In a country as vast and diverse as the United States, crime statistics vary significantly from state to state. This article explores the fifteen states with the highest violent crime rates between 2020 and 2023, providing insight into the factors contributing to their ranking and what residents and visitors should know.
Alaska: The Most Dangerous State
Alaska holds the highest combined violent and property crime rate in the US. With a population of 736,081, Alaska’s crime rate was 32.14 per 1,000 people in 2022. Aggravated assault and sexual assault are particularly prevalent, with 4,222 and over 1,132 incidents reported, respectively.
New Mexico: Persistent Violent Crime
New Mexico consistently ranks among the highest for violent crimes. In 2021, the state saw over 12,000 violent assaults and more than 2,000 robberies. Property crime is also rampant, particularly in Albuquerque, Gallup, and Farmington.
Tennessee: High Property Crime
Tennessee, with a population of about 6.9 million, reported over 221,000 criminal incidents in 2021. Property crimes like burglary and theft are widespread, especially in cities such as Memphis and Nashville.
Arkansas: High Assault Rates
Arkansas, with a population of 3,013,756, had a violent crime rate of 672.7 per 100,000 in 2020. Property crime is also significant, with nearly 24,000 incidents of burglary and vehicle theft reported in 2021, particularly in West Memphis, Little Rock, and Helena.
Arizona: Rising Violent Crime
Arizona has seen an 8.6% rise in violent crime between 2020 and 2021, with 32,201 incidents of robbery and assault reported. Cities like Tempe and Phoenix experience higher crime rates compared to safer areas like Scottsdale.
Louisiana: High Murder Rates
Louisiana ranks high in both violent and property crime, with New Orleans seeing a crime rate 150% higher than the national average in 2022. Property crimes like burglary and theft are also significant problems statewide.
Missouri: High Murder Rates in St. Louis
Missouri had 723 murders in 2020, or 11.8 per 100,000 people. Cities like St. Louis have a crime rate 234% higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous places in the state.
South Carolina: High Robbery Incidents
South Carolina has a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people. The state reported nearly 22,000 robberies and 549 murders in 2020, with rates significantly above the national average.
South Dakota: Drunk Driving Issues
South Dakota has a violent crime rate of 501 per 100,000 residents in 2023. The state also has the second-highest rate of drunk driving arrests and a high number of related fatalities.
Oklahoma: Persistent Violent Crime
Oklahoma’s violent crime rate remains high despite a 4.2% decrease. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have particularly high rates, with Tulsa’s violent crime rate being 151% higher than the national average.
Michigan: Increasing Crime Rates
Michigan reported over 40,000 violent crime incidents in 2023. Cities like Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Saginaw have particularly high rates, with Detroit reporting 14,509 violent offenses in 2021.
Colorado: Rapidly Rising Crime
Colorado has seen its violent crime rate peak at 586.2 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Denver and Aurora have crime rates over 180% higher than the national average, contributing to the state’s high ranking.
Nevada: Crime in Sin City
Nevada has an overall crime rate of 2,731 per 100,000 residents. Las Vegas and Reno have violent crime rates more than 40% higher than the national average, making Nevada one of the most dangerous states.
Montana: High Gun-Related Deaths
Montana has a violent crime rate of 469.8 per 100,000 residents. Cities like Billings and Missoula experience significantly higher rates of both violent and property crime.
Washington: Rising Crime Rates
Washington’s violent crime rate increased to 376 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Seattle, Tacoma, Fife, and Tukwila have violent crime rates over 100% higher than the national average.