The United States has a lower violent crime rate than many countries around the world, but it still reports higher homicide rates than many other developed nations. While crime levels vary widely from one place to another, some communities continue to deal with problems tied to poverty, unemployment, population loss, and decades of economic decline.
Many of the places on this list were once thriving manufacturing or transportation centers. Over time, factory closures, shrinking job markets, and other economic changes left lasting effects that are still felt today. Although many residents work hard to improve their communities, these cities continue to face higher-than-average violent crime rates.
Rockford, Illinois
Rockford sits near the Wisconsin border and was once one of the Midwest’s leading furniture manufacturing centers. For decades, the city provided steady jobs and attracted workers looking for stable employment.
That changed during the economic downturn of the 1980s, when many factories closed or moved elsewhere. Job losses pushed more families into financial hardship, and crime increased alongside those struggles. Today, Rockford reports a violent crime rate of 15.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, reflecting the long-term effects of its economic decline.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has spent years working to reduce crime, and many neighborhoods have improved since the 1990s. Even so, the city continues to deal with serious public safety concerns…