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 nationwide, however, and many towns across the country 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 towns where crime is soaring. Towns are ranked by the year-over-year change in violent crimes reported for every 100,000 residents. We considered all places covered by the U.S. Census Bureau with populations between 2,500 and 25,000.Â
Rising rates of violence in American towns 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
Every town on this list has 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. The majority of the towns on this list are in the South, including nine in Arkansas alone. Towns 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 the towns where crime is soaring
Click here to read our detailed methodology
50. Marion, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 397.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 79 — 195th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 55 — 328th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,260.4 — 56th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 863.0 — 130th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 6,466
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49. Ottumwa, Iowa
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 399.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 230 — 15th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 134 — 50th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 946.8 — 126th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 547.2 — 347th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 24,545
Source: Philip Rozenski / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
48. Osceola, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 402.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 195 — 23rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 172 — 30th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,987.6 — 3rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 2,585.3 — 5th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 6,908
Source: Better Planet Media / iStock via Getty Images
47. Ypsilanti, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 403.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 288 — 8th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 216 — 15th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,422.9 — 36th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,019.9 — 80th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 20,828
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Source: w:Seneca, SC / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
46. Seneca, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 404.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 85 — 171st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 50 — 384th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 990.6 — 115th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 586.5 — 300th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 8,368
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
45. Miami Springs, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 410.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 92 — 146th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 36 — 603rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 660.7 — 267th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 250.5 — 1,068th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 14,146
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Source: J. Michael Jones / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
44. Henderson, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 412.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 303 — 6th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 242 — 7th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,038.9 — 12th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,626.0 — 19th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 14,948
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
43. Bonners Ferry, Idaho
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 414.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 12 — 1,265th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 1 — 97th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 452.5 — 492nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 38.4 — 314th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,594
42. Sutter Creek, California
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 417.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 14 — 1,408th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 3 — 333rd lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 531.5 — 394th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 114.3 — 947th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,573
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41. Luling, Texas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 429.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 50 — 379th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 25 — 858th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 844.2 — 159th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 414.8 — 556th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,830
40. Bogalusa, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 430.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 193 — 24th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 147 — 42nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,689.0 — 21st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,258.5 — 45th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 11,673
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39. Dumas, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 435.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 32 — 703rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 15 — 1,321st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 803.2 — 175th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 367.3 — 672nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,173
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Joesboy / iStock via Getty Images
38. Pierre, South Dakota
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 458.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 128 — 77th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 65 — 260th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 921.7 — 140th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 463.7 — 455th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 13,961
Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
37. Havana, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 459.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 45 — 457th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 32 — 666th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,523.4 — 32nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,063.5 — 76th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,197
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Source: Gary Ennis / iStock via Getty Images
36. Oscoda, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 460.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 50 — 379th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 19 — 1,102nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 741.7 — 206th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 281.6 — 936th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 6,803
35. Westwego, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 460.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 58 — 309th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 20 — 1,050th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 698.5 — 224th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 237.7 — 1,127th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 8,438
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34. Elizabethtown, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 462.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 32 — 703rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 17 — 1,191st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 955.5 — 121st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 493.2 — 411th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,464
24/7 Wall St.
33. Wadesboro, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 481.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 124 — 79th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 99 — 114th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,375.0 — 7th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,893.6 — 15th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,305
32. Winnfield, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 490.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 44 — 470th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 24 — 888th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,047.4 — 99th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 557.2 — 331st highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,420
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31. Palm Springs, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 495.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 288 — 8th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 161 — 33rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,131.6 — 84th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 636.3 — 255th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 24,843
30. Salem, New Jersey
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 507.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 96 — 128th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 73 — 198th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,059.6 — 10th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,552.5 — 22nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,781
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Source: raksybH / iStock via Getty Images
29. Chattahoochee, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 512.7 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 33 — 672nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 16 — 1,253rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,045.3 — 102nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 532.6 — 369th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,113
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
28. Bennettsville, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 512.8 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 91 — 150th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 53 — 354th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,198.8 — 68th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 686.0 — 223rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 8,062
Source: raksybH / iStock via Getty Images
27. Davis, Oklahoma
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 512.8 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 21 — 1,054th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 6 — 697th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 718.9 — 212th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 206.1 — 1,280th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,836
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Source: Peter Burnett / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
26. Willits, California
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 514.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 41 — 511th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 16 — 1,253rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 839.0 — 162nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 324.1 — 799th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,893
Source: FangXiaNuo / iStock via Getty Images
25. West Memphis, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 523.5 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 607 — the highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 485 — the highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,507.7 — 5th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,984.3 — 13th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 24,823
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24. Melvindale, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 532.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 101 — 116th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 47 — 418th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 990.3 — 117th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 457.9 — 466th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 10,348
24/7 Wall St.
23. Watonga, Oklahoma
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 532.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 18 — 1,180th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 3 — 333rd lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 638.3 — 289th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 105.7 — 866th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Population: 2,881
Source: c_sorvillo / iStock via Getty Images
22. Williams, Arizona
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 545.4 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 44 — 470th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 26 — 829th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,345.2 — 41st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 799.8 — 163rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,176
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21. Fordyce, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 551.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 61 — 285th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 42 — 490th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,673.1 — 22nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,121.5 — 66th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,849
20. Carlisle, Iowa
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 552.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 31 — 723rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 7 — 822nd lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 714.1 — 214th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 161.5 — 1,309th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,162
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Source: Roberto Galan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
19. Hope, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 554.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 122 — 83rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 70 — 221st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,278.4 — 50th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 724.2 — 208th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 9,768
18. Ecorse, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 556.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 170 — 39th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 117 — 76th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,775.3 — 17th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,218.6 — 49th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 9,432
17. Washington, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 563.3 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 124 — 79th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 71 — 210th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,310.9 — 45th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 747.6 — 192nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 9,590
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16. Fairmont, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 583.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 29 — 775th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 14 — 1,389th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,121.9 — 87th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 538.3 — 359th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,641
Source: catscandotcom / iStock via Getty Images
15. Fife, Washington
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 623.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 142 — 59th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 78 — 175th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,378.5 — 38th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 755.5 — 183rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 10,096
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14. Mount Healthy, Ohio
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 627.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 70 — 235th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 25 — 858th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,040.3 — 104th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 413.1 — 562nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 6,767
Source: Courtesy of City of West Monroe via Facebook
13. West Monroe, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 650.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 190 — 29th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 113 — 87th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,565.8 — 29th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 915.0 — 116th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 12,583
12. Green Forest, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 652.9 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 36 — 609th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 18 — 1,153rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,304.3 — 46th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 651.5 — 242nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,691
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Source: library_of_congress / Flickr
11. Forrest City, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 704.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 223 — 16th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 129 — 58th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,633.0 — 25th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 928.9 — 108th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 14,285
Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
10. Alexander, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 711.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 41 — 511th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 15 — 1,321st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,163.5 — 76th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 452.5 — 473rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,168
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9. Laurinburg, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 712.8 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 266 — 11th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 160 — 36th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,784.6 — 16th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,071.8 — 75th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 15,119
8. Marianna, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 723.7 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 93 — 141st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 65 — 260th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,647.8 — 23rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 924.1 — 110th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 6,923
Source: dlewis33 / iStock via Getty Images
7. Lonoke, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 752.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 53 — 350th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 22 — 959th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,268.5 — 55th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 516.3 — 383rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,238
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Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
6. Bolivar, Tennessee
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 755.1 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 110 — 99th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 73 — 198th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,248.6 — 9th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,493.5 — 26th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,031
Source: lucentius / iStock via Getty Images
5. Crescent City, California
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 805.8 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 77 — 210th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 23 — 923rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,148.2 — 79th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 342.5 — 736th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 6,676
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Source: Joice Brinkerhoff / iStock via Getty Images
4. Seaside Heights, New Jersey
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 820.6 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 36 — 609th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 12 — 1,301st lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,234.1 — 61st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 413.5 — 561st highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,892
Source: Thinkstock / Stockbyte via Getty Images
3. Port Allen, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 1,057.2 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 81 — 186th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 33 — 643rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,725.2 — 18th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 668.0 — 232nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,958
Source: Roberto Galan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
2. Benton Harbor, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 1,254.0 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 310 — 5th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 190 — 21st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 3,192.6 — 2nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,938.6 — 14th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 9,843
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Source: RUBEN RAMOS / iStock via Getty Images
1. Nome, Alaska
> 1-yr. change in violent crime rate: 1,460.8 more crimes per 100k people
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 164 — 41st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 107 — 99th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 4,205.1 — the highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 2,744.3 — 2nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,850
MethodologyÂ
To determine the towns 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 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 was available in the 2020 UCR for areas in Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, though towns 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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