Pius IkeThe most dangerous cities in the world are not only home to the hardest kind of people; a sad irony is that they are also home to the most vulnerable in the larger society. The irony is that these people often do not want to live in cities that are full of hardened criminals; they are just forced to.
Vulnerable people live in dangerous cities because they are usually cheaper to live in; these abandoned cities, or abandoned sections of thriving cities are attractive to the poor because they can find cheap housing, and they can live on less generally.
All the wealthy citizens soon live those areas, and all the police and other law enforcement agencies soon concentrate their efforts on the areas with the wealthy citizens. The following cities are places you don’t want to go.
Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities In The World
1. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Pietermaritzburg tops the global crime index with alarming rates of violent crime, theft, and home invasions. Residents report feeling unsafe even during daylight hours. The city struggles with gang activity, limited police resources, and high unemployment, which fuels criminal behavior. Despite its historical charm and proximity to nature, safety concerns overshadow daily life, making it one of the most dangerous urban areas in the world.
2. Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, faces high levels of violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, and carjacking. While it boasts government buildings and cultural landmarks, many neighborhoods are plagued by gang violence and poor law enforcement. Locals often avoid walking alone, especially at night. The city’s socioeconomic disparities contribute to its rising crime index, making safety a major concern for residents and visitors alike.
3. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby is notorious for its high crime rate, driven by poverty, tribal conflicts, and weak law enforcement. Violent crimes such as armed robbery, sexual assault, and car theft are common. The city’s infrastructure is underdeveloped, and many areas lack basic services. Despite being the capital, Port Moresby remains one of the least safe cities globally, with residents frequently reporting fear and limited trust in police protection.
4. Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas has long been associated with extreme violence, political instability, and economic collapse. The city suffers from rampant gang activity, kidnappings, and drug-related crimes. Police corruption and underfunding exacerbate the problem. While Caracas has cultural and historical significance, its crime index remains among the highest in the world, making daily life perilous for locals and deterring international visitors.
5. Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, faces widespread crime including burglary, assault, and hijacking. Economic inequality and unemployment contribute to high criminal activity. While the city is a financial hub with vibrant culture, many areas are considered unsafe, especially after dark. Security measures like gated communities and private guards are common, reflecting the city’s struggle to ensure public safety.
6. Durban, South Africa
Durban, a coastal city known for its beaches and tourism, is also plagued by violent crime. Armed robberies, muggings, and gang violence are frequent, particularly in urban and township areas. Despite its economic importance and cultural diversity, Durban’s crime index remains high. Residents often rely on private security, and tourists are advised to exercise caution, especially outside well-patrolled zones.
7. San Pedro Sula, Honduras
San Pedro Sula has a long-standing reputation for gang violence, drug trafficking, and extortion. Although homicide rates have declined slightly, the city remains one of the most dangerous in Central America. Local law enforcement struggles to contain organized crime, and many residents live in fear. Economic hardship and limited opportunities further fuel criminal activity, making safety a daily concern.
8. Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Port Elizabeth, now officially Gqeberha, faces high rates of violent crime, including home invasions, armed robbery, and sexual assault. The city’s crime index reflects deep-rooted social challenges, including poverty and unemployment. While it offers scenic coastal views and wildlife attractions, safety concerns dominate public discourse. Many residents report feeling unsafe, and law enforcement is often stretched thin.
9. Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Memphis ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States due to high rates of violent crime, including shootings, aggravated assault, and robbery. Socioeconomic disparities and gang activity contribute to the city’s challenges. Despite its rich musical heritage and cultural landmarks, many neighborhoods experience frequent criminal incidents, prompting calls for stronger policing and community intervention.
10. Salvador, Brazil
Salvador, a historic city with Afro-Brazilian culture and vibrant festivals, struggles with high crime rates. Gang violence, drug trafficking, and theft are prevalent, especially in poorer districts. Tourists are often targeted for petty crimes, and locals face daily safety concerns. Despite its beauty and cultural significance, Salvador’s crime index remains high, reflecting Brazil’s broader urban security challenges.
11. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain faces rising crime linked to gang violence, drug trafficking, and political unrest. Armed robberies and homicides are common, and law enforcement is often criticized for inefficiency. While the city is a cultural and economic hub, safety concerns have grown in recent years. Residents frequently report feeling unsafe, and public trust in policing remains low.
12. Fortaleza, Brazil
Fortaleza, a popular tourist destination, is marred by high crime rates including robbery, assault, and gang violence. The city’s beaches and nightlife attract visitors, but many are advised to stay vigilant. Socioeconomic inequality and drug-related crime contribute to its dangerous reputation. Despite efforts to improve public safety, Fortaleza remains one of Brazil’s most crime-ridden cities.
13. Recife, Brazil
Recife, known for its colonial architecture and coastal beauty, struggles with urban violence and theft. Gang activity and drug trafficking are major issues, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. Tourists and locals alike face risks of mugging and assault. While the city has cultural appeal, its high crime index reflects ongoing challenges in law enforcement and social inequality.
14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, famous for its beaches and Carnival, faces persistent crime issues. Favelas are often controlled by gangs, and violent confrontations with police are common. Tourists are frequently targeted for theft, and locals contend with daily safety concerns. Despite its global appeal, Rio’s crime index remains high, underscoring Brazil’s struggle with urban violence.
15. Guayaquil, Ecuador
Guayaquil has seen a surge in crime due to drug trafficking and gang violence. Armed robberies, extortion, and homicides have increased, making it one of Ecuador’s most dangerous cities. Economic instability and weak law enforcement contribute to the problem. While the city is a commercial hub, safety concerns have grown, prompting calls for stronger security measures.
16. Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Baltimore faces high rates of violent crime, including shootings, drug-related offenses, and robbery. The city’s socioeconomic challenges and strained police-community relations exacerbate safety issues. Despite its historical significance and cultural institutions, many neighborhoods experience frequent criminal activity. Residents often express concern over public safety and demand reforms in policing and community support.
17. Detroit, Michigan, USA
Detroit has long battled crime linked to economic decline and urban decay. While revitalization efforts are underway, violent crime—including assault, robbery, and homicide—remains a concern. The city’s crime index reflects ongoing challenges in law enforcement and social services. Despite improvements in some areas, Detroit continues to rank among the most dangerous U.S. cities.
18. San Salvador, El Salvador
San Salvador is plagued by gang violence, extortion, and drug trafficking. The city’s high crime rate stems from long-standing social and political instability. While recent government crackdowns have reduced some criminal activity, concerns about human rights and policing remain. Residents face daily threats, and many neighborhoods are considered unsafe.
19. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, known for its natural beauty and tourism, faces serious crime issues in certain areas. Gang violence, drug trafficking, and theft are prevalent in townships and urban districts. While tourist zones are relatively safer, locals often report feeling vulnerable. The city’s crime index reflects deep social divides and challenges in law enforcement.
20. Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Albuquerque struggles with rising crime, including property theft, assault, and drug-related offenses. Economic hardship and homelessness contribute to the city’s challenges. While it offers cultural attractions and scenic landscapes, safety concerns persist. Residents frequently call for improved policing and community support to address the root causes of crime.
Here’s a table listing the remaining 80 most dangerous cities in the world based on crime index rankings. These cities follow the top 20 previously described and reflect high levels of violent crime, theft, and public safety concerns.
Cities Ranked 21–100 by Crime Index
| Rank | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Tijuana | Mexico |
| 22 | Cleveland, OH | United States |
| 23 | Acapulco | Mexico |
| 24 | St. Louis, MO | United States |
| 25 | Chihuahua | Mexico |
| 26 | Baltimore, MD | United States |
| 27 | San Juan | Puerto Rico |
| 28 | Philadelphia, PA | United States |
| 29 | Oakland, CA | United States |
| 30 | Chicago, IL | United States |
| 31 | Kingston | Jamaica |
| 32 | Guatemala City | Guatemala |
| 33 | Cali | Colombia |
| 34 | Barquisimeto | Venezuela |
| 35 | Culiacán | Mexico |
| 36 | San Pedro | Belize |
| 37 | San Luis Potosí | Mexico |
| 38 | San Francisco, CA | United States |
| 39 | New Orleans, LA | United States |
| 40 | São Luís | Brazil |
| 41 | Maceió | Brazil |
| 42 | Manaus | Brazil |
| 43 | Belém | Brazil |
| 44 | Natal | Brazil |
| 45 | Cuernavaca | Mexico |
| 46 | Torreón | Mexico |
| 47 | Puebla | Mexico |
| 48 | Monterrey | Mexico |
| 49 | Juárez | Mexico |
| 50 | Caracas | Venezuela |
| 51 | Tegucigalpa | Honduras |
| 52 | Lima | Peru |
| 53 | Santiago de los Caballeros | Dominican Republic |
| 54 | Santo Domingo | Dominican Republic |
| 55 | Bogotá | Colombia |
| 56 | Medellín | Colombia |
| 57 | Barranquilla | Colombia |
| 58 | La Paz | Bolivia |
| 59 | Cochabamba | Bolivia |
| 60 | Asunción | Paraguay |
| 61 | Panama City | Panama |
| 62 | San José | Costa Rica |
| 63 | Managua | Nicaragua |
| 64 | Havana | Cuba |
| 65 | Kingston upon Hull | United Kingdom |
| 66 | Birmingham | United Kingdom |
| 67 | Bradford | United Kingdom |
| 68 | Manchester | United Kingdom |
| 69 | London | United Kingdom |
| 70 | Marseille | France |
| 71 | Naples | Italy |
| 72 | Rome | Italy |
| 73 | Athens | Greece |
| 74 | Istanbul | Turkey |
| 75 | Tbilisi | Georgia |
| 76 | Almaty | Kazakhstan |
| 77 | Bishkek | Kyrgyzstan |
| 78 | Ulaanbaatar | Mongolia |
| 79 | Tehran | Iran |
| 80 | Baghdad | Iraq |
| 81 | Kabul | Afghanistan |
| 82 | Karachi | Pakistan |
| 83 | Lahore | Pakistan |
| 84 | Dhaka | Bangladesh |
| 85 | Delhi | India |
| 86 | Mumbai | India |
| 87 | Bangalore | India |
| 88 | Manila | Philippines |
| 89 | Quezon City | Philippines |
| 90 | Jakarta | Indonesia |
| 91 | Surabaya | Indonesia |
| 92 | Phnom Penh | Cambodia |
| 93 | Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam |
| 94 | Hanoi | Vietnam |
| 95 | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 96 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia |
| 97 | Singapore | Singapore (low crime index) |
| 98 | Sydney | Australia |
| 99 | Melbourne | Australia |
| 100 | Auckland | New Zealand |
Closing
The most dangerous cities in the world are not empty; one could rationally expect people to move away from such troubled hotspots; and in fact people do. However, there is always a population left behind; as some do have anywhere else to go, or anything with which to start a new life elsewhere. Some may stay on, with the hope that the city may find a turn around soon; and that the security situation may improve.
However, the risks increase exponentially for visitors; they are often the target of crime; especially as they are unfamiliar with how criminals behave in those places.