During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. violent crime rate rose to its highest level in a decade. The increase was driven by a rise in aggravated assault and, most notably, a historic 29% surge in homicides that made 2020 the deadliest year in the United States since the mid-1990s.
Violent crime is a broad category of offenses that includes rĐ°pe, robbery, aggravated assault, and murder. All told, more than 1.3 million violent crimes were reported in the U.S. – or 399 for every 100,000 people – in 2020, an increase of 18 incidents per 100,000 people from the previous year.Â
The increase in violent crime was not uniform across the country, however, and several U.S. cities bore the brunt of the surge in criminal violence.Â
Using data from the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 50 cities where crime is soaring. Cities are ranked by the year-over-year change in violent crimes reported for every 100,000 residents. Only cities with populations greater than 25,000 were considered.Â
Rising rates of violence in American cities came during a tumultuous year. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools and left millions of Americans out of work. Footage of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer rattled confidence in American law enforcement and sparked nationwide protests. Firearms sales soared, and tens of millions of new guns proliferated across communities nationwide. Here is a look at the states buying the most guns.Â
All but three cities on this list have a higher violent crime rate than the U.S. as a whole, and most also had high rates of violence before the most recent annual surge. Half of the 50 cities on this list are in the South and most of the remainder are in the Midwest. Cities with the largest increases in violence are also more likely to have higher than average levels of underlying socioeconomic problems, such as unemployment and poverty. Here is a look at the city where the most people live below the poverty line in every state.
Click here to see cities where crime is soaring
Click here to see our detailed methodology
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
50. Racine, Wisconsin
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 164.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 414 — 247th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 291 — 343rd highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 540.7 — 247th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 376.6 — 417th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 77,081
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Source: Faina Gurevich / iStock via Getty Images
49. Aurora, Colorado
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 165.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 3,473 — 35th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 2,799 — 41st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 900.4 — 83rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 735.4 — 129th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 369,111
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48. Reynoldsburg, Ohio
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 165.7 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 137 — 494th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 73 — 299th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 354.9 — 456th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 189.2 — 369th lowest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 38,129
Source: Jon Kraft / iStock via Getty Images
47. Decatur, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 166.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 489 — 211th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 375 — 257th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 696.8 — 157th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 530.3 — 248th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 72,359
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Source: pabradyphoto / Getty Images
46. Springfield, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 169.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,078 — 100th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 889 — 115th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 946.3 — 69th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 777.1 — 113th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 115,888
Source: Jacob Boomsma / Getty Images
45. Waterloo, Iowa
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 171.7 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 419 — 243rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 306 — 326th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 623.5 — 193rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 451.8 — 319th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 67,912
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44. Grand Junction, Colorado
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 175.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 348 — 289th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 235 — 416th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 542.5 — 245th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 367.5 — 435th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 62,062
Source: Sundry Photography / iStock via Getty Images
43. Los Banos, California
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 176.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 220 — 449th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 143 — 516th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 528.5 — 256th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 352.2 — 458th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 38,914
42. North Charleston, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 178.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,345 — 80th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1,114 — 88th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,144.7 — 43rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 966.1 — 51st highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 111,501
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Source: f11photo / Getty Images
41. New Orleans, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 179.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 5,215 — 22nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 4,516 — 25th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,324.3 — 26th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,144.7 — 28th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 390,845
Source: DavidByronKeener / Getty Images
40. Idaho Falls, Idaho
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 181.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 291 — 349th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 172 — 533rd highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 458.6 — 331st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 277.0 — 544th lowest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 61,459
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39. St. Paul, Minnesota
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 184.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 2,320 — 50th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1,752 — 57th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 748.7 — 135th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 564.7 — 231st highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 304,547
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
38. Houston, Texas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 184.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 29,474 — 2nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 25,257 — 4th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,256.3 — 30th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,072.2 — 36th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 2,310,432
Source: makasana / Getty Images
37. Sumter, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 184.7 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 491 — 210th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 418 — 232nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,241.7 — 31st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,057.0 — 38th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 39,800
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36. Ithaca, New York
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 185.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 98 — 383rd lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 41 — 150th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 316.9 — 527th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 131.7 — 246th lowest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 30,569
Source: DakotaSmith / iStock via Getty Images
35. Allen Park, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 187.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 98 — 383rd lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 48 — 183rd lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 365.5 — 449th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 178.1 — 347th lowest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 27,216
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Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
34. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 189.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 492 — 209th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 415 — 233rd highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,379.8 — 23rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,190.5 — 24th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 32,700
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
33. Fort Smith, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 190.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,031 — 104th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 863 — 119th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,170.6 — 36th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 980.2 — 48th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 87,743
Source: doe-oakridge / Flickr
32. Oak Ridge, Tennessee
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 191.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 168 — 552nd highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 112 — 433rd lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 576.5 — 214th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 385.1 — 397th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 29,037
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31. Kalamazoo, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 196.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,094 — 97th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 949 — 104th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,431.7 — 18th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,235.2 — 23rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 76,019
Source: jweise / iStock via Getty Images
30. Burton, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 198.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 192 — 502nd highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 136 — 495th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 675.4 — 166th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 477.3 — 292nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 28,654
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29. Jacksonville, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 200.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 327 — 310th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 271 — 364th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,158.9 — 39th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 958.5 — 53rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 28,456
28. Rock Island, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 205.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 213 — 463rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 139 — 507th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 576.0 — 215th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 370.5 — 430th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 38,111
Source: cosmonaut / Getty Images
27. Dubuque, Iowa
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 209.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 231 — 435th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 110 — 425th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 398.9 — 405th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 189.7 — 372nd lowest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 58,196
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26. Salt Lake City, Utah
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 210.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,865 — 58th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1,442 — 69th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 922.4 — 74th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 712.4 — 141st highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 197,756
Source: fallbrook / Getty Images
25. Riviera Beach, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 210.7 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 428 — 236th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 346 — 279th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,195.6 — 34th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 984.9 — 47th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 34,702
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24. Melbourne, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 211.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 757 — 139th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 579 — 175th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 903.3 — 80th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 692.0 — 149th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 81,468
Source: Steven_Kriemadis / Getty Images
23. Detroit, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 213.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 14,370 — 6th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 13,040 — 5th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,178.5 — 3rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,965.3 — the highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 674,841
Source: JillLang / Getty Images
22. New Bern, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 218.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 190 — 511th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 125 — 465th lowest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 632.3 — 181st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 414.1 — 357th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 29,895
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21. Minneapolis, Minnesota
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 229.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 5,025 — 25th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 3,990 — 29th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,154.9 — 41st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 925.7 — 63rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 420,324
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
20. Aiken, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 230.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 250 — 407th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 178 — 521st highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 806.3 — 113th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 575.6 — 218th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 30,671
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Source: BehindTheLens / Getty Images
19. Yakima, Washington
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 234.8 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 639 — 170th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 420 — 231st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 680.8 — 164th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 446.0 — 324th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 93,413
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18. Paragould, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 240.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 378 — 268th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 307 — 323rd highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,290.6 — 28th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,049.8 — 40th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 28,568
Source: Kruck20 / Getty Images
17. Spartanburg, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 243.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 536 — 193rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 448 — 217th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,430.5 — 19th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,186.6 — 26th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 37,424
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16. Panama City, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 261.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 303 — 333rd highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 228 — 428th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 873.9 — 88th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 612.9 — 186th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 36,640
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
15. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 264.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 9,407 — 9th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 7,874 — 10th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,596.8 — 12th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,332.5 — 17th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 594,548
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14. Florence, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 268.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 562 — 181st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 447 — 218th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,456.1 — 15th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,187.6 — 25th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 38,487
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Source: benkrut / Getty Images
13. Rockford, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 276.8 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 2,101 — 53rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1,711 — 59th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,451.0 — 16th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,174.2 — 27th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 147,070
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
12. Alexandria, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 278.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 850 — 124th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 732 — 143rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,848.4 — 7th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,569.8 — 6th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 47,012
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11. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 280.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 746 — 142nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 644 — 163rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,832.1 — 8th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,551.6 — 7th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 43,091
Source: Kruck20 / Getty Images
10. Chattanooga, Tennessee
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 289.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 2,504 — 47th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1,946 — 51st highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,359.3 — 24th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,070.1 — 37th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 179,690
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
9. Texarkana, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 311.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 273 — 377th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 183 — 512th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 921.6 — 75th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 610.6 — 190th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 29,901
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
8. Lansing, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 328.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,699 — 64th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1,313 — 77th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,431.9 — 17th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,103.8 — 34th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 117,159
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
7. Little Rock, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 333.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 3,657 — 33rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 3,009 — 36th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,849.9 — 6th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,516.8 — 8th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 197,958
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6. Rocky Mount, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 361.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 615 — 174th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 424 — 229th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,149.1 — 42nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 787.7 — 107th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 54,548
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
5. Goldsboro, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 382.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 397 — 259th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 267 — 369th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,165.9 — 38th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 783.3 — 111th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 34,647
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4. South Bend, Indiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 397.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,765 — 62nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1,357 — 74th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,728.4 — 9th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,331.1 — 18th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 102,037
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
3. Memphis, Tennessee
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 450.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 15,310 — 5th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 12,367 — 6th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,352.0 — 2nd highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,901.4 — 3rd highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 651,932
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
2. Saginaw, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 679.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,029 — 105th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 707 — 147th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,154.2 — 4th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,474.3 — 11th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 48,650
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1. Monroe, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 1,203.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1,399 — 79th highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 843 — 126th highest of 1,119 cities (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,969.1 — the highest of 1,119 cities
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,765.6 — 4th highest of 1,119 cities
> Population: 48,241
Methodology
To determine the cities where crime is soaring, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the change in violent crime rate per 100,000 people from the FBI’s 2019 and 2020 Uniform Crime Reports. Violent crime includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rаpe, robbery, and aggravated assault.
We included cities that have more than 25,000 people based on five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. Limited data was available in the 2020 UCR for areas in Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, though cities in these states were not excluded from analysis. Because some state and local agencies changed reporting practices between 2019 and 2020, the figures in these areas are not comparable, and these areas were excluded.
Population figures are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. However, these estimates were not used to calculate crime rates. Crime rates per 100,000 people were calculated using population figures provided by the FBI in the 2020 and 2019 UCR.
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