In 2024, certain cities in the United States have unfortunately earned reputations for high crime rates and other challenges that may make them less desirable destinations. These cities are often cited as some of the worst places to visit in the U.S.
Based on extensive research and data collected from Scouts Crime Data we’ve compiled a list of worst cities to avoid in the U.S. this year. From crime statistics to violent nightmares, these cities present issues that may impact your travel experience or decision to relocate. We have arranged the name of the cities in a descending order in terms of their total crime rates.
St. Louis, Missouri
Crime rate per 1000 residents: 87.10
St. Louis has the highest crime rate in the entire state of Missouri. This includes a high rate of violent crimes like homicides, robberies, and assaults. The city has consistently ranked among the most dangerous cities in the United States due to these crime rates. For example, in 2023, St. Louis had over 200 homicides, contributing to its reputation for violent crime. The city has also struggled with other crimes such as theft and burglary, further adding to its crime statistics.
Oakland, California
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 80.78
The ABC7 News Team published a 2024 report showing that the city of Oakland saw a significant rise in crime rates. It gives proper data about robberies surged by 3%, burglaries increased by 23%, and motor vehicle theft jumped by 44% from last year. Approximately one out of every 30 Oakland residents had their car stolen last year, as per an analysis by the San Francisco Chronicle. This has led to concerns about safety in the city and efforts to address these issues.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 72.08
Little Rock’s crime scene is dominated by violent incidents, especially aggravated assaults, which deeply impact how safe people feel in the area. This 2023 crime data published by LRPD (Little Rock Police Department) shows that violent crime increased in the city by 6% from the last five years. It also presents that, nearly 63 homicides were reported in 2023. Despite being a relatively small city, Little Rock’s crime statistics compare to those of much larger cities.
Detroit, Michigan
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 66.09
With a staggering crime rate, the city of Detroit is one of the most violent cities in the U.S. The city has a total population of 620,376 and crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, are increasing day by day. According to the Detroit Free Press report, the city has recorded over 252 homicides in 2023. The city’s infrastructure is often criticized, leading to congested roads and frequent traffic jams, especially during rush hours.
Kansas City, Missouri
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 63.18
Kansas City has an increasing violent crime rate. The whole crime scene of the city is concerning, with 185 homicides recorded in 2023, marking it as the deadliest year on record. This data shows a steady rise in homicide rates over the last five years, climbing from 151 killings in 2019 to 185 in 2023. Non-fatal shootings have also seen an uptick. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in addressing violent crime and ensuring the safety of its residents.
Cleveland, Ohio
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 59.91
In Cleveland, there are high rates of violent crimes, especially aggravated assaults. These assaults greatly impact the lives of innocent people in the city. To address this issue, the city is taking a comprehensive approach, engaging with the community and implementing effective policing strategies. These efforts aim to tackle the root causes of crime, improve safety, and reduce the victimization of community members.
Birmingham, Alabama
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 59.78
Birmingham is the most violent city in Alabama State and ranks among the highest in the nation across communities of all sizes. The likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime in Birmingham is one in 17, highlighting the city’s challenges in terms of safety. This statistic underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to address crime in Birmingham and enhance public safety for all residents.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 51.06
Milwaukee has a high crime rate in the whole state of Wisconsin. It also has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation, spanning communities of all sizes, from large cities to small towns. The types of violent offenses reported include rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, which includes assault with a deadly weapon.
Baltimore, Maryland
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 48.36
Baltimore is one of the top dangerous cities in the U.S.A. The increasing crime rate is a huge concern for state authorities. It has faced challenges with violent crime, particularly in certain neighborhoods. Additionally, traffic congestion is also a concern in Baltimore, especially during peak travel times. This can add to the challenges of living in or visiting the city, as it can lead to delays and frustrations for commuters.
Atlanta, Georgia
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 47.91
When it comes to violent crimes, such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, Atlanta has faced significant challenges. For example, in 2023, the city experienced a rise in homicides, with the number reaching over 157. Robberies have also been a concern, with many incidents reported in various neighborhoods. Despite efforts to address these issues through community engagement and policing strategies, violent crime rates in Atlanta remain a concern for residents and officials alike.
Stockton, California
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 41.00
Serious offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and assault are quite common in the city of Stockton. Efforts to suppress these crime rares include community policing and crime prevention programs. Despite these efforts, violent crime rates in Stockton remain a concern for residents and authorities. It’s important for anyone living in or visiting Stockton to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.
New York City
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 38.22
The Big Apple City of the US, widely known for its cultural diversity and artistic brilliance also struggles with increasing crime rates. Grand larceny is the most common crime in this big city. It involves stealing valuable items like electronics or jewelry from different neighborhoods. According to the Fox5 New York report of 2024, the city saw a 5% increase in Rape cases and 7% increase in robberies compared to last year. These reports and figures of increasing crime rates in New York City makes it very unsafe and dangerous for citizens.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Crime Rate Per 1000 Residents: 35.41
The city of Las Vegas, popular for entertainment values also has a violent crime rate. This includes various types of crimes, such as theft, assault, and robbery. Property crimes are one of the most common crimes of this bustling city. There has been an 8.86% increase in four major offenses of property crimes– burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny and arson. Registered cases are 5,222 as per Nevada Crime Statistics Report of 2024. This makes the city a “No-Go” for people looking for safety and security.