Most dangerous city in every state

Written by:
July 23, 2018
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Most dangerous city in every state

It's commonly thought that cities with the densest populous suffer from the most instances of violent crime. Demographic composition, wealth inequality, local law provisions, and educational access all factor into an urban area's crime rate. 

Thanks to data from 2016 provided by the FBI, 麻豆原创 developed a list of the most dangerous city in each state. Looking at violent and property crime rates through a per capita lens may help put specific communities' deficiencies in perspective, and help prompt meaningful discussions on reform. 

RELATED: Click to see which states have the least violent crime.

Alabama: Anniston

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 33.1
Total violent crimes: 735
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 77.1
Total property crimes: 1,712
Population: 22,205

The Model City, formerly home to a thriving iron industry, sits just north of the Talladega National Forest, 90 miles west of Atlanta. Anniston officials are currently working on their : built to house no more than 140 inmates, the facility currently holds 647.

Alaska: Anchorage

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 11.4
Total violent crimes: 3,422
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 49
Total property crimes: 14,649
Population: 299,097

Alaska鈥檚 largest city is roughly 10 hours by air from 90% of the industrialized world, making its airport the . On June 22, 2018, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder led a .

Arizona: Phoenix

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 6.7
Total violent crimes: 10,700
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 36.9
Total property crimes: 58,552
Population: 1,586,611

The capital of a state that boasts some of the in the country, Phoenix lies in the geographical center of Arizona, northwest of Tucson. On July 9, 2018, Senate candidate Bobby Wilson made a case to an about the merits of a 鈥済ood guy with a gun.鈥 Wilson previously evaded trial for the alleged murder of his mother and sister by gunshot.

Arkansas: West Memphis

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 18.6
Total violent crimes: 461
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 48.4
Total property crimes: 1,200
Population: 24,818

Just 10 miles west of across the Mississippi River, the Wonder City is the largest in Arkansas鈥 Crittenden County. Much of the town鈥檚 crime originated in Memphis, and overflows to smaller rural towns without

California: Barstow

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 15.1
Total violent crimes: 361
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 47.5
Total property crimes: 1,136
Population: 23,894

This city lies northeast of Los Angeles at the intersection of three major highways: Interstate 15, Interstate 40, and State Highway 58. On Feb. 5, 2018, the city became part of the in opposition of .

Colorado: Pueblo

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 9.8
Total violent crimes: 1,081
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 68
Total property crimes: 7,473
Population: 109,927

The city, south of Colorado Springs, has one of the in the state.

Connecticut: Hartford

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 10.9
Total violent crimes: 1,353
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 42
Total property crimes: 5,197
Population: 123,736

is a community and law enforcement initiative that focuses reducing crime in Connecticut鈥檚 capital as well as neighboring New Haven and Bridgeport.

Delaware: Wilmington

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 17.8
Total violent crimes: 1,285
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 49.1
Total property crimes: 3,544
Population: 72,183

Primarily influenced by neighboring Philadelphia, Delaware鈥檚 largest city leads the U.S. in .

Florida: Florida City

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 28
Total violent crimes: 344
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 88.8
Total property crimes: 1,092
Population: 12,297

Florida City is the final mainland stop in Miami-Dade county, which forms the largest contingent of in the state.

Georgia: College Park

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 18.9
Total violent crimes: 279
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 95.4
Total property crimes: 1,405
Population: 14,724

This suburb of Atlanta will benefit from new state legislation that aims to and . 

Hawaii: Honolulu

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 3.3
Total violent crimes: 3,331
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 30.7
Total property crimes: 30,592
Population: 995,572

, an initiative geared towards protecting against the Hawaiian capital鈥檚 most violent offenders, has seen than in the previous two years combined.

Idaho: Garden City

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 6.5
Total violent crimes: 76
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 36.7
Total property crimes: 428
Population: 11,667

The municipality is surrounded by Boise, which experiences 2.9 violent crimes per 1,000 of its population annually.

Illinois: Cairo

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 28.7
Total violent crimes: 69
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 38.7
Total property crimes: 93
Population: 2,402

In June 2017, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson described Cairo, Illinois, located along the Mississippi River bordering Missouri and Kentucky, as a

Indiana: Elkhart

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 15.1
Total violent crimes: 791
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 43.1
Total property crimes: 2,264
Population: 52,505

Located 20 miles east of South Bend, the 鈥溾 suffers from rising housing prices and lack of skilled labor.

Iowa: Waverly

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 11.3
Total violent crimes: 114
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 11.7
Total property crimes: 118
Population: 10,104

Northeast of Des Moines, Waverly is an example of crime stretching outward to . Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley recently proposed the , which aims to restructure the state's criminal justice landscape.

Kansas: Wichita

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 10.6
Total violent crimes: 4,136
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 53.8
Total property crimes: 21,065
Population: 391,399

Kansas鈥 largest metropolitan has experienced a massive increase in assaults with firearms since 2010鈥攏early double what it was. Wichita police believe that will help curb those rising numbers.

Kentucky: Louisville Metro

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 6.8
Total violent crimes: 4,621
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 44.2
Total property crimes: 30,254
Population: 683,825

Louisville lies along the Ohio River in northern Kentucky, where there is a 1 in 136 chance of being a victim of a violent crime, as opposed to a 1 in 430 chance in the rest of the state.

 

Louisiana: Monroe

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 30.1
Total violent crimes: 1,493
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 93.5
Total property crimes: 4,646
Population: 49,677

Monroe is located in the northeast region of Louisiana. Its crime rate, which includes a litany of violent offenses, is 220% higher than in comparison to the Louisiana average and 336% higher than the nation's, overall.

Maine: Augusta

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 4.1
Total violent crimes: 76
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 36.8
Total property crimes: 676
Population: 18,347

Augusta has the highest crime rate in the state of Maine, , with Skowhegan as a close second. Overall, Maine is considered among the safer states, and government officials have stressed this fact to the public.

Maryland: Baltimore

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 17.8
Total violent crimes: 11,010
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 47.8
Total property crimes: 29,547
Population: 618,385

The capital of Maryland is the home of award-winning crime drama "The Wire," and is currently seeking to shed its reputation for violence, drug-related activity, and robbery by undergoing .

Massachusetts: North Adams

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 13.8
Total violent crimes: 181
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 32.9
Total property crimes: 433
Population: 13,162

North Adams recently augmented its police force in response to the city鈥檚 heavy crime burden, and its mayor is heavily focused on .

Michigan: Detroit

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 20.5
Total violent crimes: 13,705
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 47.2
Total property crimes: 31,630
Population: 669,673

Once home to a booming car manufacturing industry, Detroit鈥檚 murder rate is . Beyond homicide, the metro area suffers from a high rate of burglary, arson, and drug-related offenses.

 

Minnesota: Minneapolis

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 11.1
Total violent crimes: 4,622
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 42.2
Total property crimes: 17,594
Population: 416,751

Minneapolis is the largest city in the state of Minnesota, as well as the most dangerous area in the state. Poor economic conditions and an overtasked police force contribute to the situation, with robbery being the most common offense.

Mississippi: Jackson

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 8.5
Total violent crimes: 1,451
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 46.4
Total property crimes: 7,884
Population: 170,070

Known as the City with Soul, the capital of Mississippi was once considered a safe place to raise a family. Now it has the fourth-highest murder rate in the country, and an ever-rising crime rate to contend with.

Missouri: St. Louis

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 19.1
Total violent crimes: 6,017
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 59.3
Total property crimes: 18,653
Population: 314,507

Not only does St. Louis suffer from an overall high crime rate, it's also one of the most chemically contaminated areas in the country. Abandoned houses, car break-ins, and homicides are commonplace, and gun violence is rampant.

Montana: Helena

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 6.5
Total violent crimes: 203
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 38.7
Total property crimes: 1,203
Population: 31,052

Helena an 鈥淔鈥 rating for crime, owing it to high instances of assault, theft, and property crimes鈥78% higher than the rest of the state, overall.

Nebraska: Omaha

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 5.7
Total violent crimes: 2,531
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 37.7
Total property crimes: 16,807
Population: 446,163

The homicide rate among Omaha鈥檚 African-American population is particularly troubling, . A research and advocacy group that promotes gun control recently released a study on the topic.

Nevada: North Las Vegas

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 9.5
Total violent crimes: 2,276
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 22.1
Total property crimes: 5,277
Population: 238,554

North Las Vegas is than a vibrant nightlife. The city suffers from widespread poverty and poor governmental management, contributing to a high rate of violent crime.  

New Hampshire: Manchester

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 6.7
Total violent crimes: 742
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 27.3
Total property crimes: 3,010
Population: 110,353

Known as the Queen City, Manchester is experiencing a change in demographic , despite the disproportionate crime rates relative to the rest of the state.

New Jersey: Asbury Park

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 14.2
Total violent crimes: 223
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 45.9
Total property crimes: 723
Population: 15,757

On April 6, 2018, this oceanfront community in northeast New Jersey served as the stage for Gov. Phil Murphy to sign an expanding availability of gun crime information to the public.

New Mexico: Espanola

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 26.7
Total violent crimes: 268
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 55.5
Total property crimes: 557
Population: 10,030

North of Albuquerque, Espanola was established in 1880 as a railroad community. Formerly incarcerated resident has made a name for himself as an advocate for criminal justice reform within the state.  

New York: Newburgh

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 14.3
Total violent crimes: 403
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 31.4
Total property crimes: 885
Population: 28,171

While Newburgh鈥檚 crime rate continues to be disproportionate for its size, there has been a in offenses relative to that area since 2016.

North Carolina: Lumberton

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 18.1
Total violent crimes: 393
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 138.3
Total property crimes: 2,998
Population: 21,683

Located 20 miles north of the South Carolina border, Lumberton is not only the 鈥淕ateway to Southeastern North Carolina,鈥 but also the state鈥檚 strongest base of violent crime. Robeson County, in fact,

North Dakota: Jamestown

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 4.1
Total violent crimes: 63
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 30.6
Total property crimes: 471
Population: 15,417

Jamestown鈥檚 crime rate is so high that its local university has , addressing legitimate concerns students and parents may have.

Ohio: Cleveland

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 16.3
Total violent crimes: 6,299
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 53.2
Total property crimes: 20,533
Population: 386,227

Ohio's second-most populous city was once a leader in the dissemination of culture and commerce. Now, the city is consistent in being a platform for violent crime, with the

Oklahoma: Tulsa

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 11
Total violent crimes: 4,444
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 59
Total property crimes: 23,956
Population: 405,748

Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma and by far the leader per capita in terms of property and violent crime.

Oregon: Medford

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 5
Total violent crimes: 407
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 70.4
Total property crimes: 5,688
Population: 80,794

Just 35 miles north of the California border, Medford is in a region known for fine wine production. Unfortunately, , which makes it a hotbed for crime. 

Pennsylvania: Darby

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 21.3
Total violent crimes: 228
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 37.2
Total property crimes: 398
Population: 10,687

A southwest suburb of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, of 3,617 per 100,000 people. High poverty rates and rampant unemployment contribute to higher instances of homicides and other violent crimes.

Rhode Island: Central Falls

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 6.5
Total violent crimes: 126
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 23.4
Total property crimes: 451
Population: 19,277

Central Falls, a city in Providence County is known as the City for All People, owing to a , which cites it the only city in Rhode Island that is a 鈥渕ajority minority鈥 city. Despite these bragging rights, and the city being so small, it still needs to .

South Carolina: Myrtle Beach

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 16.9
Total violent crimes: 538
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 137.9
Total property crimes: 4,395
Population: 31,864

Myrtle Beach is known for leisure and challenging golf courses. Despite the beach vibes, the city recently announced a to add new police officers over several divisions.

South Dakota: Rapid City

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 7.2
Total violent crimes: 536
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 39.8
Total property crimes: 2,966
Population: 74,573

South Dakota鈥檚 second-most populous city received a as part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, which will go toward criminal justice reform and reducing the county jail population.

Tennessee: Memphis

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 18.2
Total violent crimes: 11,947
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 56.3
Total property crimes: 36,988
Population: 656,434

Although Memphis reduced its crime rate by 15.6% in 2017, the overall crime rate saw an increase of about 6%. In 2018, Bill Gibbons, president of Crime Commissions, created a which expands the multi-agency hang unit and sets out to deploy law enforcement in a 鈥渄ata driven manner.鈥

Texas: Robstown

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 17.4
Total violent crimes: 202
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 34.2
Total property crimes: 397
Population: 11,596

Robstown is a suburb west of Corpus Christi, due to its transportation infrastructure. Its location makes it an ideal trafficking ground between Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Utah: Salt Lake City

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 9.4
Total violent crimes: 1,815
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 85.4
Total property crimes: 16,551
Population: 193,918

Utah鈥檚 capital and most populous city, Salt Lake City, implemented the Justice Reinvestment Initiative in 2015 that set out to reduce recidivism and help offenders become law-abiding citizens. Unfortunately, data has yet to reflect an improvement in the city鈥檚 crime rate. 

Vermont: Brattleboro

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 3.3
Total violent crimes: 38
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 39.2
Total property crimes: 455
Population: 11,607

Located roughly 10 miles north of the Massachusetts state line, Brattleboro takes pride in its . This community organization seeks to find ways to repair harm constructively, utilizing the principles of restorative justice.

Virginia: Danville

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 8
Total violent crimes: 335
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 36.7
Total property crimes: 1,529
Population: 41,686

In comparison with other cities of similar size, Danville鈥檚 crime ranks higher than average. Although the city鈥檚 overall crime has been steadily decreasing for the past 15 years, Danville police argue that the drop is not enough. The current focus is to help restore safety to crime-ridden neighborhoods.

Washington: Tacoma

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 9.5
Total violent crimes: 2,000
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 65.5
Total property crimes: 13,749
Population: 209,914

Tacoma ranks . Tacoma鈥檚 police department places large emphasis on data analysis, and programs aimed at predictive policing.

 

West Virginia: Charleston

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 15.5
Total violent crimes: 767
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 79.7
Total property crimes: 3,939
Population: 49,429

In 2015, West Virginia鈥檚 capital city passed a bill in an effort to reduce the incarceration of low-level youth offenders and steer resources toward community-based sanctions. Positive results remain to be seen, given the data provided by the FBI.

 

Wisconsin: Milwaukee

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 15.3
Total violent crimes: 9,201
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 40.6
Total property crimes: 24,392
Population: 600,193

of Wisconsin鈥檚 鈥淏ig City of Little Neighborhoods,鈥 says, 鈥You're more likely to be the victim of a violent crime in Milwaukee than in 96% of the country.鈥 Although this may be the case, the city鈥檚 close proximity to Lake Michigan, booming beer industry, and metropolitan area makes it the second most-densely populated city in the midwest after Chicago.

Wyoming: Riverton

Violent crimes per 1,000 persons: 4.3
Total violent crimes: 47
Property crimes per 1,000 persons: 55.9
Total property crimes: 610
Population: 10,905

Riverton is known for its staunch sense of civic pride.  will allow judges to provide two non-prison alternatives for probation and parole violators.

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