The Top 10 Most Dangerous States in the US With Highest Crime Rates(2023)

As one of the largest countries in the world, both in terms of population and land area, the United States is home to a wide range of people and cultures. As a result, crime rates can vary significantly from state to state. In this article, we will explore the top ten most dangerous states in America, based on violent crime rates recorded between 2020 and 2022. So, read on to learn more about these states and the crime rates that make them a cause for concern.

10 Most Dangerous States in the US (2023)

Alaska

Alaska has been found to be the most dangerous state in the United States, with the highest overall rate of violent and property crimes when compared to other states.

In 2022, Alaska had the highest crime rate among all states, with 32.14 reported crimes per 1,000 people out of a total population of 736,081. The prevalence of aggravated assault is particularly concerning, with 4,222 incidents reported. Sexual assault is also a significant issue in Alaska, with over 1,132 reported incidents, one of the highest numbers nationwide.

New Mexico

New Mexico is known to be one of the most dangerous states in the United States, with a long-standing position among the top states with the highest rate of violent crimes. Additionally, Albuquerque, NM, is recognized as one of the most hazardous cities in the United States, according to the list of most dangerous cities in the US.

According to recent statistics, New Mexico witnessed a staggering 12,000 cases of violent assault and over 2,000 cases of robbery in the year 2021. Unfortunately, the state also grapples with a high rate of property crime, with burglary and vehicle theft being the most prevalent. The cities of Albuquerque, Gallup, and Farmington are particularly notorious for their high crime rates and are widely regarded as the most unsafe areas in the state.

Tennessee

Tennessee is known to be one of the states with the highest rates of violence in America. The Volunteer State has a population of approximately 6,917,000, and an overall crime rate of 31.65 per 1,000 people. According to recent reports, there were over 221,000 criminal incidents in 2021 alone, with a staggering 46,428 classified as violent crimes. Although property crime is the most common, burglary and personal theft remain major concerns for the state.

Despite the growth and evolution of Tennessee as a state, certain urban areas like Memphis and Nashville continue to struggle with unacceptably high levels of violent crime.

Arkansas

Arkansas is not much safer than its neighbor Tennessee regarding violent crime. According to the recent statistics, out of a population of 3,013,756, the state had a violent crime rate of 672.7 per 100,000 in 2020. This implies that residents have a 1 in 148 chance of falling prey to violent crimes.

Arkansas is known for its high property crime rates, with theft being a major concern. Shockingly, one out of every thirty-eight residents is at risk of becoming a victim of theft. The year 2021 has seen a staggering 24,000 cases of burglary and vehicle theft alone. The cities of West Memphis, Little Rock, and Helena are notorious for having the highest crime rates in the state.

Arizona

Arizona is recognized for its breathtaking national parks, but it is also dangerous for its high rates of violent crime, making it one of the most unsafe states to reside in.

Crime rates vary among different cities in Arizona. While cities like Scottsdale have low crime rates, other cities like Tempe and Phoenix struggle with crime in many neighborhoods. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent crime in Arizona increased by 8.6% between 2020 and 2021. Robbery and assault were the most frequently reported crimes during this period, with a total of 32,201 incidents, while there were 504 reported murders in the state. Overall, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Arizona are 1 in 199.

Louisiana

Louisiana is considered to be one of the most dangerous states in the United States, with crime rates surpassing the national average in both violent and property offenses. Cities like Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans are particularly notorious for violent crimes, such as murder, which are well above the national average. In fact, as of 2022, the crime rate in New Orleans is an alarming 150% higher than the national average.

Property crime, including burglary and theft, has been a major concern in 2021 as it has been reported at a rate of 29.71 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average. It is not just violent crime that poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

Missouri

Missouri is known for having a remarkably high rate of violent crime and murders. In the year 2020 alone, the state recorded a staggering 723 homicides, which translates to 11.8 murders for every 100,000 residents. The prevalence of other forms of violent offenses, such as assault, robbery, and rape, also remains a significant issue in Missouri, with the state ranking at 543 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

Missouri is home to a few cities, including St. Louis, that have alarmingly high violent and property crime rates. St. Louis, in particular, had a crime rate that was 234% higher than the national average in 2020, making it one of the most crime-ridden cities in the country.

South Carolina

South Carolina has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous states in the United States. It is ranked among the highest in the country for both violent and property crimes.

South Carolina, with a population of 5,118,425, has a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 4 per 1,000 people. The state has witnessed a significant number of violent crimes, with almost 22,000 robbery cases being reported in 2020 alone. Furthermore, in the same year, there were 549 murders, which translates to .11 per 1,000 people, compared to 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 small population. In fact, the state’s violent crime rate stood at 5.05 per 1,000 residents in 2021, meaning that the chances of falling victim to crime are 1 in 198. Shockingly, offenses such as murder and rape are higher than the national average, while the number of assaults has already exceeded 3,000 incidents this year. Additionally, South Dakota has the second-highest rate of drunk driving arrests in the United States and records a significant number of drunk driving-related fatalities.

Michigan

Michigan takes the 10th spot on our list of the most violent states in the US. In 2020, over 40,000 cases of violent crime were reported in the state, resulting in a rate of 4.73 incidents per 1,000 people. Unfortunately, both violent and property crimes have been on the rise across Michigan. The cities of Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Saginaw have the highest rates of violent crime in the state. As of 2021, Detroit has reported a staggering 14,509 murders, significantly more than other cities of a similar size.

Most Dangerous States in the USA: The Bottom Line

State crime rates can vary greatly, not only between different states but also within each state. Even though ten states have the highest crime rates, it’s worth noting that there are still several towns, cities, and neighbourhoods that are experiencing positive changes and are considered safe within each state. Regardless, these states still hold the record for having the highest overall crime rates in the United States.

Read More: 

• The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Massachusetts with the Highest Crime Rates (2023 Update)
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