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15 Most Dangerous Cities in the US 

The United States inspires the rest of the world as an economic powerhouse. Yet, many are unaware of the danger behind the thin veil of concrete jungles.  This article will present the dark reality of crime that casts a grip on many American cities. Here is a list of the 15 most dangerous cities in the US.  

1.  Detroit, Michigan

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Detroit, Michigan, has a ridiculously high crime rate. Homicides, assaults, and burglaries are typical despite community engagement programs.  According to NeighborScout, it has a rate of 66 per thousand residents and one of the highests in all American states. 

2.  Memphis, Tennessee

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Next on the list is Memphis, Tennessee. The city struggles with safety concerns and a high rate of violent crime. Easy access to guns makes Memphis one of the most dangerous places in the USA. Homicides and robberies contribute to the insecurity in certain areas. There’s a recorded 7,913 crimes every 100,000 people. 

3.  Baltimore, Maryland

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Property crime in Baltimore, Maryland, makes it one of the most dangerous cities in the US. Crime is abundant in Baltimore due to the lack of employment, poverty, and the presence of gangs. The city counsel works hard to address the problems, but it’s a big challenge. In spite of the crimes, Baltimore is a beautiful city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. 

4.  St. Louis, Missouri

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St. Louis, Missouri, is infamous for its gun violence. The constant crime creates a ripple effect throughout the city. It leads to unsafe neighborhoods, especially in the northern part of the city.

5.  Cleveland, Ohio

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One of the most unexpected additions to this list, Cleveland, Ohio, is a city with a promising future. Unfortunately, violent crime is rampant. It makes it difficult for new businesses to set up shop.  

The residents aren’t absolved from the crimes either. Drug-related crimes are a cause of concern. They fuel addiction, health problems, and a sense of fear in the community.

6.  Birmingham, Alabama

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Nicknamed ‘The Magic City’, Birmingham, Alabama, has a history few cities can replicate. Before, it used to play a big part in American history as a steel giant. Soon after, it became a hotbed for civil rights movements. The city now faces violent crimes as its toughest challenge. 

People worry about getting robbed even in the light of day. The crime rate makes it hard for them to feel safe inside their houses.

7.  Newark, New Jersey

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Known for having a vibrant culture, Newark, New Jersey struggles with a very high crime rate. Frequent thefts and assaults affect the city’s reputation and stagnate its economic potential.

The constant fear of getting robbed causes uneasiness and dampens the community’s spirit. 

8.  Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Down south, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a city that presents a charming look on the outside. But on the inside, it’s ridden with violent crime. In Baton Rouge, there’s an astonishing 79 murders reported every year

9.  Milwaukee, Wisconsin

milwaukee wisconcin city and street scenes

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Abundant employment opportunities and a lively cultural scene fail to hide Wisconsin’s truth. It’s a fact that Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is filled with violent crime.  

Businesses also find it difficult to thrive due to the high crime rate. Milwaukee reports a large number of murders, rape, and aggravated assaults every year. 

10. Oakland, California

Venice,Beach,,California,-,July,17,,2007:,The,Crowded,Boardwalk

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Starting a business or raising a family in East and West Oakland is not usually recommended. The primary reason behind that is the extreme violence that takes place in the city. With a crime rate of 6,459 per 100,000, it’s much higher than the national average. Gang violence is the biggest threat in the city. Thus, people usually avoid any street that isn’t well-lit at night.

11. Kansas City, Missouri

Wooden beam log cabin amidst lush forest

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Primarily known for its jazz, Kansas has something else rising up the charts. With a crime rate that exceeds the national average by 167%, Kansas is not a safe place to live. On an average, you can find almost 87 crimes happening every day. It not only makes the residents and tourists feel unsafe, but also hinders any progress. 

12. Stockton, California

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Stockton is ranked among the most dangerous cities in the state of California. 2023 was particularly scary as the residents saw 98.7 violent crimes per 1,000 people. Like other cities, Stockton has certain neighborhoods that are particularly harmful. You’d avoid Lakeview, Park, Civic Center, and Seaport at night. 

13. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis - Circa May 2019: Chick-fil-A chicken restaurant. Despite ongoing controversy, Chick-fil-A is wildly popular II

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Indianapolis, Indiana is home to some of the friendliest people in the whole country. Yet, crime is a constant here. Violent crimes and property crimes go hand-in-hand here. When you’re in Indianapolis, there’s a huge chance that you’ll be affected by some form of crime. 

14. Washington, D.C.

Colorful lights reflecting off the Willamette River in Downtown Portland, Oregon

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One of the most surprising picks on this list, Washington, D.C. is unfortunately known for its high crime rate. In spite of being the capital and housing many government officials, the crime rate is so high that even Congress members have faced assaults.

15. Atlanta, Georgia

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The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., Atlanta faces violent crime every year. The economic disparity and prevalent racial tensions lead to assaults and homicides. Law enforcement issues also contribute to the increased crime rates in Atlanta.

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