Top 10 Riskiest Cities in 2023
RoadSnacks’ RoadSnacks’ ranking of Oklahoma’s most dangerous places ranks it seventh in the nation. The rating is based on the FBI’s most current crime report for 73 cities above 5,000 residents with violent and property crime figures. The list provides data-driven information about high-crime areas to avoid. Residents, especially in safer cities like Piedmont, should be informed of potential threats, and the article can help those considering moving to Oklahoma.
Top 1: Tulsa
Top 1: Tulsa
The most dangerous area to live in Oklahoma in 2023 is Tulsa, the second-largest metropolis and cultural center in northeastern Oklahoma. Tulsa had 72 murders in 2020, second in the state.
Residents were 1 in 88 at risk of robbery, rape, assault, or murder. This makes keeping the company worthwhile, especially in Tulsa’s toughest neighborhoods. In 2020, Tulsa had 4,407 burglaries, the eighth-highest rate in the state. The Philbrook Museum of Art should have enough protection to dissuade robbers.
- Population: 402,166
- Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,132 (Second most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,111 (Second most dangerous)
Top 2: Idabe
Top 2: Idabe
Idabel has rising crime rates, unlike most American cities. In recent years, violent and property crimes have increased. With Oklahoma’s highest property crime rate, Burglary or property damage is a 1 in 15 chance for Idabel residents in 2020. Idabel’s property crime rate exceeds the state average. The fourth greatest rape and murder rates in the state are in Idabel, despite its fourth-highest violence ranking. Are they visiting Little River National Wildlife Refuge? Get home early.
- Population: 6,827
- Rank Last Year: 2 (No Change)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 952 (Fourth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,386 (Most dangerous)
Top 3: Anadarko
Top 3: Anadarko
Oddly, Anadarko was named accidentally. A clerical error in calling its initial post office included an “A” instead of the Nadaco tribe of Native Americans. Despite its historical blemish, this central Oklahoma city, 50 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, is the third most dangerous in the state. This town has high theft, Burglary, and violent crime rates.
- Population: 6,473
- Rank Last Year: 14 (Up 11)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 926 (Fifth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,020 (Third most dangerous)
Top 4: Ardmore
Top 4: Ardmore
Crime rates in Ardmore have increased from last year, placing it fourth in 2023. Concerningly, violent and property crimes have increased. Due to these increases, Ardmore now has the sixth-highest violent crime rate in Oklahoma, with four violent offenses per week, primarily aggravated assaults. Bring a friend to avoid dangers if you’re hiking at Lake Murray State Park. One of Ardmore’s worst crimes was Denice Haraway’s 1984 murder. Tommy Ward and Karl Fontenot were wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison for their coerced confessions. The natural killer was never uncovered, but John Grisham’s novel “The Innocent Man” and a Netflix documentary discussed it.
- Population: 24,718
- Rank Last Year: 7 (Up 3)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 869 (Sixth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,543 (Fifth most dangerous)
Top 5: Ponca City
Top 5: Ponca City
Ponca City, in north-central Oklahoma, was an oil boomtown. In the early 1910s, the first oil lease sparked an economic boom tenfolded the population over 50 years. However, growth has stalled. The city’s population, 23,484, is down from 1970. Robberies and burglaries have increased. The 1981 murder of Tracey Neilson on her 21st birthday
- Population: 23,484
- Rank Last Year: 11 (Up 6)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 770 (Eighth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,415 (Seventh most dangerous)
Top 6: Hugo
Top 6: Hugo
Hugo previously housed 20 traveling circuses in winter. Despite this fascinating trivia, the town has tragically lost its previous reputation. This is Oklahoma’s sixth most dangerous place. High arson and larceny rates worry Hugo citizens.
- Population: 5,067
- Rank Last Year: 13 (Up 7)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 611 (14th most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,637 (Fourth most dangerous)
Top 7: Pauls Valley
Top 7: Pauls Valley
Pauls Valley, Oklahoma’s eighth most dangerous area, is an hour south of Oklahoma City. The city of 6,111 has the second-most burglaries in the state and one property crime daily, which is worrisome. We hope the local Toy and Action Figure Museum is protected from criminal gangs’ spectacular heists. Pauls Valley is the least violent place on this list, ranking seventh in property crime. In 2000, Chanda Turner was murdered in Pauls Valley’s worst crime. Her parents struggled for nearly a decade to overturn her suicide verdict. After exhumation and a second autopsy, her death was ruled a homicide in 2013—an unsolved case.
- Population: 6,111
- Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 3)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 687 (11th most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,401 (Eighth most dangerous)
Top 8: Del City
Top 8: Del City
Del City isn’t one of Oklahoma City’s most excellent suburbs because of its high crime rate. Del City has the third-highest state violent crime rate. The 2020 violent crime rate was 1 in 100. Add that the city reported 792 property offenses that year, and the Del City Police Department is undoubtedly on edge.
- Population: 21,750
- Rank Last Year: 3 (Down 5)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 993 (Third most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,641 (16th most dangerous)
Top 9: Muskogee
Top 9: Muskogee
Despite possessing a castle and submarine, Muskogee hasn’t reduced crime. As Oklahoma’s most dangerous city, citizens have a 1 in 82 probability of being harmed in 2020. As for rapes, it ranks tenth in the state. Muskogee had one burglary per day in 2020. So, Muskogee safety is essential.
- Population: 36,884
- Rank Last Year: 8 (Down 1)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,209 (Most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,500 (21st most dangerous)
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Top 10: Oklahoma City
Top 10: Oklahoma City
After a slight drop in crime rates over the past year, Oklahoma City remains on this list because other towns in the state have improved faster. More than one murder and one rape occur daily in the city, making it the sixth most dangerous city in the state. Averaging over ten auto thefts every day, the city reported 25,853 property crimes in the year. However, Oklahoma’s most significant city contains safe and risky sections. Oklahoma City citizens can prevent crime by staying in safer neighborhoods.
- Population: 663,661
- Rank Last Year: 9 (Down 1)
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 725 (Ninth most dangerous)
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,895 (13th most dangerous)
