5 most dangerous cities in the US in 2024

There are probably a few places that come to mind when you think about the most dangerous cities in the country. Every city has a certain level of crime. Unfortunately, some places are known for more criminal activity than others. Where do the most dangerous cities rank on our list? Most lists are based on figures based on crime rates, conflict levels, socioeconomic factors, health risks, law enforcement effectiveness and international security reports. Each list tends to weigh factors differently, so our list includes the cities most frequently identified as the most dangerous among the seven websites we selected. Do you agree with our list? Did we miss a city that you think should be in the top five? Let us know in the comments below.

List: The most dangerous cities in America, according to experts

1. Bessemer, Alabama

Here are some disturbing numbers. According to Traveling Lifestyle “The chance of becoming a crime victim in Bessemer is 1 in 9” This puts the city of 27,000 at the top of our list of the most dangerous cities in the US

Bessemer is located just 16 miles south of Birmingham, the next city to make our list. The New York Post reports that Bessemer has seen a sharp increase in incidents of physical violence, property crimes and motor vehicle thefts.

Kim Komando, once nicknamed “Marvel City” due to its rapid growth in its early years, says Bessemer is now known as a community with highest crime rate in the countrywhich means 33.18 violent crimes per 1,000 inhabitants.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a completely different place than when Elvis Presley walked the halls of Graceland. Now, the crime rate is 237 percent higher than the national average. According to the Property Club, “the most dangerous neighborhoods in Memphis are Downtown, Parkway Village-Oakhaven, and Berclair-Highland Hills.“

If you visit Memphis, Traveling Lifestyle will remind you to “be careful,” especially at night, to avoid becoming a crime victim.

Memphis police have been trying to reduce the city’s crime rate for decades. According to U.S. News and World Report, the city uses reporting data to “identify and target crime hotspots across the city.” The data is published weekly on the police website.

3rd St. Louis, Missouri

Although the Arch of St. Louis can be hospitable, you may not feel at home if you visit St. Louis. Louis, you will become a victim of danger. According to Property Club, you have a one in 50 chance of being targeted by a criminal in the Gateway to the West. Neighborhoods with the highest crime? Peabody-Darst-Webbe, Hamilton Heights, Walnut Park West and College Hill.

St. Louis had difficulty making this list due to: high levels of poverty and unemployment. Norada Real Estate Investments writes: “The concentration of poverty in certain neighborhoods increases the strain on social systems and increases the risk of criminal involvement.” The prevalence of firearms also influences the number of violent crimes.

According to The Hill, St. Louis has third highest crime cost per capitafor $11,055.

4. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is no stranger to danger and ranks fourth on our list. Norada Real Estate Investments says urban decay means many abandoned buildings attract “illegal drug dealing, squatters and gang-related activity.” Efforts continue to revitalize some of these areas to reduce crime.

The Motor City may be known for its car manufacturing, but it is also known for its high crime rate. The traveling lifestyle speaks volumes its crime rate is “several times higher than the national average” making it one of the most dangerous cities in the country.

According to The Hill, Detroit is doing slightly better than St. Louis, when it comes to the cost of crime per capita and is $9,291, but many experts still rank it high in the risk rankings.

5. Birmingham, Alabama

Another Alabama city rounds out our top five. Traveling Lifestyle reports that local authorities in Birmingham have tried to reduce crime, but still “higher than 98% of other communities” able.

Birmingham is known for being the founding city of Veterans Day. Like other places on this list, the community has many great features, but crime still lingers beneath the surface. According to Norad Real Estate Investments, Birmingham’s violent crime rate “includes homicides, robberies and assaults” and is off the charts.

When it comes to the cost of crime per capita, The Hill says Birmingham ranks at the top with a whopping $11,392.

Sources used to create our list:

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