America’s cities aren’t all equal when it comes to safety, and the numbers prove it—using recent data from USAFacts that ranked the 25 U.S. cities with the highest violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. These places are dealing with serious issues like assaults, robberies, and gun violence that make daily life more dangerous than most. Whether you’re planning a move, following local news, or just curious, this breakdown offers a clear look at the most dangerous cities in the country right now.
Take a look through the list to find out which well-known American city tops the chart for violent crime. Some of the names might surprise you—they definitely surprised us.
25. Dayton, Ohio
Population: 137,084
Violent Crime Rate: 1,035.13
Dayton rounds out the top 25 with a violent crime rate just above 1,035 per 100,000 residents. The city struggles with gun violence, assaults, and drug-related crimes. In recent years, Dayton has tried to revitalize neighborhoods and build up community support, but many parts still face frequent violence. The city’s size doesn’t shield it from big-city crime patterns, making it one of the most dangerous small-to-mid-sized cities in the U.S.
24. Washington, D.C.
Population: 671,803
Violent Crime Rate: 1,052.24
The nation’s capital continues to report troubling levels of violent crime. Washington, D.C. has a violent crime rate just above 1,052 per 100,000 residents. Shootings and robberies remain common in several parts of the city, especially in southeast neighborhoods. While downtown areas have seen redevelopment, crime still impacts many families across the district. The city’s government has invested in community programs, but results are mixed, and public safety remains a major political issue.
23. Anchorage, Alaska
Population: 285,821
Violent Crime Rate: 1,058.70
Anchorage may be remote, but it faces violent crime at levels similar to many large U.S. cities. With a rate of 1,058 per 100,000 residents, assaults and domestic violence are particularly high. Isolation, limited mental health services, and alcohol-related issues contribute to the city’s struggle with violence. Law enforcement in Alaska’s largest city faces unique challenges given the geography and harsh climate, making public safety even harder to maintain year-round.
22. Houston, Texas
Population: 2,276,533
Violent Crime Rate: 1,066.31
Houston is one of the largest cities in the country—and with that size comes a big crime problem. With a violent crime rate of 1,066 per 100,000 residents, violence is widespread. Homicides, carjackings, and domestic assaults are common. While the city has seen economic growth, many areas continue to face poverty and gang-related problems. The Houston Police Department remains stretched thin, and the rising crime rate has become a hot topic for residents and local leaders.
21. Toledo, Ohio
Population: 266,984
Violent Crime Rate: 1,085.46
Toledo continues to face serious crime problems. With a violent crime rate of over 1,085 per 100,000 residents, the city sees a steady stream of shootings, assaults, and robberies. Local police have ramped up patrols, but crime remains a top concern, especially in central and north-end neighborhoods. Poverty, drug activity, and gang involvement have kept violence levels high. For a mid-sized city, Toledo’s crime numbers are alarmingly close to major metros on this list.
20. Nashville, Tennessee
Population: 679,562
Violent Crime Rate: 1,103.65
Nashville isn’t just a music hub—it’s also seeing a rise in violent crime. With a rate of 1,103 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, locals are feeling the pressure. Homicides, assaults, and robberies have become more frequent, especially in parts of North and East Nashville. While tourism keeps the city vibrant, not all neighborhoods share in the growth, and crime hotspots continue to worry both residents and city leaders. Public safety efforts are ongoing, but the numbers show there’s a lot more to be done.
19. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Population: 182,603
Violent Crime Rate: 1,107.87
Chattanooga closes out the list with a violent crime rate just above 1,100. While the city is known for its scenic surroundings, many neighborhoods face serious safety issues. Shootings and gang-related violence have increased in recent years. Efforts to boost community policing are underway, but challenges remain.
18. Evansville, Indiana
Population: 115,719
Violent Crime Rate: 1,119.09
Evansville reports high levels of violent crime for a city under 120,000 people. Its rate of 1,119 per 100,000 is driven by assaults and robberies. Economic issues and a rising drug problem contribute to the crime wave. Local police are active, but public concerns about safety remain strong.
17. Springfield, Missouri
Population: 169,822
Violent Crime Rate: 1,128.83
Springfield’s crime numbers are high for a city its size. With over 1,100 violent crimes per 100,000 people, problems like domestic violence, drug crimes, and theft often turn violent. The city has tried to increase its police force, but the results have been mixed. It’s one of Missouri’s most dangerous cities per capita.
16. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Population: 421,690
Violent Crime Rate: 1,130.45
Minneapolis has seen a rise in violent crime, especially in the years following 2020. With a rate above 1,130 per 100,000 residents, homicides and assaults have become more common. While downtown areas try to recover, crime still affects many parts of the city. Police staffing issues and community tension remain ongoing concerns.
15. Rockford, Illinois
Population: 146,710
Violent Crime Rate: 1,140.34
Rockford has one of the highest violent crime rates in Illinois. At over 1,140 per 100,000 people, the city faces challenges with assaults and gun violence. Economic decline and lack of community resources have worsened the problem. Despite community programs, the numbers remain stubbornly high.
14. Stockton, California
Population: 323,501
Violent Crime Rate: 1,143.43
Stockton continues to struggle with high crime. With a violent crime rate of 1,143, problems include shootings, robberies, and gang-related violence. The city has made some progress in recent years, but not enough to shift it off the list. High unemployment and limited youth programs are often blamed.
13. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Population: 560,557
Violent Crime Rate: 1,191.67
Albuquerque has gained national attention for its violent crime issues. With nearly 1,200 violent crimes per 100,000 people, residents deal with frequent shootings and armed robberies. Drugs, gang activity, and poverty have played a major role. Police staffing shortages haven’t helped the situation either.
12. Peoria, Illinois
Population: 110,551
Violent Crime Rate: 1,207.59
Peoria may not be large, but it faces big-city crime numbers. The violent crime rate is just over 1,200 per 100,000 residents. This includes a growing number of assaults and robberies. Drug activity and economic pressure keep crime high. Peoria’s size makes the per-person rate especially alarming.
11. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Population: 561,743
Violent Crime Rate: 1,266.42
Milwaukee’s violent crime rate puts it squarely among the top troubled cities in the U.S. With over 1,200 incidents per 100,000 residents, gun violence and assaults are major problems. The city has dealt with rising homicides and strained police-community relations. Efforts to improve safety have made only small dents in the overall stats.
10. Beaumont, Texas
Population: 110,898
Violent Crime Rate: 1,376.04
Beaumont is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas when measured by violent crime per capita. Its rate of 1,376 violent crimes per 100,000 people includes high levels of assault and robbery. Economic issues and underfunded services contribute to the city’s high crime numbers.
9. Lansing, Michigan
Population: 112,567
Violent Crime Rate: 1,386.73
Michigan’s capital, Lansing, has a violent crime problem that rivals bigger cities. With 1,386 violent incidents per 100,000 people, residents face dangers from assaults and thefts. Law enforcement has struggled to gain ground, and economic struggles fuel the trend. The city’s numbers paint a worrying picture for locals.
8. St. Louis, Missouri
Population: 286,053
Violent Crime Rate: 1,407.43
St. Louis continues to report high levels of gun-related crime. With a violent crime rate of 1,407 per 100,000 residents, it remains one of the country’s deadliest cities per capita. While some areas see downtown revival, many other parts are still plagued by violence, making St. Louis a risky place to live for many.
7. Baltimore, Maryland
Population: 570,546
Violent Crime Rate: 1,418.29
Baltimore is known for its high murder rate and persistent violent crime. At over 1,400 per 100,000 people, the city struggles with gun violence, gang activity, and distrust between citizens and police. Despite reform attempts, the violence remains steady, and entire neighborhoods feel unsafe. It’s one of the most difficult places to live in terms of daily risk.
6. Kansas City, Missouri
Population: 508,856
Violent Crime Rate: 1,423.78
Kansas City has long faced gun violence, and the numbers remain troubling. With more than 1,400 violent crimes per 100,000 people, homicides and assaults are regular news. Crime isn’t confined to one area—both the east and south sides report high activity. Policing strategies haven’t brought down the numbers much, keeping Kansas City high on this list.
5. Pueblo, Colorado
Population: 112,618
Violent Crime Rate: 1,439.38
Pueblo might surprise some on this list, but it has one of the highest crime rates in the western U.S. Its violent crime rate—over 1,400 per 100,000 people—is driven by drug issues and property-related violence that turns aggressive. For a city of its size, the rate of assaults and gun-related crimes is especially concerning.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
Population: 363,764
Violent Crime Rate: 1,585.09
Cleveland has battled violent crime for years. With over 1,500 violent incidents per 100,000 people, safety remains a pressing issue. Gang violence and armed robberies hit both urban and residential areas. Though law enforcement programs are in place, many neighborhoods see little improvement. Cleveland’s mix of poverty and policing gaps keeps crime levels high.
3. Little Rock, Arkansas
Population: 201,513
Violent Crime Rate: 1,815.27
Little Rock might not come to mind when thinking of dangerous cities, but the numbers tell a different story. With a violent crime rate topping 1,800, residents face real threats from assaults and shootings. Drug-related crimes and gang activity remain steady problems. Despite its size, Little Rock reports some of the most frequent violent crime per capita in the country.
2. Detroit, Michigan
Population: 626,757
Violent Crime Rate: 2,004.76
Detroit’s violent crime rate remains one of the worst in the country. With over 2,000 incidents per 100,000 residents, this city continues to deal with shootings, assaults, and carjackings. While the Motor City has seen downtown renewal efforts, many neighborhoods are still deeply affected by crime. Economic hardship, limited policing resources, and a long-standing struggle with gang violence play a major role in Detroit’s ranking.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Population: 624,944
Violent Crime Rate: 2,572.39
Memphis ranks as the most violent city in the U.S. today. With a violent crime rate of 2,572 per 100,000 people, the city struggles with frequent shootings, assaults, and robberies. Despite efforts from local law enforcement, crime continues to affect residents across neighborhoods. Community frustration has grown, and public safety has become a leading issue. High poverty and gang activity contribute to the tension, leaving Memphis with one of the highest risks for violent crime in the nation.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.