List of Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America (2023)

In several cities across the United States, violent and property crime instances have been increasing. As of 2023, the three most hazardous cities in the country are Memphis, St. Louis, and Oakland. Keep reading to discover more about the top ten cities in America that have been plagued by violent crime.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America (2023)

1. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee, is considered the most dangerous city in America, with a population of 628,127 and a crime rate of 237% higher than the national average. Shockingly, Memphis records 7,913 crimes per 100,000 people, with a significantly increased speed of violent crimes. In 2022, the city experienced 15,318 incidents of violent crime, including 289 cases of murder, 2,134 cases of robbery, and 12,484 incidents of assault.

According to statistics, Memphis has some of the most dangerous neighbourhoods, including Shelby-Forest Frayser, Downtown, Parkway Village-Oakhaven, and White Haven-Coro Lake. These areas have high crime rates and require extra caution.

2. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri is the second most dangerous city in the USA, with a population of 239,210. The crime rate in St. Louis is 234% higher than the national average, with 7,847 crimes reported per 100,000 people in 2020. Of these, 6,107 were violent crimes, and 17,399 were property crimes. Shockingly, there were 263 reported incidents of murder, 1,242 cases of robbery, and 4,278 cases of assault among the violent crimes. With such high crime rates, residents of St. Louis have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

St. Louis has its share of unsafe neighbourhoods, with Peabody-Darst-Webbe, Hamilton Heights, Walnut Park West, and College Hill being the most dangerous areas. If you plan to visit or move to St. Louis, you must be aware of these neighbourhoods and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

3. Oakland, California

Oakland, a city located to the east of San Francisco, is notorious for being one of the most dangerous cities in California and the entire country. With a population of 433,823, Oakland reports a staggering crime rate of 6,459 per 100,000 people. This figure is significantly higher, by 175% than the national average and 150% higher than California’s average. Shockingly, the city recorded 5,714 violent incidents in 2022 alone, comprising 103 homicides, 2,515 robberies, and 2,730 assaults. Sadly, much of this violence can be traced back to gang-related activities.

According to statistics, some of the most hazardous areas in Oakland include North Stonehurst, South Stonehurst, Caballo Hills, and South Prescott. These neighbourhoods have been identified as having high rates of crime, making them potentially unsafe for residents and visitors alike. It is essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings if you are in these areas to avoid any potential danger.

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, with a population of 562,599, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in America due to its high crime rate of 6,356 per 100,000 people. This makes the city 171% more dangerous than the national average. In 2022, there were 7,552 violent crimes, which included 80 murders, 1,439 robberies, and 5,592 assaults. This means that the possibility of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Albuquerque is 1 in 75. Property crime is also a significant issue in this city, with 5,075 burglaries, 18,131 thefts, and 4,965 vehicle thefts reported in the same year.

Several neighbourhoods in Albuquerque are considered dangerous, including Quigley Park, La Mesa, Jackson Area, and Crestview Bluff. Taking safety precautions when visiting or living in these areas is crucial to avoid potential risks.

5. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is widely considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. With a population of 567,498, it has a violent crime rate of 6,170 per 100,000 individuals. Shockingly, in 2020 alone, there were 9,532 recorded instances of violent crime and 18,370 incidents of property crime, which translates to a staggering likelihood of 1 in 17 of becoming a victim. Baltimore has a particularly alarming violent crime rate, with a reported 177 homicides in the first six months of 2022. Most of the violent crime in Baltimore is attributed to gangs and drug-related incidents.

Baltimore is home to some of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the United States.  Cherry Hill, West Baltimore, Greenmount East, Fairfield Area, and Pulask are among these neighbourhoods. These areas are known for their high crime rates and are considered unsafe for residents and visitors alike. It is essential to exercise caution when travelling to these neighbourhoods and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Despite the challenges these communities face, organisations and individuals work to improve the safety and quality of life for all residents.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, with a population of 376,971, is ranked as the sixth most dangerous city in the US. Shockingly, the crime rate in this city is 150% higher than the national average, with 5,864 crimes per 100,000 people. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in New Orleans are 1 in 74, with a total of 5,221 violent crimes recorded in 2020. Among these crimes were 201 murders, 1,106 robberies, and 3,200 assaults. Property crimes are also alarmingly high in New Orleans, with 18,098 cases in 2020, including 2,039 burglaries and 3,526 vehicular assaults.

New Orleans has a few neighbourhoods that are notorious for their safety concerns. Lower 9th Ward, Wake Lake Forest, and Pines Village are considered the most dangerous among them. It is essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while visiting or residing in these areas.

7. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit has a notorious reputation for having one of the highest crime rates in America, making it one of the most dangerous cities. With a population of over 632,464, Detroit has a staggering 5,389 crimes per 100,000 people, 130% higher than the national average. Shockingly, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Detroit is 1 in 44, with 14,430 violent crimes reported in 2022. This includes 330 murders, 1,850 robberies, and 11,565 assaults. Furthermore, property crimes were also prevalent in 2022, with a total of 21,258 incidents recorded.

According to recent statistics, some of the most hazardous neighbourhoods in Detroit include Franklin Park, Fiskhorn, Warrendale, Von Steuben, and Greensbriar. These areas have been identified as high-risk locations due to various factors such as crime rates and safety concerns. Awareness of such neighbourhoodsAwareness is essential while visiting or residing there.

8. Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock, Texas, is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous cities in the US. Despite a population of 260,993, Lubbock boasts a crime rate of 121% higher than the national average. Shockingly, in 2022, Lubbock witnessed 5,263 crimes per 100,000 individuals, of which 2,856 were violent crimes. The statistics further reveal 28 murders, 431 robberies, and 2,169 assaults. The chances of falling prey to violent crime were 1 in 90, which is quite alarming. Additionally, there were 13,858 property crime cases, making Lubbock a dangerous place to reside.

According to recent statistics, the neighbourhoods of Jackson, Tech Terrace, Chatman Park, Maxey, and Dunbar have been identified as the most dangerous areas in Lubbock. It’s concerning to note that residents living in these neighbourhoods are at an increased risk of facing crime-related activities. The authorities must take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of the residents.

9. Stockton, California

Stockton, located in America, is infamous for being one of the most unsafe places to reside. The city, with a population of 322,120, has an alarming crime rate of 4,259 per 100,000 people. This makes it 82% more dangerous than the US national average. Shockingly, in 2022, the probability of falling prey to a violent crime in Stockton was 1 in 79, with a staggering 4,047 incidents. Out of the total incidents, there were 56 murders, 918 robberies, and 2,883 assaults.

Stockton has a few dangerous neighbourhoods, such as Civic Center, Park, Lakeview, and Seaport. These areas are known for their high crime rates, and residents should exercise caution when visiting or living in these neighbourhoods.

10. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is notorious for being one of the most dangerous and violent cities in the United States. Its crime rate of 3,926 per 100,000 people, which is 67% higher than the national average, has earned it a spot on many news headlines. With a population of 2,746,388, the city recorded 26,620 violent crimes in 2020 alone, including 774 murders. This alarming statistic’s leading cause is gang violence and drug trade that plague the city.

Chicago is known for its gang violence, primarily concentrated in specific neighbourhoods. The South Side and West Side are considered to be the most dangerous areas in the city. Englewood, Austin, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, and Washington Park are generally considered the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Chicago.

Also Read:

• The Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Boston
• List of the Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Seattle 
• The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia 
• Top 9 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Washington DC