Some American cities are more dangerous than others, whether due to low incomes rate, homelessness, or a variety of other factors. From Monroe, Louisiana, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, join ViewCation as we take a look at the most dangerous cities in America as of 2023.
Monroe, Louisiana
The first and most dangerous city that we’ll be taking a look at in this video is Monroe, Louisiana. The city has a shockingly high rate of crime, with an average of 26.3 crimes per 1,000 people committed annually. While walking the streets of Monroe, people have a 1 in 38 chance of being the victim of a violent crime at any time. This equates to a nearly 3% chance of a violent encounter. While this may not seem like much at first glance, consider how much your chances will increase if you’re walking the streets multiple times a day. These statistics place Monroe far above the national average in terms of crime, making this a very dangerous city.
Saginaw, Michigan
Saginaw, Michigan, is a city that often gets overlooked due to the fact that a much more popular, and nearly as dangerous, city exists within it’s midst. While Detroit, Michigan, may be more notorious for crime than Saginaw, Saginaw is actually the Michigan city with the much higher crime rate. 25.1 crimes are committed annually per 1,000 people in the city of Saginaw. When you’re out walking the streets of this dangerous city, you’ll have a 1 in 39 chance of facing a violent encounter. Like with Monroe, this translates to a roughly 3% chance when you round up. This means you’re liable to have a crime committed against you monthly.
One of the many reasons that Saginaw gets a free pass while Detroit is ridicules the world over is that, despite being more dangerous, Saginaw has a much smaller population than it’s bigger and more popular neighbor. Saginaw is relatively small and secluded, and it’s actually somewhat of a wilderness destination due to it’s natural sights. Sadly, attempting to see these natural sights will put any tourist at risk of a potential violent attack from the natives. Oftentimes, you’ll find that the crime of choice in tourist traps is simple robbery. However, the crime that Saginaw seems to be known for the most is murder. When you get attacked in Saginaw, there’s a good chance you won’t walk away.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is oftentimes seen as darker and seedier underbelly of Nashville. Both cities are known for their bustling music industries, with a particular emphasis on country. If you’re a Nashville star and you feel that you’ve lost some of your grit, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find it if you head over to Memphis. There’s a reason that the city is considered seedier that Nashville, and that’s because it is! Memphis ranks much higher in terms of crime than Nashville does, with 25.1 crimes being committed annually in the city per 1,000 people as of 2023.
As with the city of Saginaw, there’s a 1 in 39, or roughly 3%, chance of being the victim of a violent crime at any given time in Memphis. If you’re looking to visit the city because you’ve got a passion for the blues, you’re liable to find a lot that you enjoy. The nightlife is always bustling in Memphis, and visitors rarely get bored. The only problem is that you’re going to have a pretty high chance of getting assaulted!
Detroit, Michigan
Saginaw may be the more dangerous Michigan city overall, but that doesn’t mean that Detroit isn’t still worth a mention. The tragedy of Detroit is that there’s so much great about the city, yet so much wrong with it at the same time. Since the industrial revolution, Detroit has made a name for itself as one of the most hard-working cities in America. However, in more recent years, this reputation is slowly being superseded by the much more glaring reputation of being one of America’s most dangerous cities. There are 23 crimes committed in Detroit annually per 43 people, and there’s a 1 in 43 chance of being the victim of a violent encounter. This equates to just over 2%, marking a slight decrease from any of the aforementioned cities. Detroit may not be the absolute most dangerous city in the country, but it’s plenty dangerous.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, and it can be found sitting along the Arkansas River. Given both of these factors, it’s a shame for the state that Little Rock isn’t a much safer place to visit than it is. In terms of crime statistic, Little Rock is a capital city that gives it’s state a pretty bad name. There are 20.2 crimes committed annually in Little Rock per 1,000 people, and there’s a 1 in 49 chance of being the victim of a violent attack, equating almost exactly to 2%.
If you can stomach the chance of crime being committed against you, than Little Rock has quite a bit to offer in terms of natural sights. As we’ve already briefly established, tourist traps can be notorious for theft. This is the case in Little Rock, where locals can oftentimes be found trying to get the upper hand on visitors for a little bit of profit. The poverty rate in Little Rock is ironic when you consider that the city is known as the home of the only diamond mine in America. Other awesome things that you can find while visiting Little Rock include the city’s hot springs, as well as it’s lakes.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is another city where the high crime rate is a particular shame. Cleveland may not be the capital of Ohio, but it’s certainly one of the state’s main cultural hotspots. There’s plenty to enjoy in Cleveland, including the music, the museums, and the Polish hot dogs. However, getting the chance to enjoy any of these things is also going to put you at significant risk of being the victim of a crime. 17.1 crimes occur annually in Cleveland per 1,000 people. Meanwhile, there’s a 1 in 58 chance of having a crime committed against you while you’re visiting the city. This equates to just fewer than 2%, which is a slight improvement over previous cities.
Baltimore, Maryland
Like Cleveland, Baltimore may not be a capital city, but it’s an incredibly important city to it’s state. Baltimore is one of the most popular cities in Maryland, and it’s also one of the state’s most dangerous! If you want to brave the risk of a violent encounter to consume one of Baltimore’s signature crab cakes, the more power to you! Just remember that there’s a 1 in 63 chance that you’ll be the victim of a violent crime. 15.6 crimes occur annually in Baltimore per 1,000 people, making for another of America’s most violent cities. The city made a record for homicides in 2022, with 179 murders being committed during the first half of the years. It seems that things are only getting worse and worse here.
Springfield, Missouri
There are many cities across America that go by the name of Springfield. If all of these cities were related, then Missouri’s Springfield would be the dark sheep of the family. Missouri features the most violent Springfield in the nation by far, with 15.6 crimes being committed annually per 1,000 people. There’s a 1 in 64, or just halfway between a 1% and 2%, chance of being the victim of a crime when you’re here. For those that don’t know much about Springfield, Missouri, the city has a few things to offer, including museums and aquariums. Sadly, you’re liable to face theft while visiting.
Rockford, Illinois
Rockford is another of the handful of cities on this list that offer up some staggering natural beauty. Rockford is oftentimes referred to as the “Forest City” due to how much the surrounding forest encroaches on the urban environment. Sadly, this forest doesn’t do much to abate the problem of urban crime. There are 15 crimes committed annually per 1,000 people in Rockford, and there’s a 1 in 66, just over 1%, chance of becoming the victim of one yourself. This is another touristy city with a whole lot of theft.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is one of Missouri’s flagship cities, and it’s another major city that doesn’t always paint it’s state in the best light. For all the history and culture that an be found within it’s boundaries, St. Louis a city with just as much crime. There are 14.9 crimes committed in the city annually per 1,000 people. Tying with the aforementioned Rockford, there’s a 1 in 66 chance of being the victim of one while visiting. St. Louis is a city with a particularly large homeless population, and there are also rampant drug problems. At the end of 2022, St. Louis had the most murder out of any American city, even if it isn’t the most dangerous city overall.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Finally, let’s take a look at Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque isn’t typically thought of as a dangerous city, but it is! There are 13.9 crimes committed in the city per 1,000 people annually, and there’s a 1 in 71 chance of being the victim of one yourself while you’re visiting. This equates to just around 1%. Besides crime, Albuquerque is known for it’s rich heritage and beautiful environment. Tragically, these are liable to be overshadowed completely by crime in time.
The aforementioned cities represent some of the most dangerous cities in America as of 2023. Now it’s time to hear from you: did you know that St. Louis, Missouri, had the highest rate of murder in the country in 2022, and that Baltimore, Maryland, broke it’s own record for murders in the first half of that same year? Comment down below!