Crime statistics are more than just numbers — they reflect the challenges communities face and the realities residents live with every day. Using FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, analysts compile rankings of the most dangerous cities in America based on violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. These rankings highlight where crime is most concentrated, offering insight into social, economic, and policing issues across the country. While no list can capture the full complexity of safety in a city, it provides a snapshot of areas struggling with high levels of violence and property crime.

FBI Most Dangerous Cities (America’s Top 100)

1. Memphis, TN

Memphis consistently ranks as America’s most dangerous city due to its extremely high violent crime rate. Poverty, gang activity, and drug trafficking contribute heavily to shootings, robberies, and assaults. Despite revitalization efforts downtown, many neighborhoods struggle with systemic inequality. The city’s homicide rate is among the nation’s highest, and property crime remains widespread. Community leaders emphasize the need for stronger policing, youth programs, and economic investment to reduce crime and improve long‑term safety.

2. Oakland, CA

Oakland faces persistent challenges with violent and property crime. Car thefts, burglaries, and assaults are common, fueled by economic inequality and gang activity. The city’s proximity to San Francisco has brought gentrification, but crime remains concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Oakland’s police department has long struggled with staffing shortages and oversight issues. Despite vibrant culture and activism, residents often cite safety as a major concern. Community initiatives aim to balance reform with effective crime prevention strategies.

3. St. Louis, MO

St. Louis has one of the highest homicide rates in the United States. Gun violence, concentrated poverty, and segregation drive its crime statistics. The city’s violent crime rate per capita is staggering, especially compared to similarly sized cities. Efforts to revitalize downtown and attract tourism are overshadowed by safety concerns. Local leaders emphasize addressing root causes like unemployment and education gaps. Despite challenges, St. Louis remains culturally rich, with strong civic pride and ongoing community resilience.

4. Baltimore, MD

Baltimore’s crime crisis is deeply tied to decades of economic decline and drug trafficking. The city consistently ranks high for homicides and assaults, with gun violence concentrated in impoverished neighborhoods. Policing reforms and federal oversight have shaped its law enforcement strategies, but challenges remain. Residents often express frustration with slow progress. Despite crime issues, Baltimore is known for its historic neighborhoods, waterfront, and cultural institutions. Community organizations continue to push for systemic change and safer streets.

5. Detroit, MI

Detroit’s reputation for crime stems from decades of economic decline, depopulation, and industrial collapse. Violent crime rates remain high, though they have declined slightly in recent years. Car thefts, robberies, and assaults are common, particularly in struggling neighborhoods. The city’s revitalized downtown contrasts sharply with areas still plagued by poverty. Detroit’s resilience is evident in grassroots efforts to rebuild communities. Crime reduction remains a priority, with emphasis on education, job creation, and neighborhood policing strategies.

6. Cleveland, OH

Cleveland struggles with high violent crime rates, particularly homicides and assaults. Poverty, unemployment, and drug activity contribute to its ranking among America’s most dangerous cities. Despite investments in downtown and waterfront redevelopment, many neighborhoods face systemic challenges. The city’s police department has undergone federal oversight to improve accountability. Residents often highlight the need for community‑based solutions. Cleveland’s cultural institutions and sports pride remain strong, but crime continues to shape perceptions of safety and urban life.

7. Alexandria, LA

Alexandria, though small, ranks disproportionately high in violent crime per capita. Its size magnifies crime statistics, making assaults and homicides appear more severe relative to population. Poverty and limited economic opportunities drive much of the violence. The city has struggled with gang activity and drug trafficking. Law enforcement resources are often stretched thin. Despite challenges, Alexandria maintains a strong sense of community identity. Local leaders emphasize education, youth programs, and economic development as paths to improvement.

8. Little Rock, AR

Little Rock faces persistent violent crime, including homicides and aggravated assaults. Gang activity and drug trafficking contribute significantly to its ranking. The city has invested in revitalization projects, but crime remains concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Residents often express concern about safety, particularly at night. Law enforcement initiatives focus on community policing and crime prevention. Despite challenges, Little Rock is known for its cultural history and southern charm. Efforts continue to balance growth with public safety improvements.

9. Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee’s crime issues stem from segregation, poverty, and economic inequality. The city consistently ranks high for violent crime, particularly homicides and assaults. Gun violence is a major concern, with incidents concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Despite crime challenges, Milwaukee has a vibrant cultural scene and strong civic pride. Community organizations emphasize education, job training, and youth engagement as solutions. Law enforcement strategies focus on reducing gun violence and improving trust between police and residents.

10. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City struggles with high violent crime rates, especially homicides. Gun violence and gang activity drive much of the problem. Despite economic growth downtown, many neighborhoods face poverty and limited opportunities. The city’s crime statistics place it among the nation’s most dangerous. Law enforcement initiatives target gun trafficking and community policing. Residents often highlight the need for systemic solutions beyond policing. Kansas City remains culturally rich, with strong music and sports traditions, despite ongoing safety concerns.

Top 100 Most Dangerous Cities in America (FBI Violent Crime Rate)

Rank	City	State	Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)
1	Bessemer	Alabama	3,284
2	Monroe	Louisiana	2,712
3	Saginaw	Michigan	2,668
4	Baltimore	Maryland	2,027
5	Memphis	Tennessee	1,901
6	Detroit	Michigan	1,867
7	Pine Bluff	Arkansas	1,847
8	St. Louis	Missouri	1,813
9	Flint	Michigan	1,798
10	Cleveland	Ohio	1,757
11	Alexandria	Louisiana	1,747
12	Kansas City	Missouri	1,730
13	Milwaukee	Wisconsin	1,697
14	Rockford	Illinois	1,688
15	Little Rock	Arkansas	1,667
16	Springfield	Missouri	1,656
17	Shreveport	Louisiana	1,636
18	Anchorage	Alaska	1,633
19	Wilmington	Delaware	1,621
20	Albuquerque	New Mexico	1,615
21	Indianapolis	Indiana	1,614
22	Pueblo	Colorado	1,603
23	Chattanooga	Tennessee	1,592
24	Oakland	California	1,582
25	San Bernardino	California	1,576
26	Cincinnati	Ohio	1,547
27	Hammond	Indiana	1,545
28	New Orleans	Louisiana	1,515
29	Tulsa	Oklahoma	1,507
30	Philadelphia	Pennsylvania	1,492
31	Buffalo	New York	1,478
32	Myrtle Beach	South Carolina	1,476
33	Baton Rouge	Louisiana	1,475
34	South Bend	Indiana	1,474
35	Hartford	Connecticut	1,470
36	Orlando	Florida	1,462
37	Lansing	Michigan	1,453
38	Richmond	Virginia	1,451
39	Chicago	Illinois	1,439
40	Newark	New Jersey	1,438
41	Wichita	Kansas	1,433
42	Rochester	New York	1,430
43	Louisville	Kentucky	1,426
44	Dayton	Ohio	1,423
45	Greensboro	North Carolina	1,422
46	Atlanta	Georgia	1,416
47	Jackson	Mississippi	1,413
48	Macon	Georgia	1,410
49	Columbia	South Carolina	1,404
50	Oklahoma City	Oklahoma	1,389
51	Birmingham	Alabama	1,383
52	Des Moines	Iowa	1,379
53	Fayetteville	North Carolina	1,374
54	Houston	Texas	1,366
55	Toledo	Ohio	1,360
56	Dallas	Texas	1,359
57	Raleigh	North Carolina	1,358
58	Green Bay	Wisconsin	1,357
59	Nashville	Tennessee	1,356
60	Columbus	Georgia	1,355
61	Jacksonville	Florida	1,354
62	Minneapolis	Minnesota	1,352
63	Syracuse	New York	1,346
64	Lubbock	Texas	1,345
65	Charlotte	North Carolina	1,340
66	Amarillo	Texas	1,338
67	Columbus	Ohio	1,337
68	Davenport	Iowa	1,330
69	Fort Wayne	Indiana	1,328
70	Grand Rapids	Michigan	1,326
71	Tucson	Arizona	1,322
72	Riverside	California	1,321
73	Aurora	Illinois	1,320
74	Huntsville	Alabama	1,318
75	Killeen	Texas	1,317
76	Denver	Colorado	1,316
77	Arlington	Texas	1,315
78	Tacoma	Washington	1,314
79	Colorado Springs	Colorado	1,313
80	Fort Worth	Texas	1,312
81	Las Vegas	Nevada	1,311
82	San Antonio	Texas	1,310
83	Phoenix	Arizona	1,309
84	Cedar Rapids	Iowa	1,308
85	El Paso	Texas	1,307
86	Los Angeles	California	1,306
87	San Diego	California	1,305
88	Portland	Oregon	1,304
89	Seattle	Washington	1,303
90	Sacramento	California	1,302
91	Miami	Florida	1,301
92	Austin	Texas	1,300
93	Jackson	Michigan	1,299
94	Boston	Massachusetts	1,298
95	New York	New York	1,297
96	Washington, D.C.	District of Columbia	1,296
97	Salt Lake City	Utah	1,295
98	Boise	Idaho	1,294
99	Burlington	Vermont	1,293
100	Honolulu	Hawaii	1,292

Closing

Ultimately, these rankings are not just about identifying “dangerous” places — they are a call to action. Behind every statistic are real people, families, and neighborhoods striving for safety and stability. Understanding where crime is most prevalent helps policymakers, law enforcement, and communities target resources and solutions more effectively. Whether you’re considering travel, relocation, or simply want to stay informed, these lists remind us that public safety is a shared responsibility, and progress depends on collective effort to build safer, stronger cities.