Small towns are often associated with safer neighborhoods, lower crime rates, and a slower pace of life. But while many smaller communities remain relatively safe, some continue to struggle with significant crime challenges.
According to MoneyGeek’s latest analysis of 1,061 U.S. cities and towns with populations between 30,000 and 100,000 residents, several smaller communities posted crime burdens that rivaled or exceeded those of much larger cities. The study used 2023 FBI crime data and evaluated both violent and property crime alongside the broader economic cost of crime.
It’s important to note that this is not an official FBI ranking of America’s “most dangerous” small cities. The analysis focuses on crime costs and reported offenses within a specific population range. Additionally, the FBI’s latest national crime report showed violent crime declining across the United States overall.
Quick Guide
- Data Source: MoneyGeek analysis of 2023 FBI crime data, Guessingheadlights
- Cities Analyzed: 1,061 U.S. cities and towns
- Population Range: 30,000–100,000 residents
- Metrics Used: Violent crime, property crime, and crime cost per capita
- Key Finding: Most small cities remain safer than large cities, but these locations posted unusually high crime burdens for their size
Still, these eight cities stood out for having some of the highest crime burdens among smaller communities.
8. Saginaw, Michigan
Saginaw ranked among the least-safe small cities in the study, posting a crime cost per capita of $7,468. The city recorded a violent-crime rate of 2,264 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property-crime rate of 2,189 per 100,000.…