Violent crime rates are increasing, creating continuous challenges for law enforcement and endangering the safety of citizens. In a 2023 poll, 77% of Americans reported they believe there is more crime in the US than a year ago. In the midst of 2025, this opinion persists, influenced by ongoing reports and concerning statistics. But which cities pose the greatest danger?
We’ve collected the latest data from various sources to assemble a list of the most dangerous cities in the US based on crime rates and trends. Join us in exploring this list and the factors contributing to each city’s status as one of the most unsafe places to live or visit in the country.
What Contributes to a City’s Safety?
The presence of violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and aggravated assault largely impacts a city’s safety. Areas with high rates of these offenses pose greater risks to both residents and visitors, resulting in heightened levels of fear and unease.
The frequency and impact of these violent crimes is affected by a variety of factors, including:
- Economies – Cities with higher unemployment and poverty rates, among other economic challenges, will experience more crime as residents may engage in illegal activities out of financial necessity.
- Gang presence – Gang activity leads to increased incidents of shootings, assaults, and homicides within affected neighborhoods, while the recruitment of young people into gangs can contribute to elevated rates of juvenile crime.
- Political climate – Political instability, corruption, and failure to address societal issues can result in tensions and a lack of public trust, increasing the likelihood of individuals resorting to violent crimes.
- State laws – Laws governing firearms, drug policies, and sentencing, whether strict or permissive, directly influence crime rates as they shape the availability of weapons, the prevalence of drug-related activities, and the deterrence of criminal behavior.
- Community engagement – Cities lacking active community involvement may experience challenges in identifying and addressing local safety concerns, potentially allowing criminal activities to persist.
What Are the Most Dangerous Cities in the US?
We analyzed multiple sources to compile a list of the US’s top 10 most dangerous cities, considering crime rates, drug/gun laws, police presence, anti-crime initiatives, and economic issues. Here is our comprehensive list:
1. St. Louis, Missouri
Population – 272,673
Homicide rate – 66 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Juvenile crime
Despite crime rates decreasing in recent years, St. Louis is still ranked as the most dangerous city in the US and the sixth most dangerous city in the world due to high levels of homicide and armed robbery, among other offenses. As a result of the state of Missouri’s laws, no permit or background check is required to carry a concealed gun, making it easier for individuals to access firearms. This accessibility has been linked to the high occurrence of firearm-related homicides throughout the city.
Most notably, juvenile crime rates are growing in St. Louis, and in 2023, the region saw more youth committed to the city’s detention centers than anywhere else in the state. These detention centers have been accused of focusing on the punishment of young offenders rather than their rehabilitation, contributing to high rates of violent reoffences.
2. Memphis, Tennessee
Population – 610,944
Homicide rate – 50.9 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Homicide rates
While homicide rates are declining across the US, Memphis is experiencing an increase, recording nearly 400 homicides in 2023, and projections indicate this number could be exceeded in 2025. Alongside the rising homicide rates, the city’s police department is shrinking and struggling to recruit or retain officers, further exacerbating the situation.
Other crimes, including motor theft, property crime, and robbery, are also threatening the city, and although state officials recognize that the best cause of action is to address root causes such as poverty and education, little action has been taken to tackle these underlying issues. As a result, many community members are left feeling vulnerable, and the cycle of crime continues.
3. Baltimore, Maryland
Population – 556,723
Homicide rate – 46 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Law enforcement distrust
A recent report revealed that in nearly every statistical category across Baltimore City’s 278 neighborhoods, crime has increased by almost 80%, notably in areas such as auto theft, burglaries, and aggravated assaults.
Baltimore has faced continuous challenges in police-community relations, which impact the city’s level of danger. Even after implementing a series of reforms to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) as mandated by the US Department of Justice, incidents of police misconduct and a lack of trust between law enforcement and residents have strained efforts to effectively combat crime throughout the city.
4. Detroit, Michigan
Population – 603,410
Homicide rate – 41 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Gang violence
Police corruption, drug epidemics, and a significant homeless population are major factors contributing to high crime rates in Detroit. The city also experiences severe gang violence, where members engage in activities such as drug trafficking and territorial conflicts, putting a strain on law enforcement resources and making the city feel unsafe for other residents.
However, Detroit has noted a significant drop in homicide rates since 2021, when the city experienced a surge in gun violence. Several law enforcement initiatives and partnerships, including the “One Detroit” partnership and the “ShotStoppers” program, have aided this decline, signaling that collaborative efforts are making a measurable impact on public safety in the city.
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
Population – 203,106
Homicide rate – 39.2 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Gun violence
Little Rock has seen consistently elevated levels of property crime, robberies, and, most concerningly, homicides, reaching a new record in 2021, with 81 killings reported throughout the year.
Following these homicides, the mayor implemented a Crime Reduction Strategy focused on three main areas: policing, programming, and community engagement. However, there was a disproportionate emphasis on policing and programming, with comparatively less focus on community engagement, reducing the effectiveness of this strategy.
Elsewhere across Arkansas, lenient firearm regulations, such as the lack of mandatory background checks for private gun sales, have enabled individuals with criminal histories or mental health issues to obtain guns easily, threatening the safety of residents. Little Rock, among other cities in the state, is experiencing firsthand the consequences of a lack of balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights concerning gun ownership.
6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Population – 550,099
Homicide rate – 37.9 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Firearms
Milwaukee is among the cities with the highest murder, aggravated assault, and robbery rates. While some crimes, such as burglaries and thefts, are declining, violent crime has steadily risen over the past decade, with little sign of slowing down. Notably, homicides have doubled from the two-decade average of 100 per year, reaching a record 214 killings in 2022.
The rising homicide rates have been linked to the surge in gun purchases and tensions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As more individuals are carrying firearms, disputes are increasingly likely to escalate to lethal violence. Firearms are often identified as the primary cause of homicides and nonfatal shootings in the city.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
Population – 356,280
Homicide rate – 41 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Economic conditions
Once labeled as the US’s “murder capital” by NBC News, New Orleans struggles to combat persistent violent crime. Fortunately, in 2024, crime rates have shown a significant decline, dropping by up to 34% compared to previous years, due to ongoing efforts by law enforcement and community initiatives.
Despite these positive trends, New Orleans is still considered dangerous due to its history of high violent crime rates, including homicides, robberies, and assaults. These trends surfaced largely due to the negative impacts of high levels of poverty, inequality, and racial tensions between citizens.
8. Stockton, California
Population – 322,615
Homicide rate – 14.8 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Police staffing
Poverty, unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and social inequality are among the primary factors contributing to Stockton’s high crime rate and perceived danger for residents and visitors. According to the Stockton Police Officers Association, these elevated crime levels are mostly due to an officer shortage, which has resulted in numerous vacancies affecting street patrols and other deterrent measures.
With reduced police presence across the city, there is widespread concern that the increase in violence will continue. However, this perspective has been criticized, as many argue that simply arresting individuals does not resolve underlying problems and fails to address the root causes that impact Stockton’s safety.
9. Kansas City, Missouri
Population – 510,411
Homicide rate – 30.7 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Gun violence
Despite some positive trends, such as a decrease in nonfatal shootings compared to the previous year, Kansas City continues to grapple with escalating homicide rates
and has surpassed its record for the deadliest year, with 182 homicides reported in 2023.
The city’s gun laws are lenient, as Missouri residents can purchase firearms without undergoing background checks, and there are no restrictions on assault weapons. According to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Missouri ranks among the states with the weakest gun laws in the United States.
In February 2023, Missouri’s House voted against a proposal to ban minors from openly carrying firearms in public without adult supervision, with decisions such as this potentially contributing to the prevalence of gun-related violence and homicides in Kansas City.
10. Cleveland, Ohio
Population – 351,397
Homicide rate – 33.7 per 100,000 residents
Biggest challenge – Police staffing
In 2024, Cleveland reported a 43% decrease in homicides compared to the previous year. Mayor Justin Bibb states to have made enhancing public safety a top priority for the city’s future despite proposing to cut 142 police positions to stabilize finances.
This decision follows his campaign promise to increase police presence, yet crime rates, including a rise in car thefts, remain significant concerns. Over the past year, Cleveland has struggled to retain its police force, with 200 officers leaving, marking a 32% reduction over three years and posing challenges to maintaining law enforcement effectiveness at preventing violent crime.
Increase Your Business’s Safety in Dangerous Cities With American Security Force
Local businesses bear the brunt of the negative effects of high crime rates and perceived levels of danger in cities. When surrounding areas experience crime, businesses are vulnerable to robberies, trespassing, property damage, and other criminal activities. Potential customers may also be discouraged from visiting a business if they perceive a risk to their safety, further impacting its operations and sustainability.
If your business faces these challenges, you can benefit from investing in security services such as surveillance cameras, guard patrols, and intrusion detection systems. With these measures implemented by a trusted security provider, you can ensure a sense of safety among your business’s visitors while decreasing the likelihood of crimes occurring on your property.
Get in touch with our team at American Security Force today to find out how you can enhance your business’s safety and ensure a secure environment for your customers and employees, even in dangerous cities.
