The Most Dangerous U.S. Cities
If you're basing your travel destinations on safety, this list of 15 of the most dangerous U.S. cities might help you decide what to avoid. A study compiled by Neighborhood Scout shows a list of the 100 worst places to travel in 2023.
Here are 15 dangerous U.S. cities you might want to consider not traveling to or through. The complete list of 100 can be seen here. The study was compiled based on crime rates and the likelihood of being a victim of crime. As always, use your judgment when deciding what is a safe city for you to visit.
The Most Dangerous U.S. Cities in the U.S.A.
If you're expecting to see Portland, Chicago, or Los Angeles in the top 15, you're in for a surprise. Alabama and Michigan both have several cities that have high crime rates, so if you're planning on visiting either, it might be worth planning to do some additional research.
1. Bessemer AL
Bessemer is located 15 miles southwest of Birmingham.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 33.1. Your chance of being a victim: 1 in 30.
2. Mobile AL
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 27.9. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 35.
3. Monroe LA
Monroe is located on the outskirts of New Orleans.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 26.3. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 38.
Looking for family-friendly fun in Louisiana? Try Lake Charles or St Landry Parish.
4. Saginaw MI
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 25.1. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 39.
5. Memphis TN
Memphis is best known for being the birthplace of rock and roll and Elvis Presley's Graceland.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 25.1. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 39.
6. Detroit MI
The Motor City is best known for being the home to the auto industry and has four pro sports teams.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 23.0. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 43.
7. Birmingham AL
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 20.6. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 49.
8. Pine Bluff AR
Pine Bluff is 44 miles south of Little Rock.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 20.5. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 48.
9. Little Rock AR
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 20.2. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 49.
Want a more family-friendly Arkansas option? Try Hot Springs.
10. Alexandria LA
Alexandria is 125 miles from Shreveport.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 18.8. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 53.
11. Cleveland OH
Cleveland is known for sports and for the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 17.1. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 58.
12. Kalamazoo MI
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 16.8. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 59.
13. Milwaukee WI
Known as Brew City for its extensive beer-making history, Milwaukee is home to both MLB and NBA teams as well as a world-class art museum. I've visited Milwaukee twice and I felt reasonably safe walking around the downtown area during the day.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 16.6. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 59.
14. Albany GA
Albany is 181 miles south of Atlanta.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 16.1. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 61.
15. Gadsen AL
Gadsen is 52 miles northeast of Birmingham.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 15.8. Chance of being a victim: 1 in 63.
Should You Cancel Your Trip Based on a Survey?
Only you can decide that. Sadly, there is crime everywhere and if you didn't go on a trip based on what might happen, you'd probably never go anywhere at all. Practice basic travel safety, have good situational awareness, and keep your valuables close to the front of your body. This information is provided to help you be a more informed traveler, not to scare you or stop you from visiting a particular city.
