15 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.
#15 Washington, D.C.
Like most cities that deal with higher than normal crime rates in the U.S., Washington, D.C. associates most of their crime happenings with areas of high poverty, drug abuse, and gang affiliation. However, what was once known as the “murder capital” of the U.S., has seen their level of violence begin to decline drastically with murder rates lower than ever before.
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15:
Washington, D.C.
Like most cities that deal with higher than normal crime rates in the U.S., Washington, D.C. associates most of their crime happenings with areas of high poverty, drug abuse, and gang affiliation. However, what was once known as the “murder capital” of the U.S., has seen their level of violence begin to decline drastically with murder rates lower than ever before.
14:
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
It may considered a major tourist destination, but underneath it all? Myrtle Beach also makes it onto the list of dangerous cities by a landslide. Although crimes in the city have decreased dramatically since it’s peak nearly five years ago. Today, their biggest problem lies between vandalism and theft.
13:
Stockton, California
Among having one of the highest unemployment rates among large cities to date, Stockton – home to almost 300,000 people - is also well known for their share of violent crimes.
12:
Memphis, Tennessee
Another city that’s experienced a serious reduction in crimes is found in the southwestern corner of the U.S. and dubbed as the largest city in the state of Memphis. With one of the highest numbers in assault cases this year, Tennessee’s back on the map.
11:
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
To this day, PB is considered among one of the most dangerous metropolitan areas in the U.S. It also takes the title as being amongst the top ten most impoverished cities in America.
10:
Cleveland, Ohio
Although their crime rates are significantly lower than other large urban areas, just this year alone there have been repeated reports of crime including robbery, theft and assault.
9:
New Haven, Connecticut
Being the second largest city in the state of Connecticut, it’s no surprise that violent crime levels vary dramatically between New Haven's neighborhoods. With some areas having crime rates level to the state of Connecticut’s average, and others having extremely high rates of crime, New Haven is definitely inching its way up the list.
8:
Nashville, Tennessee
Notoriously known for their many shootings and armed robberies, Nashville has also came up on the map with an increasing number of assaults as well. The added stereotype of racism in the area certainly hasn’t helped the city’s reputation making it all the more unattractive for visitors.
7:
Oakland, California
For many Oaklanders, it’s hard to believe that violent crimes have decreased a mere 27% since 2010. However, violent crimes in general such as homicides are steadily increasing from year to year.
6:
Baltimore, Maryland
Although Baltimore has managed to decrease its violent crime rate slightly since 2010, this independent city has remained with the sixth-highest homicide rate of any U.S. city with a population above 100,000.
5:
Atlanta, Georgia
Being the largest city in the state of Georgia, Atlanta is also known for having one of the nation’s highest rates of violent and property crimes in the U.S.
4:
St. Louis, Missouri
With the nation’s fourth highest murder rate and an aggravated assault rate at third highest in the nation, violent crimes have dramatically taken a toll on not only the city’s residents but also the city itself.
3:
Birmingham, Alabama
Ranking among the top five cities in the U.S. for not only burglary and property crimes, Birmingham also shows an outstanding number of teens being charged with violent crimes as well. It’s safe to say that local law enforcements have their hands full.
2:
Detroit, Michigan
With a whopping number of murders just last year peaking over 300 and a poverty rate of 32.3%, Detroit has remained at large with issues in both violent and nonviolent crimes. Must be hard being declared as one of the poorest cities in the U.S.
1:
Flint, Michigan
Flint takes the #1 spot of the most violent cities with populations of over 100,000 people. With a reported 2,237 violent crimes just last year (i.e., murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults), the city also saw a jaw-dropping increase in non-violent crimes (i.e., burglaries, larcenies, auto thefts, arson fires, and other property crimes).
