17 Most Dangerous Cities in America You Should Know About for 2024

Alright, people, buckle up. We’re covering a list that’s a bit more somber but important to be aware of. We’re talking about the most dangerous cities in America for 2024.

If you’re planning a trip or even a move, you might want to keep these places in mind. Let’s get into it.

17. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix experiences a violent crime rate of 8.23 per 1,000 residents, mainly from aggravated assaults. It’s a growing city with a lot to offer, but crime rates are worth noting.

Murder Rate

• There has been a significant decline in homicides in Phoenix to start 2024. According to AH Datalytics reported by ABC15, Phoenix has seen a sharp decrease in murder rates compared to previous years.

Crime Reduction Plan

• The Phoenix Police Department released a Crime Reduction Plan for 2024, targeting violent criminals and aiming to reduce homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults.

Police Shootings

• There have been 15 fatal police shootings in Maricopa County so far in 2024, as per AZCentral.

16. New York, New York

New York, the city that never sleeps, has a moderate violent crime rate of 8.18 per 1,000 people. Grand larceny is the most common crime. It’s iconic, but it pays to stay cautious.

In the past several months, NYC.gov provided some encouraging stats regarding the crime rate. Here’s the summary for the first quarter of this year:

• Overall Crime Trend: Crime in New York City is generally on a downward trend in 2024, with notable reductions in major crime categories, including shootings and homicides.
• Major Crimes: From January 1, 2024, to April 28, 2024, the NYPD reported approximately 37,800 major crimes, encompassing murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto.
• Citywide Crime Reductions: February 2024 saw significant crime reductions in the nation’s largest subway system, with sustained drops in shootings, homicides, and overall crime citywide.

The city’s subway system has seen substantial reductions in crime, contributing to the overall decline in crime rates.

15. Stockton, California

Stockton faces a violent crime rate of 11.79 per 1,000 residents, with aggravated assaults being predominant. It’s a city with a lot of potential, but crime rates tell a different story.

Homicide Data

• Stockton has experienced a significant number of homicides in 2024. As of May, the number of homicides had already reached nearly half of the previous year’s total, according to FOX40.

Violent Crime

San Joaquin County, where Stockton is located, has the highest rate of violent crime in California. Over the past ten years, there have been 56,177 violent crimes, including 617 homicides as per CBS News report.

The murder rate in Stockton per 100,000 people is significantly higher than both the state and national averages.

14. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s violent crime rate is 8.64 per 1,000 people, with aggravated assaults being the primary concern. It’s a bustling city with plenty to offer, just keep safety in mind.

Violent Crime Decline

• Violent crimes, including murders, fell in 2023, a trend that continued into early 2024.
• Early 2024 data show a further decline in gun violence by 13.1% compared to 2023 and 16.4% since 2021, as per Americanprogress.

Neighborhood Improvements

Most Atlanta neighborhoods have reported a decrease in violent crime according to data that has been brought in report by Atlantanewsfirst.

Despite the decrease in violent crimes, car thefts have skyrocketed, indicating a shift in crime patterns.

13. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore has a violent crime rate of 15.55 per 1,000 residents. Aggravated assaults are especially prevalent. The city has its charm, but the crime rates are definitely something to be aware of.

Homicides and Shootings

The Baltimore Sun maintains a database of homicides from 2007 to 2024, here are some detailed stats.

• In April 2024, Baltimore City recorded 11 homicides and 41 non-fatal shootings.
• In March 2024, there were 16 homicides and 31 non-fatal shootings.

General Crime Trends

• Specific reductions include carjackings (down 12%), commercial robberies (down 11%), aggravated assault (down 13%), arson (down 20%), and larceny (down 6%).

From January through April 2024, all violent crime is down by 9%.

12. Orlando, Florida

Orlando might be famous for theme parks, but it also has a higher-than-average crime rate, especially property crimes like burglary and motor vehicle theft. Keep your valuables close and stay alert.

General Crime Rates

Based on the statistics from Bestplaces:

• Violent Crime Rate: Orlando has a violent crime rate of 44.1 compared to the national average of 22.7.
• Property Crime Rate: The property crime rate is 81, significantly higher than the national average of 35.4.

Recent Trends

• According to Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, violent crime in the city has seen a significant decrease in 2024.

Detailed Statistics

Opendatanetwork provided some interesting statistics:

• Burglary: 1,310 incidents per 100,000 people
• Larceny: 3,464 incidents per 100,000 people
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 446 incidents per 100,000 people
• Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter: 30 incidents per 100,000 people

Crime Rate by Type

• Orlando’s violent crime rate is approximately 1 in 121 people.
• The property crime rate is about 1 in 25 people, as per Neighborhoodscout.

11. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee’s violent crime rate is 15.18 per 1,000 people. Aggravated assaults are the main issue. It’s a city known for its brewing history, but the crime rate might leave a bitter taste.

Homicides

• Homicides in Milwaukee have decreased significantly. The number of homicides in the first quarter of 2024 was 23, a 39% reduction compared to the same period in 2023, which had 38 homicides, judging by the reports from Spectrumnews1.

Violent Crime

• Violent crimes in general have seen a reduction. This positive trend was highlighted by city officials who noted a continued decrease in major crime categories.

There have been 64 homicides in 2024, which is 36 fewer than last year at this time.

10. Houston, Texas

Houston, we have a problem: a violent crime rate of 11.35 per 1,000 residents. Aggravated assaults dominate the crime scene. It’s a sprawling city with much to explore, but safety first. Homicides and Violent Crimes

• Homicides: Houston reported 61 homicides in the first three months of 2024, down from 81 in the same period in 2023. This represents a 24.7% drop in homicides, as per Axios.
• Overall Violent Crime: There has been a significant decrease in violent crimes, including a reduction in rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

General Trends

• Hoodline reports that the downward trend in violent crime in Houston is part of a broader decline in major U.S. cities.
• The decrease in crime rates marks a five-year low for the city.

9. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham’s violent crime rate is 16.94 per 1,000 people. Aggravated assaults are a big problem here. It’s a city with deep history and southern charm, mixed with a hefty dose of caution.

Birmingham Homicides

• As of 2024, the Birmingham Police Department has acknowledged 63 chargeable homicides. Suspects have been identified in 34 cases, with 30 arrests made, according to Bhamwiki.

Crime Rankings and Statistics

• Birmingham has been reported as the most dangerous city in national rankings, according to a report released in March 2024.

Part I Offenses

• Detailed statistics for Part I offenses (including murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson) are shown by the Birmingham Police Department.

8. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland rocks, but it also has a violent crime rate of 16.27 per 1,000 residents. Aggravated assaults are the most common crime. The city has a lot to offer, just keep an eye out.

General Crime Trends

Cleveland police data has been encouraging recently:

• Decrease in Overall Crime: Cleveland has seen a significant drop in crime rates through the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year.
• Homicides: Homicides in Cleveland are down 43% in 2024 compared to the same period last year. This is part of a broader downward trend in homicides.
• Youth Violence: Despite the overall decrease, there has been an increase in youth violence.

Specific Crime Statistics

• Homicides: As of early 2024, homicides have decreased by more than 46% from the same time last year.
• Burglaries: Burglaries have dropped by more than 18% from March 19, 2023, to May 10, 2024.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, known for its vibrant culture and jazz, has a violent crime rate of 14.46 per 1,000 people.  Aggravated assaults are a significant issue. However, since early 2024, the decrease in violent crime has been notable. Enjoy the music, but stay vigilant.

Homicide Rates

• The number of murders in New Orleans has dropped significantly. Asher projects around 150 to 160 murders for 2024, compared to 193 in 2023 and 266 in 2022, Nopdnews reprots.
• As of early 2024, there was a 34% decrease in murders compared to the same period in 2023 (29 murders in 2024 vs. 44 in 2023).

General Violent Crime

• According to NOLA, violent crime, including murder, rape, armed robbery, and shootings, has been on the decline.
• The NOPD Homicide Unit has a clearance and solve rate of 72%.

6. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City’s violent crime rate stands at 14.83 per 1,000 residents. Aggravated assaults are prevalent. The city’s barbecue is world-famous, but the crime rate? Not so appetizing.

Homicide Statistics

• According to reports from Kansascity.com, as of 2024, the Kansas City metro area has recorded 94 homicides.

State Funding for Crime Prevention

• Nearly $300,000 has been granted from the state of Missouri to help combat violent crime in Kansas City.

Homicide Tracker

• KMBC maintains a homicide tracker for Kansas City, Missouri. They report that 837 murders have occurred in the past five years.

5. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, the Motor City, has a violent crime rate of 20.59 per 1,000 people. Aggravated assaults and robberies are common. Detroit’s revival is ongoing, but crime rates still cast a long shadow. However, it’s not all grim.

Promising Trends for 2024

• According to Americanprogress, early data for 2024 suggests another historic decline in gun violence, with U.S. gun homicides down 13.1% since 2023.

City Leadership’s Perspective

• As ClickOnDetroit reported, Detroit city leaders are optimistic about the ongoing reduction in crime rates and have released new data showing substantial drops in violent crime.

4. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis isn’t just cold; it’s also dealing with a violent crime rate of 12.45 per 1,000 people. Aggravated assaults are the primary issue. The city has great cultural spots, but safety can be a concern.

General Crime Statistics

• According to the crime dashboard from Minneapolismn, the violent crime rate in Minneapolis is 169.9% higher than the state average and 93.1% higher than the national average.
• Homicides in Minneapolis remained constant at 15 as of March 31, 2024, compared to the same period last year.

Overall crime rates show that burglary incidents have slightly increased, but most other crime categories have declined.

Trends and Analysis

• Recent data indicates that crime is generally declining in Minneapolis, although certain areas and crime types, such as burglary, have seen a slight uptick.
• Robberies have decreased by 7.5% compared to the 14-year average from 2007-2020.

3. Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock might surprise some, but it has a violent crime rate of 18.25 per 1,000 residents. Aggravated assaults are rampant. It’s a city with a lot of charm, but it pays to stay alert.

Violence Hot Spots

• Little Rock police have identified specific areas to focus on for crime reduction in 2024.
• These “hot spots” are prioritized for increased police presence and community initiatives.

Rising Violent Crime Rates

• Little Rock is experiencing a significant rise in violent crime rates, as per Davidsonian.
• Despite its scenic downtown and cultural landmarks, the city is grappling with severe violent crime issues.

General Crime Statistics and Rankings

• Little Rock, Arkansas, is frequently mentioned among the most dangerous cities in the United States.
• According to Newsnationnow, the violent crime rate in Arkansas was reported as 709 per 100,000 state residents.

2. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis follows closely with a violent crime rate of 14.70 per 1,000 residents. Aggravated assaults are the main culprit. Despite its beautiful landmarks and historic significance, safety remains a major concern.

• Homicides: There have been 77 homicides reported so far in 2024. This is an increase compared to previous years, with a notable uptick in murders in January and April.
• Overall Violent Crime: Despite the rise in homicides, the overall violent crime rate has decreased. This includes reductions in aggravated assaults and robberies.
• Data Sources: The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) provides detailed crime statistics on their website. Additionally, the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) crime data is available for St. Louis County and its municipalities.

Trends in property crime, including theft and burglary, have shown a decline in certain areas. For instance, downtown crime rates have dropped significantly, with a 57% reduction in February alone.

1. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis takes the top spot and is by far the most dangerous city in the United States. With a violent crime rate of 24.37 per 1,000 people, it’s no surprise.  The city is known for its rich musical heritage, but the crime stats are a hard pill to swallow.

Be cautious and always stay aware of your surroundings if you find yourself here.

Overall Crime Rates

• According to Actionnews5, Major crimes have seen a decrease in the first quarter of 2024.

Homicides

• As of the first 100 days of 2024, homicides in Memphis have topped 100. Source
• As Fox13memphis reports, the number of women killed in Memphis has doubled compared to the previous year, with 15 women among the 80 homicides recorded so far.

Specific Crime Trends

• Aggravated assaults and robberies have seen a decrease of around 100 cases year-to-date between 2023 and 2024.
• Car thefts saw the largest drop, with over 1,100 fewer cases in 2024.
• Murders continue to climb, reaching 55 in early 2024, as per Localmemphis.

Final Words

That’s the rundown. It’s not the cheeriest list, but knowing where the danger zones are can help keep you safe. Stay smart, stay safe, and always keep an eye on your surroundings.