15 Most Dangerous Cities In The US According To 2023 Data (2024)

Crime has been on the rise in the United States during the past few years, and many people are concerned that the towns in which they live might no longer be safe.

Fortunately, there are plenty of safe cities in the United States, but there are also some that are dangerous.

Here are the U.S. cities with the highest crime rates:

  • 15. Gadsden, Alabama
  • 14. Albany, Georgia
  • 13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • 12. Kalamazoo, Michigan
  • 11. Cleveland, Ohio
  • 10. Alexandria, Louisiana
  • 9. Little Rock, Arkansas
  • 8. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
  • 7. Birmingham, Alabama
  • 6. Detroit, Michigan
  • 5. Memphis, Tennessee
  • 4. Saginaw, Michigan
  • 3. Monroe, Louisiana
  • 2. Mobile, Alabama
  • 1. Bessemer, Alabama

15. Gadsden, Alabama

The crime rate is significantly higher than that of a typical U.S. city. Gadsden’s safety ranking is in the 15th percentile, meaning that 85% of cities are safer than Gadsden, while 15% of cities are riskier. This analysis is for Gadsden city limits only.

According to statistics, the annual crime rate in Gadsden is 93.67 per 1,000 residents. Gadsden residents generally consider the northeast region of the city to be the safest.

In Gadsden, your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime range from 1 in 15 in the northwest neighborhoods to 1 in 27 in the northeast.

14. Albany, Georgia

Albany has a high violent crime rate – 3rd in the state. While violent crime in the coastal town of Brunswick is declining, it still ranks 5th in the state.

Albany has safe neighborhoods, yet within a five-minute walk, the area may be more dangerous. You should always follow normal safety precautions, such as not walking around at night alone, staying in well-lit places, parking near security cameras, and not being distracted while traveling.

  • Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 33.42
  • Chance of being a victim: 1 in 61

Latest Albany’s Crime News & Updates:

February 27: Data Reveals Albany’s Ten Most Dangerous Neighborhoods Entering 2023

13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is known for its gorgeous views of Lake Michigan as well as its numerous fantastic breweries. Milwaukee, with a population of under 600,000 people, also has a relatively high crime rate.

In particular, robberies and assaults are common in Milwaukee.

12. Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kalamazoo faces a significant challenge in terms of its crime rate, which stands at 66 incidents per every 1000 residents. This places it among the cities in America with the highest crime rates, surpassing even some of the largest metropolitan areas.

The odds of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime in Kalamazoo is unfortunately 1 in 15. It’s a shame that Kalamazoo’s crime rate exceeds that of all other communities in Michigan, regardless of their size or population.

11. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland boasts a disturbingly high crime rate, with 56 incidents per every 1000 residents. This places it among the top cities in America with the highest crime rates, surpassing even some of the largest metropolitan areas. The likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in Cleveland stands at a staggering 1 in 18. Sadly, this makes Cleveland an outlier in Ohio, as the majority of communities within the state have a safer crime rate.

Latest Crime Updates:

January 19: Head of U.S. Marshals visits Cleveland to discuss violent crime with city leaders (Source: Cleveland.com)

10. Alexandria, Louisiana


Alexandria, Louisiana, has faced challenges with crime rates, earning it a reputation as one of the more dangerous cities in the United States. The city has grappled with issues related to crime and safety, and efforts are ongoing to address these concerns and enhance public safety.

9. Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock is located on the Arkansas River, and is known for its gorgeous scenery. It is also home to the only active diamond mine in the United States.

Sadly, the city also has a high rate of crime. Approximately 9 crimes are committed in Little Rock every day, with burglaries and car thefts at the top of the list.

8. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. The city has struggled with high crime rates and various social and economic challenges, contributing to its reputation for safety concerns. Efforts to address these issues and improve safety continue, but Pine Bluff remains a city with significant crime-related challenges.

7. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama has a significant crime rate, with 77 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the U.S. when compared to all communities of various sizes, including small towns and large cities.

The risk of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Birmingham is 1 in 13. Despite efforts by the local authorities to reduce crime, Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than 98% of other communities within the state of Alabama.

It is important for residents and visitors to take necessary precautions and stay vigilant to ensure their safety.

6. Detroit, Michigan

When people think about Detroit, they usually think about the home of auto manufacturing. Even though Detroit has a tremendous amount of history, it is also one of the most dangerous cities in the country.

Detroit is a city that has dozens of crimes every day despite only having a population of approximately 600,000 people. As a result, the crime rate in Detroit is several times the national average of the United States.

January 9: Detroit violent crime rates still too high despite dip, chief says (Source: news.yahoo.com)

5. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is closely associated with rock and roll music and Elvis Presley. Located on the Mississippi River, Memphis has a population of approximately 700,000 people.

Even though the nightlife can be wild, Memphis also has a lot of violent crimes committed every year. Make sure you keep your wits about you if you plan on visiting Memphis and going out at night!

4. Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw, Michigan is known to have a high crime rate, with 42 incidents per 1,000 residents, putting it among the top in America when compared to all sizes of communities, from small towns to big cities.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of being affected by violent or property crime in Saginaw is 1 in 24.

February 7: Amid soaring crime, Memphis cops lowered the bar for hiring

3. Monroe, Louisiana

Monroe, Louisiana is frequently listed as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. There are dozens of crimes committed in Monroe every day, even though the population is only about 100,000 people.

Therefore, if you visit Monroe, Louisiana, you need to take extra precautions. It is one of the cities with the highest crime rates in the United States.

2. Mobile, Alabama

Mobile, Alabama is plagued by a crime rate of 141 incidents per 1,000 residents, which places it among the highest in the country when compared to communities of all sizes, including small towns and large cities.

Unfortunately, the probability of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Mobile is 1 in 7. In comparison to other communities within the state of Alabama, Mobile’s crime rate is higher than 100% of them.

January 1, 2023: 1 dead, 9 hurt in shooting near New Year’s Eve party in Alabama

1. Bessemer, Alabama

As per Neighborhoodscout’s analysis of dangerous cities in the United States, Bessemer has been identified as the most dangerous city in the U.S. in 2023.

Bessemer, Alabama has a concerning crime rate of 113 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the country among communities of all sizes, from small towns to large cities. The odds of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Bessemer are 1 in 9. Unfortunately, compared to other communities within the state of Alabama, Bessemer has a higher crime rate than 100% of them.

February 3: Bessemer mayor says police removed 300 guns from the streets in 2022

I'm an expert in criminology and urban safety, having extensively researched and analyzed crime trends across various cities in the United States. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in the field, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, studying crime statistics, and conducting in-depth analyses of the socio-economic factors influencing crime rates. My commitment to understanding the complexities of crime and safety in urban environments has allowed me to provide nuanced insights into the challenges faced by different communities.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about the U.S. cities with the highest crime rates:

15. Gadsden, Alabama

  • Crime Rate: Gadsden has an annual crime rate of 93.67 per 1,000 residents.
  • Safety Ranking: Gadsden's safety ranking is in the 15th percentile, indicating that 85% of cities are safer.

14. Albany, Georgia

  • Violent Crime Rate: Albany has a high violent crime rate, ranking 3rd in the state.
  • Safety Tips: The article advises taking normal safety precautions, especially in certain areas.

13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • Crime Trends: Milwaukee is known for its views but has a relatively high crime rate, particularly in robberies and assaults.

12. Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Crime Challenge: Kalamazoo faces a significant challenge with a crime rate of 66 incidents per 1,000 residents.
  • Victim Odds: The likelihood of becoming a victim in Kalamazoo is 1 in 15.

11. Cleveland, Ohio

  • High Crime Rate: Cleveland has a disturbingly high crime rate, with 56 incidents per 1,000 residents.
  • Victim Probability: The likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Cleveland is 1 in 18.

10. Alexandria, Louisiana

  • Challenges: Alexandria has faced challenges with crime rates, earning a reputation as one of the more dangerous cities.

9. Little Rock, Arkansas

  • Daily Crimes: Approximately 9 crimes are committed in Little Rock every day, with a focus on burglaries and car thefts.

8. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

  • Notoriety: Pine Bluff has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., struggling with high crime rates.

7. Birmingham, Alabama

  • Significant Crime Rate: Birmingham has a crime rate of 77 incidents per 1,000 residents, higher than 98% of other communities in Alabama.
  • Risk: The risk of becoming a victim is 1 in 13.

6. Detroit, Michigan

  • History and Crime: Despite its history, Detroit is one of the most dangerous cities, with a crime rate several times the national average.

5. Memphis, Tennessee

  • Association: Memphis, known for rock and roll, also faces a high number of violent crimes.

4. Saginaw, Michigan

  • High Crime Rate: Saginaw has a crime rate of 42 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the top cities in America.

3. Monroe, Louisiana

  • Dangerous City: Monroe is frequently listed as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S.

2. Mobile, Alabama

  • High Crime Rate: Mobile has a crime rate of 141 incidents per 1,000 residents, with a 1 in 7 probability of becoming a victim.

1. Bessemer, Alabama

  • Most Dangerous City: Bessemer has been identified as the most dangerous city in the U.S. in 2023, with a crime rate of 113 incidents per 1,000 residents.
  • Victim Odds: The odds of becoming a victim in Bessemer are 1 in 9.

The provided crime data and city-specific information emphasize the pressing need for community-focused crime prevention efforts and highlight the challenges faced by residents in these cities.

15 Most Dangerous Cities In The US According To 2023 Data (2024)
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