Top 10 Cities with the Highest Crime Rates in the U.S. (2024 Data Analysis)

Crime remains a critical issue across the United States, with some cities experiencing significantly higher rates of violent and property crimes than others. Understanding which areas are most affected can help residents, travelers, and policymakers make informed decisions about safety.

In this article, we analyze the top 10 worst cities in America based on the latest FBI crime data and local law enforcement reports. We’ll compare violent crime (homicides, assaults, robberies) and property crime (burglaries, thefts) rates, identify trends, and explore what makes these most high-crime cities in the U.S. so dangerous.

How We Determined the Most Dangerous Cities

Our rankings are based on:

• FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program (latest available data).
• Local police department crime statistics.
• Crime rates per 100,000 residents for accurate comparisons.
• A combination of violent crime and property crime metrics.

(Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, NeighborhoodScout, City Crime Rankings)

The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America (2024)

1. St. Louis, Missouri

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,927 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 5,980 per 100k
• Key Factors: High poverty, urban decay, and gang-related violence.
• Trend: Slight decline but remains the highest murder rate among major U.S. cities.

2. Baltimore, Maryland

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,833 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 4,487 per 100k
• Key Factors: Drug trade, systemic poverty, and police understaffing.
• Notable: One of the highest robbery rates in the nation.

3. Detroit, Michigan

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,759 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 4,460 per 100k
• Key Factors: Economic decline, abandoned buildings, and car thefts.
• Trend: Improving slightly due to revitalization efforts.

4. Memphis, Tennessee

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,736 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 6,725 per 100k
• Key Factors: Gang activity, high poverty, and auto thefts.
• Notable: Highest property crime rate in this list.

5. Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,609 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 6,405 per 100k
• Key Factors: Drug trafficking and homelessness crisis.
• Trend: Rising violent crime over the past 5 years.

6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,597 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 4,923 per 100k
• Key Factors: Segregation, unemployment, and firearm violence.
• Notable: One of the worst cities for carjackings.

7. Cleveland, Ohio

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,557 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 5,632 per 100k
• Key Factors: Industrial decline and poor economic opportunities.
• Trend: Crime rates stabilizing but still dangerously high.

8. Oakland, California

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,482 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 5,220 per 100k
• Key Factors: Gang conflicts and burglary hotspots.
• Notable: Rising homicides despite California’s strict gun laws.

9. Kansas City, Missouri

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,438 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 5,012 per 100k
• Key Factors: Drug-related violence and weak gun control laws.
• Trend: Record-high homicides in recent years.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

• Violent Crime Rate: 1,390 per 100k
• Property Crime Rate: 4,865 per 100k
• Key Factors: Tourist-targeted thefts and post-Katrina recovery struggles.
• Notable: High armed robbery rates in the French Quarter.

Why Are These Cities with the Most Crime So Dangerous?

Common factors among these top 10 worst cities in America include:
✔ Poverty & Unemployment – Lack of economic opportunities fuels crime.
✔ Gang & Drug Activity – Drives violent offenses.
✔ Police Understaffing – Slower response times and lower deterrence.
✔ High Gun Ownership – More firearms lead to deadly altercations.

Safety Tips for High-Crime Cities

If you live in or visit these areas:

• Avoid walking alone at night in high-crime neighborhoods.
• Secure your belongings – car break-ins and thefts are common.
• Stay aware of surroundings – robberies often happen quickly.
• Check local crime maps (SpotCrime) before exploring.

Conclusion

While crime remains a serious issue in these most high-crime cities in the U.S., many are implementing reforms to improve safety. St. Louis, Baltimore, and Detroit consistently rank as the worst cities in America for violent crime, while Memphis leads in property crime.

For the latest crime stats, always refer to FBI Crime Data and local police reports. Stay informed, stay cautious, and take proactive safety measures.