When you think of dangerous cities in America, which do you think of? Chances are, Chicago comes to mind pretty quickly. Well, you’ll be surprised to know that Chicago didn’t make the FBI’s top 25 list based on crime rates in 2015.
As you plan to travel this winter break or next summer, take a look at the top ten cities (“city” meaning a population of at least 100,000) on the list to see what you’re up against. Don’t let the threat of danger keep you from travelling to these places, just don’t be an ignorant tourist! If you are scared of a little danger, though, you can find the 25 safest cities here instead.
10. Kansas City, Missouri
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,417.3
Murders in 2015: 109
9. Oakland, California
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,442.5
Murders in 2015: 85
8. Little Rock, Arkansas
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1485
Murders in 2015: 32
7. Baltimore, Maryland
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,535.9
Murders in 2015: 344
6. Rockford, Illinois
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,585.3
Murders in 2015: 19
5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,596.1
Murders in 2015: 145
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,740.1
Murders in 2015: 135
3. Birmingham, Alabama
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,746.2
Murders in 2015: 79
2. Detroit, Michigan
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,759.6
Murders in 2015: 295
1. St. Louis, Missouri
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,817.1
Murders in 2015: 188
There’s one more city in the top 25 I thought you’d be interested in seeing.
24. Tallahassee, Florida
Violent crimes per 100,000: 1,064.3
Murders in 2015: 16
That’s right, the ‘nasty is more dangerous than Chicago. If you can survive living here, you should be just fine travelling to all the other cities on the list. Stay safe, Noles!