10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US

What Makes a City Dangerous?

Dangerous cities have high reports of property crime and violent crime. It's difficult to predict exactly why some areas have higher crime rates while others have fairly low crime rates. Some believe high poverty rates impact crime rates, while others believe that the median income in an area has a larger impact.

Five main factors contribute to an area's crime rate.

1. Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime includes murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, aggravated assault, forcible rape, and robbery. If convicted of a violent crime, the person will spend over five years in prison. Violent crime physically and emotionally scars the victims of the crime, often requiring the victim to spend years in therapy recovering from the effects of the crime.

On average, there are 382 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the United States. The FBI Crime Reports break down the United States' violent crime rate into four categories.

• National murder rate: 5 murders per 100,000 people
• National rape rate: 30 rapes for 100,000 people
• National assault rate: 246 assaults per 100,000 people
• National robbery rate: 86 robberies per 100,000 people

2. Property Crime Rates

Property crime includes burglary, theft, and car theft. Although property crimes can be stressful for the victims, the FBI doesn't consider them nearly as severe as violent crimes. The penalty for property crime conviction varies from several months in jail to several years.

On average, the FBI reports 2,199 property crimes per 100,000 people. There are three categories of property crime that affect an area's safety rankings.

• National burglary rate: 376 burglaries per 100,000 people
• National theft rate: 1,594 thefts per 100,000 people
• National car theft rate: 228 car thefts per 100,000 people

3. Unemployment Rate

In many areas, high unemployment rates correspond to high crime rates. The US unemployment rate is constantly fluctuating due to politics, world affairs, and other uncontrollable world events. For example, the United States' unemployment rate spiked in April 2020 from 3.6 percent (in January 2020) to 16.7 percent. By October 2020, the unemployment rate dropped to 6.9 percent.

4. Poverty Rate

The Bureau of Justice Statistics published a report in 2014 that found connections between poverty rates and higher instances of violent crime. The report states, "Persons in poor households at or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (39.8 per 1,000) had more than double the rate of violent victimization as persons in high-income households (16.9 per 1,000)." The average poverty rate in the United States is 9.2 percent.

5. Median Income

The median income of an area can influence crime rates. If the average household income is low, it's more likely that the area will have high crime rates. Low-income areas are more likely to see gun crime, motor vehicle theft, and robbery. The median income in the United States is $68,703 (as of 2019).

Top Ten Most Dangerous Cities in the US 2023

1. Bessemer, AL

Bessemer is the most dangerous city in the U.S. At a population of 25,615, residents are 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim here.

• Violent crime rate in Bessemer: 33 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Bessemer: 79 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Bessemer: 3.3% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Bessemer: 28.8% below poverty rate
• Median income in Bessemer: $32,416 per household

Not all of Bessemer is dangerous, however. The city is diverse in many ways, including the crime per neighborhood. Those living in Bessemer should proactively keep a lookout for crime and take steps to prevent it if possible. Follow basic safety procedures and avoid traveling alone at night, especially in high crime areas.

2. Mobile, AL

Mobile is the second most dangerous city in the U.S. It’s a coastal city with a population of 184,952.

• Violent crime rate in Mobile: 27 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Mobile: 113 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Mobile: 2.5% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Mobile: 20% below poverty rate
• Median income in Mobile: $44,780 per household

Mobile is the second of three Alabama cities on this year’s list. It makes you wonder, what is going on in the state? It has a population of very wealthy and very poor. One unique thing about its population is that there are quite a few young singles. No matter who you are, take care in Mobile to be safe whether you’re home or out appreciating the scenery.

3. Monroe, LA

Monroe is the third most dangerous city in the U.S. with a population of 47,284. It is one of two Louisiana cities on the list.

• Violent crime rate in Monroe: 26 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Mobile: 56 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Mobile: 4.1% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Mobile: 34.9% below poverty rate
• Median income in Mobile: $33,925 per household

Contributing to its crime rate, Monroe has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation. Property crime outweighs violent crime per 1,000 people. Residents should do what they can to protect their homes and cars from crime.

4. Saginaw, MI

Saginaw rose from eighth most dangerous city in the U.S. last year to the fourth most dangerous this year. It has a population of 43,854.

• Violent crime rate in Saginaw: 25 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Saginaw: 17 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Saginaw: 5.3% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Saginaw: 35.6% below poverty rate
• Median income in Saginaw: $32,241 per household

Saginaw has a relatively low property crime rate, however, for a city of its size there is a large violent crime rate. Residents should stay vigilant as to their surroundings and personal safety.

5. Memphis, TN

Memphis dropped from the second most dangerous city last year to the fifth this year. Memphis has a population of 628,127.

• Violent crime rate in Memphis: 25 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Memphis: 55 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Memphis: 5.5% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Memphis: 24.2% below poverty rate
• Median income in Memphis: $43,981 per household

While the ranking of Memphis is better this year, it’s still higher than most cities in the country. Local law enforcement suggests that homeowners and renters take precautions to keep their homes and families protected.

6. Detroit, MI

Detroit dropped from the first most dangerous city for several years in a row to the sixth this year. Detroit has a population of 632,464.

• Violent crime rate in Detroit: 23 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Detroit: 35 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Detroit: 7.6% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Detroit: 31.8% below poverty rate
• Median income in Detroit: $34,762 per household

Detroit has long been known for its high crime rates. Looking at the numbers, the unemployment level and low income are contributing factors. Residents should be careful to avoid areas of violence and take measures to protect themselves and their homes.

7. Birmingham, AL

Last year, Birmingham was the third most dangerous city, and this year it dropped to the seventh. Birmingham has a population of 197,575.

• Violent crime rate in Birmingham: 20 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Birmingham: 56 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Birmingham: 3.4% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Birmingham: 25% below poverty rate
• Median income in Birmingham: $39,403 per household

Birmingham’s crime rate is going down. However, it’s not necessarily a safe place to live. But not every street has high rates of crime. While living in Birmingham, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and know which areas are safe and which are unsafe.

8. Pine Bluff, AR

This year, the eighth dangerous city is Pine Bluff, AR, one of two Arkansas cities on the list. Pine Bluff has a population of 40,244.

• Violent crime rate in Pine Bluff: 20 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Pine Bluff: 58 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Pine Bluff: 4% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Pine Bluff: 23.8% below poverty rate
• Median income in Pine Bluff: $36,940 per household

Pine Bluff has a lot of property crime especially. While its residents are on par with the rest of the nation with regards to education level, there isn’t a great deal of opportunity for higher income, which means the median income level is low.

9. Little Rock, AR

Little Rock, AR, is ninth on the list of most dangerous cities in the U.S. one of two Arkansas cities on the list. Little Rock has a population of 201,998.

• Violent crime rate in Little Rock: 20 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Little Rock: 53 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Little Rock: 2.7% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Little Rock: 15.6% below poverty rate
• Median income in Little Rock: $56,928 per household

Little Rock has a higher median income and lower unemployment and poverty rates than the other cities on the list, however, the violent crime and property crime rates are comparable. Residents should take measures to stay safe by being aware of their surroundings as well as being proactive in protecting their property.

10. Alexandria, LA

Alexandria, LA, is tenth on the list of most dangerous cities in the U.S. It is one of two Louisiana cities on the list. Alexandria has a population of 44,787.

• Violent crime rate in Alexandria: 18 violent crimes per 1,000 people
• Property crime rate in Alexandria: 73 property crimes per 1,000 people
• Unemployment rate in Alexandria: 3.5% unemployed May 2023
• Poverty rate in Alexandria: 27% below poverty rate
• Median income in Alexandria: $43,760 per household

Alexandria’s numbers aren’t great overall, but the biggest cause for concern is the number of property crimes. The only two cities on the list with more property crime per 1,000 people are the first two spots. Residents should take every precaution to secure their property.

How Can Residents Stay Safe in Dangerous Areas?

Millions of Americans live in cities dubbed "one of the most dangerous cities in America." However, simply because they live in a dangerous place doesn't mean that they will become a victim of a terrible crime. In fact, as long as residents take the necessary precautions, they can be as safe as someone living in Broadview Heights, OH. Here are three things residents can do today to make their city safer.

1. Install a Home Security System

The most important thing to do when living in a dangerous area is to install a simple home security system. By having a home security system, like Cove, homeowners deter up to 80 percent of burglaries. Many studies show that home security systems are the most effective way to deter crime from your home (other than hiring a professional security guard to watch your front door).

2. Start a Neighborhood Watch

A Neighborhood Watch is a pact between those in your community to watch out for crime and to work directly with the police in your area. Neighborhood Watches focus directly on common crimes in your area and help to prevent those crimes from happening. Starting a Neighborhood Watch also alerts potential criminals that the neighbors in that community are watching out for one another.

3. Carry a Personal Alarm and Pepper Spray

If you live in a dangerous area, you should avoid going out at night by yourself, regardless of your age, gender, or physical capabilities. If you do need to travel outside at night, it's important to carry a personal alarm and pepper spray. A personal alarm can be in the form of a small button that emits an ear-piercing alarm or in the form of a mobile app that immediately calls for help if you're in danger. Pepper spray is an important, non-lethal weapon that will give the victim enough time to escape and find help. Carrying both items will help victims stay prepared in dangerous situations.