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20 most dangerous cities in the USA with the highest crime rates in 2025

Published 2 months ago9 minute read
and U.S. News Real Estate. This evaluation provides insight into the top 20 cities facing the most significant safety challenges in 2025.

Memphis, Tennessee97.64 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault, homicides, and robbery
St Louis, Missouri 87.10 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault and murder
Little Rock, Arkansas72.08 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault and shootings
Minneapolis, Minnesota 66.28 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault, gun violence, and property offences
Detroit, Michigan 66.09 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault and robbery
Kansas City, Missouri63.18 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault, murder, and gun violence
New Orleans, Louisiana60.98 crimes per 1,000 peopleCar-jacking and violent crimes
Cleveland, Ohio59.91 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault, robbery, and murder
Birmingham, Alabama59.78 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault and shootings
Houston, Texas57.34 crimes per 100,000 peopleAggravated assault and violent crimes
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 51.06 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault, murder, and property crimes
Orlando, Florida48.54 crimes per 1,000 peopleViolent and property crimes
Baltimore, Maryland48.36 crimes per 1,000 peopleMurder, gang violence, and drug-related crimes
Atlanta, Georgia 47.91 crimes per 1,000 peopleCar thefts, robberies, and shootings
Stockton, California 41.00 violent crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault, gang violence, and theft
New York City, New York 38.22 crimes per 100,000 peopleGrand theft
Phoenix, Arizona37.36 crimes per 1,000 peopleAggravated assault and murder
Los Angeles, California35.91 crimes per 100,000 peopleAggravated assault and gang-related violence
Las Vegas, Nevada35.41 crimes per 100,000 peopleProperty crimes and violent crimes
Miami, Florida29.79 crimes per 1,000 peopleProperty crimes, drug-related offences, robbery, and violent incidents
Memphis
Highways converge in downtown Memphis as they approach the Mississippi River. Photo: John Coletti
Source: Getty Images

Memphis faces significant challenges with violent crimes, notably shootings and robberies, particularly in neighborhoods like Frayser and South Memphis. Economic hardships and gang activity exacerbate these issues, overshadowing the city's rich cultural heritage. Despite ongoing efforts, these crime patterns remain a critical concern for local authorities.

St. Louis metropolitan
A wide-angle view of the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area. Photo: Art Wager
Source: Getty Images

St. Louis struggles with one of the highest murder rates in the nation, particularly in North St. Louis, where gun violence is prevalent. The city's high crime rates are largely driven by gang activity, economic hardship, and systemic issues related to poverty. Law enforcement faces an uphill battle in addressing these persistent issues.

Little Rock
Summer sunset, downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. Photo: CWells Photography
Source: Getty Images

In Little Rock, neighborhoods such as South End and East Little Rock report high instances of aggravated assaults and robberies. Economic hardship and limited access to mental health services contribute to the rise in violent crime. These factors make it difficult for residents to feel safe, especially in the city's more economically challenged areas.

Minneapolis skyline
Minneapolis skyline at sunset, Hennepin Ave Bridge. Photo: Lavin Photography
Source: Getty Images

Minneapolis is one of the cities with the highest crime rates. The city's worst violent crimes include shootings and carjackings, particularly in areas like Powderhorn and Phillips. Social unrest and economic disparities have strained community-police relations, complicating efforts to address crime effectively. Despite efforts to tackle these issues, crime continues to affect many neighborhoods.

Detroit
An aerial view of Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Mike Kline
Source: Getty Images

Detroit's crime challenges persist, with high rates of murder and gang-related activities, especially in neighborhoods like Brightmoor and Eastside. Economic decline, many abandoned properties, and a strained police force contribute to the city’s high crime rate. While efforts to revitalize the city are underway, safety remains a significant concern for residents.

Kansas City skyline
Aerial view of Kansas City skyline at dusk, viewed from Penn Valley Park. Photo: Ultima_Gaina
Source: Getty Images

Kansas City experiences a range of violent crimes, including shootings and robberies, particularly in neighborhoods like East Side and Marlborough. The availability of firearms and economic disparities contribute to the city's elevated crime rates. Despite the city’s efforts at crime reduction, certain areas continue to struggle with high violence levels.

Skyline of New Orleans
Skyline of New Orleans and the iconic Superdome. Photo: John Coletti
Source: Getty Images

New Orleans is one of the cities with the worst crimes in America. The city grapples with armed robberies, shootings, and carjackings, particularly in neighborhoods like Central City and the Lower Ninth Ward. Despite its cultural allure, safety concerns are prevalent, especially after dark. The city's efforts to combat crime are hindered by poverty and the pervasive presence of organized crime.

The city of Cleveland
A view of the entire city of Cleveland from Lake Erie. Photo: Yuanshuai Si
Source: Getty Images

Cleveland's neighborhoods, including Glenville and Central, face challenges with violent crimes such as assaults and shootings, often linked to gang activity and economic instability. These ongoing issues hinder the city's efforts to attract business and tourists, as crime continues to dominate the narrative for many residents.

Birmingham downtown
Birmingham, Alabama, USA downtown skyline. Photo: Sean Pavone Photo
Source: Getty Images

Birmingham’s crime rates are notably high, with areas like Ensley, West End, and East Lake experiencing frequent shootings, robberies, and assaults. Economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment, significantly contribute to these issues. Despite law enforcement efforts, these neighborhoods remain some of the most dangerous in the city.

Downtown Houston skyline
An elevated aerial view of the Downtown Houston skyline at dusk with sunset reflections. Photo: Davel5957
Source: Getty Images

Houston's expansive urban landscape includes neighborhoods like Sunnyside and Gulfton, where violent crimes such as murders and robberies are prevalent. The city's rapid growth has strained resources, making maintaining law and order in high-crime areas difficult. Law enforcement continues prioritising crime reduction in these neighborhoods, but challenges remain.

Downtown Milwaukee
Cityscape image of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA with skyline reflection. Photo: Rudy Balasko
Source: Getty Images

Milwaukee is one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in America. The North Side particularly has some of the highest crime rates in the city, especially violent crimes like shootings and robberies. Economic challenges, including high poverty and unemployment, contribute to these issues. While community-based programs and law enforcement strategies aim to reduce crime, they face ongoing struggles due to limited resources and systemic issues.

skyline view of downtown Orlando
The skyline view of downtown Orlando. Photo: John Coletti
Source: Getty Images

Orlando experiences higher property crime rates, particularly theft and burglary, often in areas with heavy tourism and lively nightlife. While violent crime rates are moderate, certain neighborhoods, such as Parramore and Pine Hills, report frequent assaults and shootings. The city's growth and the transient nature of its population complicate crime prevention efforts. Law enforcement focuses on balancing safety for residents and visitors alike.

Baltimore Skyline
Baltimore Skyline with the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Photo: Greg Pease
Source: Getty Images

Baltimore's West Baltimore and Cherry Hill neighborhoods struggle with gun violence and drug-related crimes, contributing to the city's high murder rate. Despite attempts to improve safety, issues like police misconduct, poverty, and systemic violence continue to plague the city. Efforts to reduce crime face setbacks, particularly with a lack of resources and ongoing public distrust.

An aerial view of Atlanta
An aerial view of Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Steve Kelley
Source: Getty Images

Atlanta is one of the worst cities in America. It’s crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood, with some areas like Old Fourth Ward and Vine City seeing higher violent crime rates. The city struggles with gang violence, property crimes, and drug-related offenses. Economic disparities and rapid urban development add to the complexity of addressing crime.

Downtown city of Stockton
Daytime view of the downtown city center of Stockton, California, USA. Photo: Matt Gush
Source: Getty Images

Stockton has been heavily impacted by gang violence, particularly in South Stockton. The city’s economic struggles, including its bankruptcy in 2012, led to reduced funding for policing, which worsened crime rates. While crime has declined in recent years, violent offenses, including shootings and robberies, still occur regularly.

Skyline of Manhattan
Skyline of Manhattan, New York City, at night. Photo: Chansak Joe
Source: Getty Images

While overall crime rates in New York City have declined, certain boroughs and neighborhoods still report incidents of violent crime, including shootings and robberies. Areas like Brownsville and parts of the Bronx have seen an uptick in violent crime, though they remain much lower compared to historical peaks.

Arizona
Tempe, Arizona, USA Drone Skyline Aerial Panorama. Photo: Kruck20
Source: Getty Images

Phoenix has seen an uptick in property crimes, including burglary and vehicle theft, with certain neighborhoods experiencing higher rates of violent offenses. Areas like South Phoenix report incidents of gun violence and robberies. Urban sprawl and economic disparities contribute to these trends, creating challenges for local law enforcement in managing crime across such a large city.

Los Angeles cityscape
Los Angeles cityscape. Photo: Andrey Denisyuk
Source: Getty Images

Los Angeles faces challenges with gang-related activities and property crimes, particularly in neighborhoods like South Los Angeles. While violent crime has decreased in recent years, specific areas still report shootings and robberies.

USA, Nevada, Las Vegas
USA, Nevada, Las Vegas, Strip, fountain, hotels and Eiffel Tower at blue hour. Photo: Westend61
Source: Getty Images

Las Vegas is the most dangerous city in America. While the city is renowned for its tourist attractions, certain neighborhoods outside the Strip experience higher rates of property crimes, such as theft and vehicle burglary. The transient nature of its population and economic fluctuations contribute to these criminal activities.

An aerial view of Miami
An evening aerial view of Miami, Florida. Photo: Danny Lehman
Source: Getty Images
  • 29.79 crimes per 1,000 people

Miami struggles with property crimes like burglary and auto theft, particularly in tourist-heavy districts. Although violent crime is relatively low in comparison to other cities, certain areas like Overtown experience higher rates of shootings and robberies. Miami's diverse population and high tourism rates complicate crime prevention strategies.

The most dangerous cities in the USA continue to face high crime rates due to factors like gang violence, poverty, and limited law enforcement resources. While some cities are making progress, challenges remain. With continued efforts in policing, education, and economic growth, crime reduction is possible in the years ahead.

Are you looking for more information about the safest neighbourhoods in Brooklyn? Tuko.co.ke shared an informative article about the top 10 neighbourhoods whose crime rates have dropped significantly.

Brooklyn has transformed into the hottest, trendiest borough in New York City. However, because of its large size and population, finding the best part of Brooklyn to live in or visit can be intimidating. Read the article to know more.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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