×

10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US & the 10 Safest


10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US & the 10 Safest


Feeling Safe?

While living in some US cities, you might feel that you need to be careful all the time. Other cities are the exact opposite: they are known for a low crime rate and safe family neighborhoods. With that in mind, here are 20 cities known for being the most dangerous and the safest, respectively. Do you live in any of these cities?

white and blue ford f 150Campbell Jensen on Unsplash

1. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is known for its music history, particularly blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll. Memphis has struggled with high crime rates, especially in some neighborhoods. The city is a cultural hub with attractions like Beale Street and Graceland.

a sunset view of a large pyramid with a ferris wheel in the backgroundJoshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

2. Oakland, California

Oakland is a city in the U.S. state of California. It is a major city in the Bay Area, known for its rich culture, diversity, arts, and history. It has a close-knit community and a strong sense of neighborhood connection; however, its high crime rate leads to its position on most dangerous city lists.

city skyline during night timeCedric Letsch on Unsplash

3. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri, was once a booming river town filled with historic architecture like the Gateway Arch, cultural diversity, and rich musical heritage. While it continues to have great neighborhoods and community pride, St. Louis is regularly one of the most dangerous cities in America. With a high violent crime rate and neighborhoods with shockingly high homicide rates, St. Louis is a major crime hotspot.

the st louis arch is lit up at nightKenny Nguyễn on Unsplash

Advertisement

4. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland, is a city with a rich history, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a thriving harbor. But it also has a high rate of violent crime, particularly in some neighborhoods. In addition to this, Baltimore is also a city of strong communities, unique charm, and historical significance.

city skyline during night timeIrina Sitnikova on Unsplash

5. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, Michigan, is a city with a rich history as the center of the American automotive industry and a hotbed of musical innovation. It has, however, had a high crime rate. Despite this, Detroit is slowly making a comeback with many active neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and a resilient local spirit.

aerial photography of brown and beige buildingsAlex Brisbey on Unsplash

6. Alexandria, Louisiana

Alexandria, Louisiana, is a small city located along the Red River, serving as a regional center for culture and economics. Despite safety concerns, the city has much to offer with local attractions, historic areas, and a tight-knit community.

city skyline across body of water under cloudy sky during daytimeTomas Martinez on Unsplash

7. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio, is an industrial city that's home to cultural institutions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It has high crime rates, with some neighborhoods experiencing high violent crime. This has made Cleveland one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. However, the city also has strong communities, diverse cultural offerings, and a spirit of resilience.

city skyline across body of water during daytimeDJ Johnson on Unsplash

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, is a dynamic city known for its music, cuisine, and festivals, such as Mardi Gras. Despite the crime, New Orleans remains a cultural hub with a resilient community, historic architecture, and a vibrant spirit that attracts visitors worldwide.

a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildingsKristina Volgenau on Unsplash

9. Monroe, Louisiana

Monroe, Louisiana, is a small city located along the Ouachita River. The city is known for its local culture and regional history. Monroe has relatively high rates of crime, especially property and violent crime, making it one of the more dangerous cities in the United States.

File:Monroe, Louisiana skyline in 2021.pngTheLionHasSeen on Wikimedia

Advertisement

10. Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo, Colorado, is a city with a history of steel production and a sense of local culture and community. It has higher-than-average crime rates, especially for property and violent crimes, making it one of the more dangerous U.S. cities. Despite this, Pueblo has historic architecture, scenic views along the Arkansas River, and a resilient population focused on preserving the city's character.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the most dangerous cities in the US, here are 10 of the safest.

File:Glimpse of downtown Pueblo, CO IMG 5119.JPGBilly Hathorn on Wikimedia

1. South Burlington, Vermont

South Burlington, Vermont, is a picturesque city known for its stunning scenery, friendly neighborhoods, and high quality of life. South Burlington is a popular destination for both residents and tourists alike. The city consistently ranks as one of the safest in the United States, with very low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety.

aerial view of city during daytimeJason Ng on Unsplash

2. Casper, Wyoming

Casper, Wyoming, is a thriving city located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities and has a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to parks and natural attractions and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

File:Casperskyline.jpgAdbay Original uploader was Adbay at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia

3. Warwick, Rhode Island

Warwick, Rhode Island, is a coastal city known for its historic neighborhoods, scenic waterfront, and strong sense of community. It is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the country, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety and community well-being. Residents of Warwick enjoy access to beautiful beaches, parks, and local amenities, making it a great place to live for families and individuals who value safety and a high quality of life.

File:Warwick City Hall.jpgMarcbela on Wikimedia

4. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont, is a city located on the shores of Lake Champlain, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and outdoor recreation. It is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States, with low crime rates and a strong focus on community safety initiatives.

File:Burlington, Vermont.jpgJared and Corin on Wikimedia

5. Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho, is a dynamic city located along the Boise River. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant community spirit. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to parks, trails, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

city skyline under blue sky during daytimeAttorney Sluice on Unsplash

Advertisement

6. Yonkers, New York

Yonkers, New York, is a bustling city north of New York City that offers residents historic architecture, riverside parks, and diverse communities. Known as one of the safest cities in the United States, Yonkers also has low crime rates and community-focused policing. With a high quality of life, access to cultural and recreational amenities, and a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, Yonkers has much to offer residents.

a building with a garden in front of itFatu Sakanoko on Unsplash

7. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids is a friendly and family-oriented city with a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and a strong sense of community. Cedar Rapids residents have access to a variety of parks, cultural attractions, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

File:Cedar Rapids skyline.jpgIowahwyman on Wikimedia

8. Columbia, Maryland

Columbia, Maryland, is a planned community designed with abundant green spaces, top-rated schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. It ranks among the safest cities in the U.S., with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on community well-being. Residents have access to parks, walking trails, and cultural amenities, fostering a secure and high-quality living environment.

File:Tower in Uptown, Saanich, British Columbia, Canada 05.jpgMichal Klajban on Wikimedia

9. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, is a scenic coastal city in the Northeast with a historic Old Port district, arts and cultural scene, and picturesque waterfront. The city is consistently ranked as one of the safest in the United States, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on community safety.

aerial photo of high rise buildingsÜmit Aslan on Unsplash

10. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a coastal city in the United States known for its sandy beaches, boardwalk, and family-friendly attractions. Virginia Beach is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States, with low crime rates and a strong community policing program. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with plentiful recreational opportunities and a safe, welcoming environment for families and visitors.

seashore skyline sceneryDaniel Halseth on Unsplash