern, with almost 22,000 robbery cases being reported in 2020. Additionally, there were 549 reported murders in 2020, which translates to a rate of .11 per 1,000 people, higher than the national average of .07 per 1,000 people.

South Dakota

With a population of 895,376, South Dakota has a surprisingly high crime rate for a state with such a low population. The state’s violent crime rate was 5.05 per 1,000 residents in 2021, meaning the chances of becoming a victim are 1 in 198. Unfortunately, crime rates of severe offences, such as murder and rape, are higher than the national average, with over 3,000 assaults reported in 2021 alone. Moreover, South Dakota is struggling with increased drunk driving arrests, ranking second in the nation. Unfortunately, this issue has led to many alcohol-related fatalities in the state.

Michigan

Michigan, a Midwestern state, is ranked 10th on the list of the most violent states in the US. The state witnessed over 40,000 incidents of violent crime in 2020, translating to 4.73 cases per 1,000 individuals. Unfortunately, Michigan has experienced a rise in both violent and property crimes. Notably, cities like Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Saginaw have the state’s highest violent crime cases. In 2021, Detroit recorded a staggering 14,509 murders, surpassing other cities of similar size.

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