When it comes to public safety, knowledge is your first line of defense. At Dragon Eye Security, we believe that understanding the landscape of risk is crucial for personal and community safety. Many Americans search for the “list of most dangerous cities in the US” to make informed decisions about travel, relocation, or simply to be more aware.
This article delves into the data to answer pressing questions like “what is the most dangerous city in the US?” and “which cities have the highest crime rate?” We’ve analyzed the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data and other reliable sources to bring you a clear overview of the top dangerous cities in the US, focusing on violent and property crime rates per 100,000 people.
Understanding the Data: Violent Crime VS Property Crime
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand what the numbers mean. Crime rates are typically measured per 100,000 residents to allow for fair comparison between cities of different sizes.
- Violent Crime Rate: This includes offenses of murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. These are the crimes that most directly impact our sense of personal safety.
- Property Crime Rate: This encompasses burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. While less personal, these crimes are often far more common and can devastate a family’s security and financial well-being.
A city can have a high ranking due to a combination of both violent and property crime, or an extreme rate in one category. Now, let’s explore the most dangerous places in the United States.
The List of 25 Most Dangerous Cities in America
Here is Dragon Eye Security’s breakdown of the top 25 most dangerous cities in America, based on cumulative crime data.
1. St. Louis, Missouri
Often cited as the most dangerous city in the US, St. Louis consistently has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation at 1,927 per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR, 2023) nearly 5x the national average. Its murder rate, at 87 per 100,000, makes it the deadliest major city in America. Its murder rate is particularly alarming, making it a focal point for discussions on urban crime.
2. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore struggles with pervasive violent crime, including a high number of robberies and aggravated assaults. The city’s crime statistics place it firmly among the deadliest cities in America.
3. Detroit, Michigan
While Detroit has seen revitalization in certain areas, it still grapples with a high rate of both violent and property crime. It remains one of the toughest cities in America in terms of public safety.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis ranks high due to:
- Aggravated assaults (well above the national average)
- Robberies and shootings concentrated in urban hotspots
- High property crime rate adding to overall risk”
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock’s violent crime rate is a major concern, often driven by a high incidence of assaults. This places it high among the most dangerous US cities.
6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee faces significant challenges with both violent crime and property crime. Its rates for robbery and motor vehicle theft are notably high.
7. Rockford, Illinois
Despite its size, Rockford has a violent crime rate that rivals much larger metropolitan areas, making it one of the unsafest cities in the US.
8. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland deals with high rates of both violent and property crime. The city’s police department continuously works to address these high crime rates.
9. Stockton, California
In California, Stockton is often considered one of the worst cities in America for crime. It has a high violent crime rate, particularly in the categories of assault and robbery.
10. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque’s property crime rate is among the highest in the country, with a significant problem with burglary and larceny, alongside a substantial violent crime rate.
11. Kansas City, Missouri
Alongside its neighbor St. Louis, Kansas City struggles with a high murder rate and overall violent crime, securing its spot on this list.
12. Oakland, California
While parts of the Bay Area are prosperous, Oakland contends with persistent violent crime, including robberies and assaults.
13. Springfield, Missouri
Springfield’s crime data shows a high rate of both property and violent crime, surprising for a city of its stature.
14. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage stands out with a very high rate of aggravated assault and sexual assault, contributing to its elevated violent crime statistics.
15. Nashville, Tennessee
Despite its booming tourism, Nashville has a property crime rate that is significantly above average, alongside a growing violent crime problem.
16. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa reports high rates for both violent and property crime, with larceny and burglary being particularly common.
17. Wichita, Kansas
Wichita’s crime rates outpace the national average, with a notable number of violent crimes and property crimes per 100,000 people.
18. New Orleans, Louisiana
Known for its vibrant culture, New Orleans also has a long-standing reputation for violent crime, especially in certain neighborhoods.
19. Atlanta, Georgia
Many people ask, “Is Atlanta unsafe?” The data shows that while the metropolitan area is vast, the city proper has a violent crime rate that is well above the national average.
20. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis has a high violent crime rate, with a concerning number of homicides and aggravated assaults reported annually.
21. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Philadelphia’s sheer volume of crime, including a high murder rate, lands it on this list.
22. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo faces challenges with both property and violent crime, with a rate that outpaces the state average.
23. Sacramento, California
California’s capital has a property crime rate that is a major driver of its overall high crime statistics.
24. Chicago, Illinois
While crime is often concentrated in specific areas, Chicago’s total number of violent crimes, particularly shootings, makes it one of the most dangerous cities in the United States by volume.
25. Louisville, Kentucky
Rounding out the list is Louisville, which has a violent crime rate that is significantly higher than the national average.
Key Takeaways and Safety Insights from Dragon Eye Security
This list of the top 25 most dangerous cities in America is not meant to inspire fear, but to promote awareness. It’s crucial to remember that crime is often hyper-local. Even within these cities, there are safe neighborhoods and communities.
- Context Matters: A high crime rate does not mean every street is unsafe. Law enforcement agencies often concentrate resources in specific hotspots.
- Property Crime is Pervasive: Many of these cities have exceptionally high property crime rates. Simple steps like locking doors and cars, using security systems, and being aware of your surroundings can dramatically reduce your risk.
- Data is a Tool: This crime data is a tool for citizens, policymakers, and security professionals to identify problems and work on solutions.
How Dragon Eye Security Can Help You Stay Safe
Whether you live in one of these high crime area locations or are just planning a visit, proactive security is essential. Dragon Eye Security is dedicated to providing the tools and expertise you need to protect what matters most.
- Home Security Systems: Deter burglars and protect your family with our state-of-the-art monitored security systems.
- Community Awareness: We help communities band together to create safer environments through shared vigilance and technology.
- Personal Safety Consulting: Get data-driven advice on how to navigate urban environments safely.
Don’t become a statistic. In a landscape of high crime rate cities, taking control of your personal and property safety is the most powerful step you can take.
Protect your world with the vigilance of a dragon. Contact Dragon Eye Security today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What city has the highest crime rate in the US in 2025?
St. Louis, Missouri, currently ranks as the most dangerous city, with the highest violent crime rate per 100,000 residents.
Is Atlanta, Georgia safe to visit?
While Atlanta’s suburbs are generally safe, the city center reports a violent crime rate well above the national average.
Which crime is most common in US cities?
Property crimes such as burglary and car theft occur far more frequently than violent crimes.
