Understanding which cities have the highest crime rates helps you make informed decisions about where to live — and how to protect your family wherever you are. Here are the most dangerous cities in America based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data and local crime statistics, updated for 2026.
Note: Crime rates are per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between cities of different sizes. Sources include FBI UCR data, local police department reports, and Bureau of Justice Statistics.
The 15 Most Dangerous Cities in the USA (2026)
1. St. Louis, Missouri
Violent crime rate: ~1,900 per 100K | Population: ~286,000
St. Louis consistently ranks as one of America’s most dangerous cities. The city’s independent status (separate from St. Louis County) concentrates crime statistics. Carjackings, aggravated assault, and homicides remain persistently high, particularly in north St. Louis neighborhoods.
2. Detroit, Michigan
Violent crime rate: ~1,800 per 100K | Population: ~620,000
Despite significant revitalization downtown, Detroit’s violent crime rate remains among the nation’s highest. Property crime is also extreme — Detroit consistently leads in auto theft. However, crime has dropped ~15% over the past decade.
3. Memphis, Tennessee
Violent crime rate: ~1,750 per 100K | Population: ~630,000
Memphis has seen rising violent crime in recent years, with aggravated assault driving much of the increase. The city’s property crime rate is also among the highest nationally, with vehicle theft a particular problem.
4. Baltimore, Maryland
Violent crime rate: ~1,700 per 100K | Population: ~565,000
Baltimore’s homicide rate remains one of the highest in the country. While some neighborhoods are very safe, others face concentrated violence driven by drug markets and gang activity.
5. Little Rock, Arkansas
Violent crime rate: ~1,600 per 100K | Population: ~202,000
Often overlooked in dangerous city rankings, Little Rock has quietly risen in violent crime. Property crime is especially high — residents face a 1 in 14 chance of being a property crime victim annually.
6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Violent crime rate: ~1,500 per 100K | Population: ~563,000
Milwaukee has experienced a sharp rise in carjackings and homicides since 2020. Vehicle theft has more than doubled in recent years, particularly affecting the north side.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
Violent crime rate: ~1,450 per 100K | Population: ~362,000
Cleveland’s violent crime rate is 4x the national average. Aggravated assault and robbery are the primary drivers, though the city has invested heavily in community policing initiatives.
8. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Violent crime rate: ~1,400 per 100K | Population: ~562,000
Albuquerque leads the nation in auto theft per capita and has a significant property crime problem. Violent crime, particularly aggravated assault, has been rising steadily.
9. Stockton, California
Violent crime rate: ~1,350 per 100K | Population: ~320,000
Stockton has improved from its bankruptcy-era peak but remains one of California’s most dangerous cities. Gang-related violence and property crime remain significant challenges.
10. Kansas City, Missouri
Violent crime rate: ~1,300 per 100K | Population: ~508,000
Kansas City has seen homicide rates near record highs in recent years. The metro area’s sprawl and jurisdictional complexity complicate policing efforts.
11. Oakland, California
Violent crime rate: ~1,250 per 100K | Population: ~430,000
Oakland faces persistent issues with robbery, carjacking, and sideshows (illegal street events). Property crime, especially retail theft and vehicle break-ins, has drawn national attention.
12. Birmingham, Alabama
Violent crime rate: ~1,200 per 100K | Population: ~196,000
Birmingham’s small population inflates its per-capita crime rate, but the city faces real challenges with homicide and aggravated assault concentrated in specific neighborhoods.
13. Indianapolis, Indiana
Violent crime rate: ~1,150 per 100K | Population: ~887,000
Indianapolis has seen significant increases in homicides and aggravated assault. As a consolidated city-county, its crime statistics cover a large geographic area with varied safety levels.
14. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Violent crime rate: ~1,100 per 100K | Population: ~225,000
Baton Rouge consistently ranks among the most dangerous mid-sized cities. Homicide rates are disproportionately high for the city’s population size.
15. Newark, New Jersey
Violent crime rate: ~1,050 per 100K | Population: ~305,000
Newark has actually improved significantly — violent crime has dropped over 40% in the past decade thanks to aggressive community policing. However, rates remain well above national averages.
Key Trends in Urban Crime (2026)
- Auto theft surge: Vehicle theft has skyrocketed nationally since 2020, with some cities seeing 200%+ increases
- Carjacking epidemic: Armed carjackings have become a defining crime trend in many cities
- Package theft: Porch piracy affects an estimated 49 million Americans annually
- Retail crime: Organized retail theft has impacted business districts in many cities
- Homicide plateau: After the 2020-2021 spike, homicide rates have stabilized but remain above pre-2020 levels
How to Protect Yourself Regardless of Where You Live
Whether you live in a high-crime city or a safe suburb, basic security measures dramatically reduce your risk:
| Security Layer | What It Does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Security system | Deters burglars (homes without alarms are 300% more likely to be burglarized) | 00-00 + sh-20/mo |
| Security cameras | Identifies criminals, deters package theft | 5-00 per camera |
| Smart locks | Eliminates lock picking/bumping vulnerability | 50-00 |
| Motion lights | Eliminates dark hiding spots around your home | 0-00 |
| Video doorbell | Screens visitors, catches porch pirates | 0-50 |
Best Security Systems for High-Crime Areas
- Abode — Best overall: cellular backup, crash & smash protection, no contract, HomeKit/Alexa/Google compatible. Self-monitoring is free.
- Ring — Best ecosystem: cameras + alarm + Neighbors app for local crime alerts. Ring Protect Plus at 0/mo includes 24/7 monitoring.
- SimpliSafe — Best for renters: no drilling, easy to move, optional Live Guard camera monitoring.
How to Research Crime in Your Area
- FBI Crime Data Explorer: crime-data-explorer.fr.cloud.gov — official federal crime statistics
- SpotCrime: Maps reported crimes near any address
- Ring Neighbors: Community-reported incidents in real-time
- Citizen App: Real-time crime and safety alerts
- City-Data.com: Detailed neighborhood crime breakdowns
- Family Watchdog — Sex offender registry map
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a city dangerous?
Rankings use violent crime rates per 100,000 residents, which include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crime (burglary, theft, auto theft) is tracked separately but also factors into overall safety.
Are these cities entirely unsafe?
No. Every city — even the most dangerous — has safe neighborhoods. Crime is typically concentrated in specific areas. Research neighborhood-level data before making assumptions about an entire city.
Has crime gotten worse since COVID?
Homicides spiked 30% nationally in 2020 and have since partially declined. Property crime patterns shifted (less commercial burglary, more porch piracy and auto theft). Overall, violent crime in 2025-2026 is trending slightly below the 2020-2021 peak but remains above pre-pandemic levels.
Do home security systems actually reduce crime?
Studies show homes with visible security systems are up to 300% less likely to be burglarized. In high-crime areas, a comprehensive system with cameras, sensors, and professional monitoring provides both deterrence and evidence collection. See our buyer’s guide for recommendations.
Related Resources
- 10 Safest Cities in the United States
- Safest Cities to Raise a Family
- How to Start a Neighborhood Watch
- How to Prevent a Home Invasion
- What to Do After a Burglary
- Best DIY Security Systems
Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Angela says
Nice of you to take the time to make a more reader friendly post on this topic. This is helpful to guide us into making more informed choices as to where we plan to visit or live for that matter. Jackson has been getting a bad rap so it’s no shock to me to see it’s name on the list.
Josh says
I went to Atlantic City, NJ last summer and stayed a cheaper hotel near the beach. I can attest to the level of “lower class” individuals and I felt a bit unsafe walking around certain parts at night. It’s surprising because if you walk two blocks the other way it’s more upscale but certain blocks are really run down.
Evan Marshall says
That is crazy. In Camden, NJ you have a 1 and 39 chance of being a victim. I know where I’m not going for a family vacation! I actually think Detriot might be more dangerous however the popular is much larger so it’s weighted average is less. Great statistics, new information that I’m glad I am aware of!
Shelby says
Every place has crime, there’s no way to get away from it. Some places are just worse than others and the news will pick and choose which are more news worthy to report on too. They can make certain places look worse than they are.
Sammie says
Wow, I’m shocked but I’m also not shocked to see my city of Cleveland on the list. I had no idea it was that bad. It’s kind of sad that the communities that have s low cost of living are where the crimes are. It’s hard to move to a better area. Ecuador the cost goes up.
HLee says
Sometimes these so called dangerous cities have lower cost of living that’s why many people move to these places. Not because they want to be exposed to danger, but because they have limited resources and are unable to move to other cities. Even the safest cities have their share of crime. But just the same, those who are looking to move to these cities should have some form of home or personal protection.
Manuel Hoffman says
I agree with you HLee, This is a pretty scary list. No one asks to be a victim of a criminal activity but then it happens. protection is of paramount importance.
Kyle says
Every city experiences crime, but clearly there are places that are just too dangerous to live in. The top 3 comes as no surprise because these cities have always been known for its high crime rate. What’s really alarming is that crime rate continues to rise and it becomes harder to protect homes and properties. This is where you really need a serious home security system.