The most insecure cities to live in the United States
Based on figures, here are the 15 most insecure cities in the US. In these places, you must take greater security measures for your peace of mind.
The United States is characterized by various opportunities for growth in its 50 states, and although there are no conclusive reasons that determine crime in certain areas, a common denominator is the low rate of income to the national average as well as its impact on the high rate of poverty in the place.
Based on figures obtained in 2017, the latest year for which data can be collected, here are the 15 most insecure cities in the country.
15- SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
With 34 people killed in 2017, the violent crime rate in the city is 1,291 per 100,000 inhabitants. The poverty rate in San Bernardino is one of the highest in the country, with 32.3% and an unemployment rate of 6.3%.
14- SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
Although there were only 14 murders in 2017, the violent crime rate averages 1,339 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants.
13- OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
Although it has a lower average rate than Springfield with 1,299 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, in 2017 there were 69 murders, and despite the city's beauty, it has a long history of gang violence.
12- INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Similar to Oakland, the violent crime rate was not as high (1,334 per 100,000 inhabitants), however, the murders recorded in 2017 (156) generate concern among residents and place it at a superior crime site.
11- ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
Although the poverty rate is not as high at 18.9%, the unemployment rate recorded in 2017 at 5.5% may be one of the symptoms that generate criminality: 1,369 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants and 70 homicides in the same year.
10- STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA
Another place with a high unemployment rate of 8.0% recorded 55 violent crimes and a crime rate of 1,415 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, which puts it in the top ten on a list that no one would want to be on.
9- CLEVELAND, OHIO
Although it is not Ohio's largest city, it is one of the most dangerous: 1,557 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants and 107 homicides recorded in 2017. The U.S. Department of Justice found that in 2014 there were abuses of authority by city police that created tension within the community.
8- ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS
Although 2016 was the most violent year for this locality, there were still 1,588 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants and only 18 homicides in 2017.
7- MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
By 2017, aggravated assaults in the city increased 13.9% over the previous year. The 118 homicides reflect the danger of living in the area as part of the 1,597 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants.
6- LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
The picturesque and iconic city of Arkansas had 1,634 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants and 55 homicides in 2017. The documentary Gang war: bangin' in Little Rock attributes the place's unsafe environment to local gangs.
5- KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
We are getting closer and closer to the most dangerous cities and Kansas City reflects the worrying crime rates that exist in these parts of the country. In 2017, there were 1,724 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants and 150 homicides.
4- MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
In 2017, the Memphis Police Department recorded its first increase in the number of officers in six years; however, that did not prevent the increase in criminality by having 181 homicides and 2,003 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants in that same time.
3- BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
The city recorded the highest number of homicides in the country with 342, almost a daily murder in all of 2017. In addition, there were 2,027 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants.
2- DETROIT, MICHIGAN
With a high poverty rate of 39.4%, 2,057 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, and 267 homicides in 2017, more and more residents are moving out of the city seeking to get away from the area's violent environment. Detroit bears the burden of a permanent history of criminality that does not seem to diminish over the years.
1- SAN LUIS, MISSOURI
Although with fewer murders than the previous two cities with 205 homicides, the poverty rate is 26.7% and a rate of 2,082 per 100,000 inhabitants, surpassing Detroit and Baltimore. With these figures, St. Louis is 10 times more violent than the national average.
