Planning a trip across America? You might want to skip a few cities on your route. While the United States offers incredible destinations from coast to coast, some places continue to struggle with crime rates that make even seasoned travelers think twice. We’re not talking about outdated stereotypes or random opinions here. The numbers tell a sobering story, and recent data from 2023 to 2025 reveal cities where violent crime, property theft, and murder rates remain stubbornly high despite various intervention efforts.
These aren’t just statistics on a page. They represent real challenges that residents face daily and risks that visitors should genuinely consider. Some of these cities have seen improvements in certain areas, yet their overall crime rankings still place them among the most dangerous in the nation. Whether you’re planning a road trip, considering a relocation, or simply curious about America’s urban landscape, understanding which places carry the highest risks can help you make smarter decisions. Let’s dive into six U.S. cities where the crime data speaks louder than any travel brochure ever could.
Memphis, Tennessee: A Crime Rate That Still Makes Headlines
Memphis once again tops the list, with a violent crime rate nearly six times the national figure. Think about that for a second. Memphis, Tennessee, had the highest violent crime rate of a 100,000+ population with 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024. Yes, city officials will tell you that total crime is down more than 13%, homicide is down 30%, and motor vehicle theft is down 39% in recent reports, yet the city still holds the worst ranking nationally.
Detroit, Michigan: Progress Can’t Erase the Rankings
Here’s the thing about Detroit. In 2024, Detroit finished the year with 203 homicides, the fewest on record since 1965. That sounds impressive until you realize the context. Detroit ranked as the third-worst major city in the nation for total crime and for violent crime in 2024, despite the historic improvements. The city still has a violent crime rate of about 20.07 per 1,000 residents, which is five times the national median of 4.0, according to NeighborhoodScout data. Local leaders celebrate progress, yet the numbers tell us there’s a massive gap between Detroit and typical American cities. Detroit reports a property crime rate of 46.27 per 1,000 residents, more than double the national median of 19.0, making everyday life feel uncertain for many residents. Decades of economic collapse left scars that won’t heal overnight.
Birmingham, Alabama: Small Population, Massive Crime Problem
Birmingham reported 151 homicides in 2024, setting a new record for a city with just over 200,000 residents. Let me put that in perspective. Birmingham has violent crime rates of 16.94 per 1,000 people, particularly aggravated assault, which far exceeds what you’d expect in a moderately sized Southern city. While homicides have declined since 2024, violent crime overall has increased, mainly because aggravated assault rose nearly 10 percent in the first half of 2025. The city faces significant economic disparities, with a 33% high school dropout rate correlating with elevated crime statistics. Much of this violence stems from gang activity and deeply rooted poverty, creating an environment where safety feels more like luck than a guarantee. It’s honestly shocking how a smaller city can struggle this intensely while larger metros show improvement.
St. Louis, Missouri: A Murder Rate That Defies Logic
St. Louis, Missouri, had the highest murder rate among medium-sized cities in 2024. The numbers are staggering when you break them down. Compared to the rest of the state, violent crime is a major issue here, with one of every 50 people likely to become victims of murder, rape, robbery, or assault. Now, there’s been recent news worth noting. Homicide rates in St. Louis have fallen approximately 22 percent in the first half of 2025, the lowest mid-year murder numbers in more than a decade. Even with those decreases, St. Louis continues to rank among the absolute worst cities for violent crime per capita in America. Property crimes plague residents, too, with 57 crimes occurring per every 1,000 residents. Years of systemic challenges have created an urban landscape where danger feels disproportionate to the city’s size.
Baltimore, Maryland: When Robbery Becomes Routine
Baltimore, Maryland, ranked second in murders while maintaining its position as the nation’s leader in robbery rates, according to 2024 data. The city’s crime problems trace back to decades of economic decline, the opioid crisis, and other systemic issues highlighted by high-profile events like the 2015 killing of Freddie Gray and the subsequent protests. Yet there’s complexity here. As of mid-2025, robberies and auto thefts are down compared to the previous year, while the homicide clearance rate has jumped from 40.3 percent in 2020 to 68.2 percent in 2024, according to Mayor Brandon Scott. Despite these positive trends, Baltimore continues grappling with violence at rates that make it one of America’s most challenging urban environments. Baltimore had the nation’s fifth-highest homicide rate at 34.8, though officials say it was the lowest rate in five decades. Progress exists, sure, yet recommending anyone move here feels irresponsible given the persistent dangers residents navigate daily.
Oakland, California: Where Property Crime Reaches Extremes
Oakland led in property crime rates with 7,230 crimes per 100,000 people, followed by Memphis and St. Louis in the FBI rankings. That’s not just a little higher than average. It’s staggeringly extreme. In Oakland, there were over 2,250 cars stolen per 100,000 people in 2024, making vehicle theft feel almost inevitable for residents. Oakland topped the list in multiple property and violent crime categories, leading all medium-sized cities in aggravated assault, robbery, and larceny-theft. Gang violence contributes heavily to the chaos. Much of the violence in Oakland can be attributed to gang violence, creating an atmosphere where both personal safety and property security remain constant concerns. East of San Francisco, this city consistently ranks among California’s most dangerous, with crime rates that dwarf even notorious big cities. The question isn’t whether crime will touch your life here; it’s when…