Violence poses a significant issue affecting numerous cities across the United States. As per the FBI’s definition, violent crime encompasses offenses involving force or the threat of force, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The FBI annually compiles and releases crime statistics through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, serving as a reliable data source for analyzing crime trends.
Yet, the 2023 UCR data remains unavailable, necessitating reliance on alternative sources to estimate current-year violent crime rates. One such source is MoneyGeek, a personal finance technology company that has ranked the most perilous US cities for 2023, using 2021 FBI crime statistics and academic research on crime-related societal costs.
Another source is the World Population Review, a platform offering population, demographics, and economics data. This source has ranked the most violent US cities based on incidents per 100,000 individuals.
Utilizing these sources, we’ve compiled a roster of the 15 most violent cities in America for 2023, along with concise explanations for potential contributors to their elevated crime rates. Note that rankings could slightly differ due to distinct methodologies and data used by each source, but there’s general alignment regarding top placements.
15. Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city and the fifth-largest in the Midwest, houses around 590,000 people and has a violent crime rate of 1,597 incidents per 100,000 people. Decades of poverty, segregation, unemployment, and racial inequalities have fueled unrest and violence in some of Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. High rates of gun violence also persist, with 189 homicides reported in 2021.
14. Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, the capital and most populous city of Arkansas, with approximately 198,000 residents, experiences a violent crime rate of 1,634 incidents per 100,000 people. Gang violence, drug trafficking, poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy have created a cycle of disadvantage and crime. In 2021, Little Rock recorded 55 homicides, the highest number since 1993.
13. Memphis, TN
Memphis, Tennessee’s largest city and the Southeast’s second-largest, is home to around 651,000 individuals and boasts a violent crime rate of 2,003 incidents per 100,000 people. Deep-seated racial tensions, economic disparities, low educational attainment, and limited social services contribute to high crime rates. Memphis witnessed 332 homicides in 2021, a record high.
12. Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city and one of the oldest in the US, has a population of approximately 586,000 and a violent crime rate of 2,027 incidents per 100,000 people. Rising violence since 2015, marked by protests after Freddie Gray’s death in police custody, correlates with poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, and corruption. In 2021, Baltimore reported 335 homicides, the second-highest in its history.
11. Detroit, MI
Detroit, Michigan’s largest city, with about 670,000 residents, experiences a violent crime rate of 2,057 incidents per 100,000 people. Once an industrial hub, Detroit’s decline due to auto industry collapse, suburbanization, urban decay, blight, bankruptcy, and political instability contributes to its challenges. Detroit registered 327 homicides in 2021.
10. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, Missouri’s second-largest city, with around 300,000 inhabitants, has a violent crime rate of 2,082 incidents per 100,000 people. Deindustrialization, racial segregation, and economic disparity fuel poverty, unemployment, and disinvestment. Gun violence is also high, with 262 homicides reported in 2021.
9. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, Ohio’s second-largest city, home to about 381,000 people, contends with a violent crime rate of 2,109 incidents per 100,000 people. Economic decline, population loss, poverty, unemployment, education, and health challenges contribute to its crime issues. Cleveland recorded 175 homicides in 2021, the highest since 1982.
8. Mobile, AL
Mobile, Alabama’s fourth-largest city, populated by around 188,000 individuals, faces a violent crime rate of 2,111 incidents per 100,000 people. Despite its diverse cultural heritage, Mobile struggles with poverty, unemployment, racial disparities, and environmental hazards. In 2021, Mobile reported 57 homicides, the highest since 2015.
7. Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, Alabama’s largest city, home to roughly 209,000 people, experiences a violent crime rate of 2,152 incidents per 100,000 people. While it has made strides in economic development and social justice, Birmingham contends with poverty, unemployment, education, and health challenges. The city registered 122 homicides in 2021, the highest since 1995.
6. Stockton, CA
Stockton, California’s fourth-largest city, with approximately 312,000 inhabitants, contends with a violent crime rate of 2,158 incidents per 100,000 people. Poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and drug abuse contribute to its challenges. In 2021, Stockton saw 55 homicides, slightly more than the previous year.
5. Oakland, CA
Oakland, California’s largest city in Alameda County, has about 433,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 2,207 incidents per 100,000 people. Gentrification, displacement, inequality, and corruption are ongoing issues. Oakland reported 127 homicides in 2021, the highest since 2012.
4. Springfield, MO
Springfield, Missouri’s third-largest city, with a population of about 168,000, contends with a violent crime rate of 2,248 incidents per 100,000 people. While serving as a regional hub for various sectors, the city grapples with poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, and domestic violence. Springfield’s 2021 homicide count reached 28, an all-time high.
3. Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, home to approximately 288,000 people, has a violent crime rate of 2,273 incidents per 100,000 people. Despite its unique gateway status to the wilderness, Anchorage faces isolation, climate change, mental health, and substance abuse challenges. In 2021, Anchorage reported 30 homicides, slightly fewer than the prior year.
2. Flint, MI
Flint, Michigan’s seventh-largest city, with around 95,000 residents, contends with a violent crime rate of 2,273 incidents per 100,000 people. Its decline after General Motors plant closures in the 1980s, alongside the infamous water crisis, has exacerbated challenges. Poverty, unemployment, education, and corruption are ongoing issues. Flint recorded 61 homicides in 2021, the highest since 2012.
1. East St. Louis, IL
East St. Louis, Illinois’s second-largest city, home to about 26,000 people, experiences a staggering violent crime rate of 2,806 incidents per 100,000 people. Similar to its counterpart across the Mississippi River, economic struggles, poverty, unemployment, and high crime and violence levels persist. In 2021, East St. Louis reported 36 homicides, the highest since 1994.
Conclusion
Violence’s intricate nature affects many US cities, influenced by economic, social, political, historical, and environmental factors. This compilation highlights the 15 cities with the highest violent crime rates in 2023, offering brief explanations for the contributing factors.
Addressing these challenges demands comprehensive solutions, understanding both the obstacles and opportunities these cities present. With this knowledge, we can strive to promote peace, justice, and positive change within these communities