10 Most Dangerous Cities In the USA 2025
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the USA (2025): Crime Hotspots & What the Data Shows
Safety is a major consideration when choosing where to live, work, or travel. While many U.S. cities are experiencing declining crime trends in 2025, some remain hotspots for violent or property crime. Using the most recent FBI-reported crime statistics and independent analysis, here are the Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America for 2025.
Methodology
This ranking draws on the FBI's Crime Data Explorer (CDE) and independent reports such as those by NeighborhoodScout, WalletHub, and SafeWise. These organizations evaluate violent crime rates (homicide, assault, robbery, rape) and property crimes (burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft) per 1,000 residents.
While national violent crime rates dropped by about 4.5% in 2024, certain cities continue to report crime levels well above national averages.
The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America (2025)
1. St. Louis, Missouri
Why it's dangerous: For years, St. Louis has topped lists due to its high homicide and violent crime rates.
Key issue: Concentrated gang violence and firearm-related crimes.
2. Detroit, Michigan
Why it's dangerous: Despite revitalization efforts, Detroit still struggles with high rates of violent crime, especially aggravated assault.
Key issue: Poverty and economic inequality continue to fuel crime.
3. Baltimore, Maryland
Why it's dangerous: Persistent issues with homicide and robbery rates, although some categories are improving.
Key issue: Drug trafficking and systemic challenges within law enforcement.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Why it's dangerous: Leads the nation in violent crime rates per capita, with car thefts and aggravated assaults on the rise.
Key issue: Property crime and gang-related violence remain serious concerns.
5. Cleveland, Ohio
Why it's dangerous: Reports consistently high violent crime rates, including robbery and assault.
Key issue: Struggles with poverty and concentrated urban violence.
6. Birmingham, Alabama
Why it's dangerous: One of the highest violent crime rates in the South, despite its small population.
Key issue: Limited police resources compared to crime volume.
7. Little Rock, Arkansas
Why it's dangerous: High per-capita crime rates, particularly aggravated assaults.
Key issue: Gang violence and property crime keep numbers high.
8. Oakland, California
Why it's dangerous: Longstanding issues with property crime, burglary, and violent incidents.
Key issue: Auto theft and robberies are significantly above national averages.
9. Kansas City, Missouri
Why it's dangerous: Elevated homicide and violent assault rates keep it in the top tier of unsafe U.S. cities.
Key issue: Gun violence and drug-related crimes.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
Why it's dangerous: Known for high homicide rates and property crime, especially burglary.
Key issue: Tourism-heavy areas often see spikes in thefts and robberies.
National Context in 2025
- Violent crime is trending downward nationally, but certain cities remain outliers due to concentrated poverty, gang activity, and insufficient resources.
- Car thefts and burglaries are among the fastest-growing categories in dangerous cities.
- Some dangerous cities are also tourism hubs—New Orleans, Baltimore, and Oakland—so visitors should stay alert in high-crime neighborhoods.
Why These Cities Struggle with Crime
- Economic challenges → Higher poverty rates often correlate with increased violent crime.
- Gang and drug activity → Fuel both violent and property crimes.
- Law enforcement gaps → Staffing shortages and strained police-community relationships.
Tips for Staying Safe in Higher-Crime Areas
- Research neighborhoods: Even in high-crime cities, some areas are very safe.
- Use smart travel habits: Stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid displaying valuables.
- Leverage technology: Apps that report local crime or neighborhood watch groups can add peace of mind.
- Consider security upgrades: Home security systems, cameras, and alarms can reduce property crime risk.
Final Thoughts
While crime rates in the U.S. as a whole are moving in the right direction, these 10 most dangerous cities in 2025 remind us that safety can vary drastically by region and even block by block.
Whether you're considering relocation or travel, understanding local crime patterns is essential. Use our crime mapping tools and city comparison features to make informed decisions about where to live, work, and visit.