According to the United States Census Bureau, the United States had a population of over 333 million people as of July 2022.
The Statista website indicates that in 2020 1,958.2 property crimes, including burglary and auto theft, occurred per 100,000 people in the United States.
388.5 violent crimes, including assaults, rape, and murder, occurred per 100,000 people in the United States.
According to Tour Hero, the United States remains a top tourist destination because of its natural wonders, places of historic and cultural significance, culinary destinations, and vibrant cities.
Speaking of cities, the most dangerous places in the United States are not what you might think they are by watching the news according to an article in Forbes.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US
1. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri is a vibrant, interesting city to visit.
It also has the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous place to visit in the United States based on crime statistics.
But, as with any other place, St. Louis has bad parts of town and less bad parts.
According to a page on Passecurity.com, the southeast part of town, including North Hampton and Lindenwood Park, is relatively safe to visit.
Other parts of the city, including downtown St. Louis, which has more than its share of homeless people begging for spare change or cigarettes, are more problematic.
2. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama is well known in the history of the American civil rights movement.
The city also has a number of tourist attractions and, according to Trip Advisor, organized tourist walks, including those covering the struggle for equal rights and nighttime “ghost walks.”
The Crimegrade Birmingham page indicates that the central part of the city is considered less safe by residents while the northern part is the safest.
The Region Security Guarding page noted that Dartmouth Circus, Digbeth, Gravelly Hill, and South Erdington are also considered high-crime neighborhoods.
3. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland is a great tourist attraction.
TripAdvisor notes that among the prime attractions are Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium, and Fell’s Point.
Numerous themed walking tours are available. Recreational sailing in Baltimore’s harbor is a favorite activity for tourists and residents alike.
Crimegrade notes that the most dangerous area of Baltimore tends to be in the city’s southwest and the safest places tend to be in the northeast.
Southwest Journal notes that dangerous neighborhoods in the city include Cherry Hill, West Baltimore, Greenmount East, Fairfield Area, and Pulaski.
Fox News notes that Baltimore has had police staffing problems resulting in a sharp increase in violent crime in recent years.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee is located on the Mississippi and is thus a busy river port town.
Its tourist attractions include Graceland, the home of and shrine to the great musician Elvis Pressley.
Memphis has its own, unique style of barbecue, so partaking of slow-roasted meat is a must while visiting the city.
Memphis also has a crime problem that visitors need to be aware of.
According to Crimegrade’s Memphis page, the east part of the city is considered the safest, while the western portion has problems with both violent street and property crime.
Southwest Journal notes that bad neighborhoods in the city include Shelby Forest-Frayser, Downtown, and New Pathways.
5. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan is, according to the Detroit Free Press, one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
“Recommended attractions include the Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, Eastern Market, the Detroit Riverfront and Belle Isle.”
Sadly, as a page on Crimegrade points out, Detroit is also a high-crime city, with much of the central part not considered safe.
Some of the dangerous areas are where retail theft occurs and not necessarily street crimes, such as muggings and robberies.
6. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio has a number of tourist attractions, according to Tripadvisor, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art, as well as a number of themed walking tours.
Crimegrade notes that the most dangerous parts of the city include the northern part including downtown near the lake.
Safer parts of the city include the far west with Lakewood, Westlake, and Fairview Park and the far east including University Heights and Shaker Heights.
The local Fox News TV station notes that violent crime is on the increase in Cleveland’s downtown.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the best tourist attractions in the United States.
Tripadvisor notes that places to see in the city include the French Quarter, the Garden District, the National World War II Museum, and St Louis Cathedral.
New Orleans boasts numerous walking tours, some of which cover the macabre history of the city.
New Orleans has a rich culinary culture with numerous restaurants.
Unfortunately, New Orleans also has a crime problem.
The most dangerous parts of the city include Central City, St. Roche, the 7th Ward, and the Florida Area according to Travel Snippet.
Tourist areas such as the French Quarter are relatively safe during the day.
At night, one should be more cautious.
8. Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana is not considered a prime tourist destination on the level of New Orleans.
However, Tripadvisor notes some interesting attractions, including the Norton Art Gallery, the Waterworks Museum, the Shreveport Aquarium, and the Barksdale Global Power Museum, with its collection of World War II aircraft.
Crimegrade notes that while the northwest, northeast, south, and southeast parts of Shreveport are considered relatively safe, the central part of the city is not so safe.
Roadsnacks lists the Downtown Riverfront area as the worst part of Shreveport where safety and the risk of violent crime are concerned.
9. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, according to Tripadvisor, has a number of interesting things to see, including the USS Kidd, a World War II destroyer converted into a floating museum, and the LSI Rural Life Museum, a collection of buildings depicting the history of the area.
Crimegrade notes that the central part of the city, along the river, tends to be more dangerous than the areas surrounding it.
Roadsnacks adds that Brookstown, Victoria Gardens, and Greenville Addition are among the less safe parts of Baton Rouge.
Bernard Terrace is among the best and safest parts of the city.
10. Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas has a number of interesting places to see, according to TripAdvisor, including the Central High School National Historical Site, the scene of one of the struggles for school desegregation and civil rights, and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, CrimeGrade notes that the central and eastern parts of the city are considered dangerous while the western parts are safer.
Roadsnacks adds that Central High, Stephens, and 65th Street West are among the high-crime areas of Little Rock while River Mountain and Heights are considered safer.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to the US
- Do not display a lot of cash or your cell phone in public, thus creating temptation for muggers,
- Wear a money belt for your money and identification documents rather than put your wallet in your back pocket.
- Exercise situational awareness when in public. Keep your distance from anyone whom you sense may be a threat.
- Be especially careful when out after dark. Use a taxi or a rideshare to get around when the sun is down.
- When out clubbing or dining, avoid drinking too much alcohol. If you’re feeling a little tipsy, see the above rule about taxis and rideshare transportation.
Noteworthy Facts About the US
The United States is a republic governed by a written Constitution.
The United States Constitution divides the federal government into the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
It contains a Bill of Rights that limits the power of the federal government and guarantees the rights of its citizens, including freedom of speech, freedom to practice religion, freedom to keep and bear arms, trial by jury, and numerous others.
According to the United States Census, the U.S. is a multiethnic society, comprising:
- White 75.5 percent
- Black 13.6 percent
- Native American or Alaskan Native 1.3 percent
- Asian 6.3 percent
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders 0.3 percent
- Hispanic 19.1
- Multi-Racial 3.0 percent
Unlike most of the world, the United States does not use the metric system.
Distances are measured in inches, feet, yards, and miles.
Weights are measured in pounds.
The United States was the first and, thus far, the only country to land human beings on the surface of the moon.
The U.S. is currently leading a worldwide effort to return astronauts to the moon under Project Artemis.
While most countries in the civilized world ended slavery through political and legislative action, the United States was obliged to fight a civil war to end the practice within its borders.
According to Investopedia, the major industries of the United States include healthcare, technology, construction, retail, and non-durable manufacturing.
Unlike many countries, the United States does not have a universal healthcare system, instead using a mix of government-funded programs (Medicare and Medicaid) and private insurance, much of which is provided by employers and labor unions.
United States Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: United States Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
The United States also has the largest economy in the world, with a gross domestic product of $22 trillion as of 2020.
The U.S. dollar is the most widely used currency in international transactions and is also the world’s primary reserve currency.
In my personal opinion, while the United States has its share of crime and dangerous places, it is still a fascinating and diverse country with many unique and interesting places to visit.
The United States has a federal system of government, with powers divided between the federal government and the states.
Each state has its own constitution and is largely responsible for its own internal governance.
The United States is a major world power, with the world’s largest economy and the most powerful military.
It is also a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and NATO.
The U.S. has a diverse landscape, including vast plains, towering mountains, and beautiful coastlines.
It is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore.
Overall, the United States is a complex and diverse country with a rich history and many opportunities for both residents and visitors.
Despite the crime statistics, St. Louis is a vibrant city with pockets of safety and charm that make it worth visiting for its unique culture and history.
I didnt see Chicago listed.. Think thats a little odd that was left out since its probably the most dangerous in America…