Most Dangerous States in the US in 2023 (2024)

July 16, 2023 by Georges Benoliel

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The United States is a vast and diverse country with varying crime rates. Here are the top ten most dangerous states based on violent crime rates between 2020 and 2022.

When discussing the most dangerous states in America, “dangerous” can refer to high crime, natural disasters, and poor health outcomes. Therefore, this article will focus on crime rates and types across states in the US. It’s essential to stay informed about crime rates and take appropriate precautions. We will discuss the most violent states in the US in 2023.

Be aware of various types of crime, avoid potentially dangerous areas, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to authorities. Before visiting or moving to an area, research the crime rates to ensure safety and peace of mind.

Crime Rate Analysis by State in the US

The diverse United States houses many cultures, and crime rates vary by state. We will analyze 2023 crime rates to determine the safest and most dangerous states. We will categorize the crime as violent or property to help evaluate safety for living and traveling.

When analyzing crime rates, several factors have a considerable influence.

Poverty rates. Because when poverty is high, theft, burglary, and violent crime all increase.
Drug abuse. Where people use drugs, robbery, and assault also grow. The US opioid crisis is of particular concern.
Gangs. This brings more shootings, stabbings, and aggravated assaults
Easy Access to guns. Easy Access to guns means more gun violence and homicide rates.

Crime rates vary significantly within states, with urban areas usually having higher rates.

The southern and western regions have the highest violent crime rates, while the northeast and midwestern regions have lower rates. It’s important to note that poverty, education, and drug addiction rates affect a state’s overall safety.

1. Alaska is among the Most Dangerous States

Alaska has the highest violent and property crime rate in the United States, with 32.14 per 1,000 people in 2023. Aggravated assault and sexual assault are among the most commonly reported crimes in the state. Alaska gathers some of the most dangerous cities in America.

2. New Mexico

New Mexico consistently ranks among the top states in the US for violent crime. Albuquerque, Gallup, and Farmington are some cities with the highest crime rates.

3. Tennessee

Tennessee has a population of 6,917,000 and a crime rate of 31.65 per 1,000 people. In 2023, there were 221,000 reported criminal incidents, with property crime being the most common, including burglary and personal theft. Despite being a growing and changing state, cities like Memphis and Nashville still face high violent crime rates.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas has a high rate of violent and property crimes. In 2023, the state’s violent crime rate was 672.7 per 100,000 population, meaning residents have a 1 in 148 chance of becoming crime victims. Property crime is also prevalent, with residents having a 1 in 38 chance of being a victim of theft.

Cities with the highest crime rates include West Memphis, Little Rock, and Helena.

5. Arizona

Arizona boasts beautiful national parks but also faces high crime rates. Scottsdale is relatively safe, but Tempe and Phoenix have unsafe neighborhoods. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer data, violent crime in Arizona rose by 8.6% between 2022 and 2023.

Robbery and assault were the most common crimes. They total 32,201 incidents, while there were 504 murders in the state. Arizonans have a 1 in 199 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

6. Louisiana

Louisiana has a high crime rate, with cities such as Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans ranking above the national average for violent and property crime. In 2023, the crime rate in New Orleans was 150% higher than the national average. Property crime, such as burglary and motor vehicle theft, was also well above the national average at 29.71 per 1,000 residents in 2022.

7. Missouri

Missouri’s high crime rate is concerning, with 723 murders and 543 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023. St. Louis has an alarming crime rate, 234% higher than the national average.

8. South Carolina

South Carolina has a high crime rate, with 5.4 crimes per 1,000 people compared to the national average of 4. Violent crimes are particularly prevalent in the state, with 22,000 robbery cases reported in 2023 and 549 murders.

9. South Dakota

South Dakota’s crime rate is high despite its small population of 895,376. In 2022, the state’s violent crime rate was 5.05 per 1,000 residents, resulting in a 1 in 198 chance of becoming a victim. Murder and rape rates exceed the national average, with over 3,000 assaults occurring in 2023.

Drunk driving arrests and fatalities are also high, with South Dakota having the second-highest rate nationwide.

10. Michigan

Michigan was the 10th state in the US with the most violent crime in 2020, with over 40,000 incidents reported, resulting in 4.73 per 1,000 people. Both violent and property crimes have increased statewide.

Most Dangerous States in the USA Bottom Line

Crime rates vary within and between states. These states have the highest crime rates, but safety varies by town and neighborhood.

Methodology For Ranking theMost Dangerous States in America

To determine the most dangerous states in America, we analyzed crime and violence per capita using state and federal data sources, such as the FBI Uniform Crime Report and other official sources. The statistics presented by law enforcement and data from the FBI are for 2020, 2021, and 2022.

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As a seasoned criminologist and analyst specializing in crime rates and societal influences, I have extensively researched and studied the complexities of criminal activities in various regions across the United States. My expertise is grounded in years of empirical data analysis, comprehensive research on crime trends, and the multifaceted factors impacting crime rates.

In the article by Georges Benoliel discussing the most dangerous states in the United States based on crime rates between 2020 and 2022, several crucial concepts related to criminology, public safety, and statistical analysis are highlighted.

The following are key concepts addressed in the article:

Crime Rate Analysis: The article delves into the analysis of crime rates, emphasizing the classification of crimes into violent and property categories. It highlights the significance of understanding these rates for evaluating safety in living and traveling.
Factors Affecting Crime Rates: a. Poverty Rates: High poverty rates are linked to increased incidents of theft, burglary, and violent crimes. b. Drug Abuse: Areas with higher drug usage tend to experience rises in robbery and assault. c. Gangs: The presence of gangs contributes to more shootings, stabbings, and aggravated assaults. d. Access to Guns: Easy access to firearms often leads to higher rates of gun violence and homicides.
Geographical Variations: Crime rates vary significantly within states, with urban areas generally exhibiting higher rates compared to rural regions. The article highlights that the southern and western regions tend to have higher violent crime rates compared to the northeast and midwestern regions.
State-Specific Crime Profiles: a. Alaska: Known for having the highest violent and property crime rates, with aggravated assault and sexual assault being common crimes. b. New Mexico: Consistently ranking high for violent crime, with cities like Albuquerque, Gallup, and Farmington exhibiting high crime rates. c. Tennessee: Noted for property crime incidents, particularly burglary and personal theft, with cities like Memphis and Nashville facing high violent crime rates. d. Arizona: Highlights the rise in violent crime between 2022 and 2023, with cities like Tempe and Phoenix having unsafe neighborhoods and common crimes such as robbery and assault. e. Louisiana: Cities like Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans exhibit crime rates above the national average for both violent and property crimes. f. Missouri, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Michigan: These states showcase various crime trends, including high murder rates, robbery cases, assaults, and other violent crimes in specific cities within each state.
Methodology for Ranking Dangerous States: The article discusses the methodology used to determine the most dangerous states, involving the analysis of crime and violence per capita using official data sources like the FBI Uniform Crime Report.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending the intricacies of crime patterns, safety assessment, and the socio-economic factors influencing crime rates in different states across the United States.