15 American Cities With Surprising Crime Rates That Travelers Should Consider Before Visiting

Planning your next urban adventure? It’s important to look beyond the tourist brochures and understand what really awaits you. The cities listed here are full of vibrant culture, history, and attractions. However, they also have higher-than-expected crime rates that guidebooks often overlook.

Taking necessary precautions before visiting these cities is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. While these cities offer rich cultural experiences, being aware of potential crime risks can help travelers stay safe during their visit.

St. Louis, Missouri

Known for its iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis also faces significant challenges with violent crime, particularly in certain neighborhoods. Once again this year, it has been designated as the most dangerous city in the United States, boasting the highest per-capita crime cost on record at $8,457.

Baltimore, Maryland

Despite its historical significance, Baltimore grapples with high crime rates, including robberies and homicides. Visitors should exercise caution, even in downtown areas. In Baltimore, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 64, while for property crime, it is 1 in 30.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Famous for its vibrant culture and Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans is also notorious for its high crime rate. New Orleans’ persistent crime issues include violent crimes such as homicides and robberies, as well as property crimes like burglaries and thefts.

Memphis, Tennessee

Home to Graceland and the blues, Memphis faces major challenges with crime, including property crimes and violent offenses. Memphis has historically had one of the highest homicide rates among major cities in the United States.

Chicago, Illinois

Despite being a major cultural and economic hub, Chicago grapples with gun violence and gang-related crime, particularly in certain neighborhoods on the city’s south and west sides. According to data from the Chicago Police Department, there were 617 homicides and 2,450 shootings recorded throughout Chicago in 2023.

Oakland, California

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland has a high crime rate. According to police data, robberies surged by 38% in Oakland last year, while burglaries saw a 23% increase. Motor vehicle theft also spiked, jumping by 44%. A San Francisco Chronicle analysis revealed that approximately one out of every 30 Oakland residents had a car stolen last year.

Atlanta, Georgia

Known for its Southern charm and thriving arts scene, Atlanta faces challenges with crime, including property crimes and gang-related violence. In the last reporting year, Atlanta recorded 22,746 total crimes. The overall crime rate in Atlanta stands at 97.43% above the national average.

Houston, Texas

Despite being a major economic hub, Houston faces challenges with crime, including property crimes and violent offenses. Your chance of being the victim of a property crime in the city of Houston is 1 in 22.

Little Rock, Arkansas

The Natural State’s capital city struggles with some of the highest violent crime rates per capita in the country. Property crimes and aggravated assaults are big problems in the city.

Jackson, Mississippi

Despite its role as the state capital, Jackson faces challenges with crime, including robberies and homicides, particularly in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. In Jackson, the total crime rate was 20.82% lower than the state average, but Jackson experienced a total crime rate of 15.31% higher than the national average.

Kansas City, Missouri

Despite its reputation as a barbecue haven, Kansas City grapples with crime issues such as homicides and aggravated assaults, particularly in certain areas of the city. In 2023, the Kansas City metro area reported 246 homicides.

Newark, New Jersey

Despite its proximity to New York City, Newark faces challenges with crime, including robberies and assaults. In 2021, the crime rates for Newark, NJ, indicated that the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in the city was 1 in 188, while for property crime, it was 1 in 52.

Stockton, California

Located in California’s Central Valley, Stockton has one of the highest crime rates in the state, including property crimes and violent offenses, exacerbated by economic disparities. In the last reporting year, Stockton recorded a total of 12,620 crimes. The overall crime rate in Stockton stands at 67.85% above the national average.

Birmingham, Alabama

Despite its historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham struggles with crime, including property crimes and violent offenses. Homicides dropped for the first time in the city in five years in 2023.

Miami, Florida

Globally known for its beaches and nightlife, Miami also has a high crime rate, including property crimes and violent offenses. Miami’s crime rate is pretty evenly dispersed throughout the city.