There are relatively few major yardsticks most Americans use when they consider where to live. Are there good jobs in the area? How is the education system? Are there recreational areas nearby? Is the housing affordable, the cost of living?
And then there is crime. How many people want to move to a city with a high crime rate? Cities with high crime rates have to set high bars in other factors to attract new residents. (This is the town with the most murders in every state.)
The most dangerous town in America is Nome, Alaska, which reported 4,205 violent crimes per 100,000 people — more than 10 times the national violent crime rate of 399 for every 100,000 people. The town of 3,900 residents had 164 violent crimes and two murders in 2020, according to FBI data. Nome’s five-year poverty rate of 7.5% is relatively low. The comparable national poverty rate is 13.4%.
Using data from the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report, 24/7 Wall St. identified the most dangerous towns in the United States. Towns are ranked by the violent crime rate — the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rаpе, robbery, and aggravated assault.
While local violence and murder rates shift over time, many impoverished cities have not been able to overcome the problem. Dying industrial cities in the Midwest often face insurmountable efforts to bring crime down. Detroit is a good example. The city does not have the resources to improve its crime situation, at least by much. (These, on the other hand, are America’s safest cities.)
Explanations for the high levels of violence in the towns on this list are varied and complex. Major current events that have impacted the entire country — such as the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest fueled by the murder of George Floyd — have likely played a role in some places. Other factors, such as a lack of economic opportunity, are more endemic.
Low-income communities in the United States are disproportionately burdened by crime. One study found that individuals with family incomes of less than $15,000 annually are three times more likely to be victimized by crime than those with family incomes of $75,000 or more.
Click here for the most dangerous towns in America
Methodology
To determine the most dangerous U.S. town, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed violent crime figures from the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report. Violent crime includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rаpе, robbery, and aggravated assault. The rate of violent crimes per 100,000 people was calculated using population data from the FBI.
We defined towns based on population thresholds — having at least 2,500 people and less than 25,000 people — using five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. Limited data were available in the 2020 UCR for areas in Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, though towns in these states were not excluded from the analysis.
Additional information on the number of murders are also from the 2020 FBI UCR. Poverty rates are five-year estimates from the 2019 ACS.
50. Bishopville, South Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,346.3
> Number of violent crimes: 40 — 677th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 29.8% — 234th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 2,971
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49. El Dorado, Arkansas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,375.3
> Number of violent crimes: 241 — 17th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 8 — 13th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 23.7% — 578th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 17,523
48. Garden City, Georgia
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,376.8
> Number of violent crimes: 120 — 115th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 5 — 31st highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 19.4% — 915th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 8,716
Source: catscandotcom / iStock via Getty Images
47. Fife, Washington
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,378.5
> Number of violent crimes: 142 — 75th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 4 — 43rd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 12.1% — 1,704th lowest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 10,301
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46. Bethel, Alaska
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,400.2
> Number of violent crimes: 93 — 189th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 15.9% — 1,343rd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 6,642
Source: Better Planet Media / iStock via Getty Images
45. Ypsilanti, Michigan
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,422.9
> Number of violent crimes: 288 — 9th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 31.6% — 172nd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 20,240
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Source: Courtesy of City of Vinita Park, MO via Facebook
44. Vinita Park, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,461.1
> Number of violent crimes: 160 — 59th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 14 — 4th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 17.1% — 1,182nd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 10,951
Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
43. Covington, Tennessee
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,474.3
> Number of violent crimes: 130 — 99th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 24.7% — 514th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 8,818
Source: Courtesy of City of Balcones Heights, Texas via Facebook
42. Balcones Heights, Texas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,487.2
> Number of violent crimes: 50 — 497th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 31.7% — 169th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 3,362
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41. Havana, Illinois
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,523.4
> Number of violent crimes: 45 — 592nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 17.3% — 1,161st highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 2,954
Source: Hundley_Photography / iStock via Getty Images
40. South Padre Island, Texas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,551.2
> Number of violent crimes: 43 — 620th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 7.3% — 909th lowest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 2,772
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39. Lake City, Florida
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,556.1
> Number of violent crimes: 193 — 34th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 22.2% — 691st highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 12,403
38. West Monroe, Louisiana
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,565.8
> Number of violent crimes: 190 — 39th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 24.6% — 524th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 12,134
37. Manning, South Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,576.6
> Number of violent crimes: 61 — 386th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 4 — 43rd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 27.7% — 320th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 3,869
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36. Darlington, South Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,594.6
> Number of violent crimes: 94 — 179th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 22.0% — 711th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 5,895
35. Riverview, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,595.7
> Number of violent crimes: 45 — 592nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 17.5% — 1,142nd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 2,820
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34. Needles, California
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,602.6
> Number of violent crimes: 80 — 259th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 25.9% — 425th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 4,992
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33. Forrest City, Arkansas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,633.0
> Number of violent crimes: 223 — 21st highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 4 — 43rd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 29.3% — 251st highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 13,656
32. Helena-West Helena, Arkansas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,635.9
> Number of violent crimes: 165 — 52nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 14 — 4th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 45.2% — 18th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 10,086
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31. Pagedale, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,642.3
> Number of violent crimes: 54 — 454th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 3 — 72nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 39.0% — 53rd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 3,288
Source: Ken Badgley / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
30. Marianna, Florida
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,647.8
> Number of violent crimes: 93 — 189th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 37.8% — 69th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 5,644
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29. Fordyce, Arkansas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,673.1
> Number of violent crimes: 61 — 386th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 15.6% — 1,378th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 3,646
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28. Bogalusa, Louisiana
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,689.0
> Number of violent crimes: 193 — 34th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 16 — 2nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 31.5% — 173rd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 11,427
Source: Courtesy of City of Muskegon Heights via Facebook
27. Muskegon Heights, Michigan
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,715.8
> Number of violent crimes: 184 — 44th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 3 — 72nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 36.7% — 78th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 10,724
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Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
26. Ripley, Tennessee
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,717.4
> Number of violent crimes: 132 — 96th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 5 — 31st highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 29.6% — 239th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 7,686
Source: Roberto Michel / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
25. Port Allen, Louisiana
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,725.2
> Number of violent crimes: 81 — 255th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 12.5% — 1,778th lowest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 4,695
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24. Orangeburg, South Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,732.0
> Number of violent crimes: 217 — 22nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 4 — 43rd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 27.2% — 351st highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 12,529
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23. College Park, Georgia
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,756.1
> Number of violent crimes: 267 — 12th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 10 — 8th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 29.5% — 247th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 15,204
22. Ecorse, Michigan
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,775.3
> Number of violent crimes: 170 — 51st highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 4 — 43rd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 33.3% — 129th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 9,576
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21. Gallup, New Mexico
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,775.4
> Number of violent crimes: 381 — 2nd highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 5 — 31st highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 28.4% — 287th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 21,460
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20. Laurinburg, North Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,784.6
> Number of violent crimes: 266 — 13th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 9 — 11th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 33.8% — 119th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 14,905
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19. Marksville, Louisiana
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,792.8
> Number of violent crimes: 95 — 176th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 6 — 24th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 41.7% — 34th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 5,299
18. Palmview, Texas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,860.1
> Number of violent crimes: 108 — 140th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 29.6% — 241st highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 5,806
17. Globe, Arizona
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,910.5
> Number of violent crimes: 140 — 80th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 15.8% — 1,366th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 7,328
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16. Highland Park, Michigan
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,919.5
> Number of violent crimes: 205 — 30th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 6 — 24th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 46.5% — 11th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 10,680
15. South Tucson, Arizona
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,974.5
> Number of violent crimes: 113 — 129th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 1 — 297th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 43.7% — 23rd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 5,723
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Source: Courtesy of City of Nevada, Mo. Government via Facebook
14. Nevada, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,976.7
> Number of violent crimes: 163 — 55th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 0 reported — the lowest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 18.2% — 1,059th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 8,246
13. Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 1,989.2
> Number of violent crimes: 206 — 28th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 20.4% — 820th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 10,356
Source: J. Michael Jones / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
12. Henderson, North Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,038.9
> Number of violent crimes: 303 — 7th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 10 — 8th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 27.7% — 324th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 14,861
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11. Allendale, South Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,055.7
> Number of violent crimes: 59 — 403rd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 3 — 72nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 35.4% — 98th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 2,870
10. Salem, New Jersey
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,059.6
> Number of violent crimes: 96 — 174th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 11 — 6th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 42.2% — 32nd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 4,661
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9. Bolivar, Tennessee
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,248.6
> Number of violent crimes: 110 — 135th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 27.9% — 314th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 4,892
8. Opelousas, Louisiana
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,370.4
> Number of violent crimes: 375 — 3rd highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 9 — 11th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 43.3% — 26th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 15,820
7. Wadesboro, North Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,375.0
> Number of violent crimes: 124 — 105th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 3 — 72nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 32.3% — 145th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 5,221
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6. Barnwell, South Carolina
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,405.1
> Number of violent crimes: 102 — 155th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 37.5% — 72nd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 4,241
5. West Memphis, Arkansas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,507.7
> Number of violent crimes: 607 — the highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 7 — 15th highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 26.3% — 403rd highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 24,205
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4. Florida City, Florida
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,908.8
> Number of violent crimes: 344 — 4th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 3 — 72nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 40.0% — 46th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 11,826
Source: Philip Rozenski / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
3. Osceola, Arkansas
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 2,987.6
> Number of violent crimes: 195 — 33rd highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 27.5% — 337th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 6,527
Source: Roberto Galan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
2. Benton Harbor, Michigan
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 3,192.6
> Number of violent crimes: 310 — 6th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 45.4% — 17th highest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 9,710
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1. Nome, Alaska
> Violent crimes per 100k people: 4,205.1
> Number of violent crimes: 164 — 54th highest of 3,606 towns
> Murders reported in 2020: 2 — 142nd highest of 3,606 towns (tied)
> Poverty rate: 7.5% — 936th lowest of 3,606 towns
> Population within reporting jurisdiction: 3,900
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