The annual report on the most dangerous small cities in the United States has just been released by Saturday Night Science, and the results are shocking. The report includes towns with populations under 50,000 and measures crime rates per capita to account for differences in population size.
This year’s report highlights the top 10 most dangerous small cities in America for 2024 based on crime statistics from the previous year. These cities have crime rates far above the national average and should not be taken lightly.
At the top of the list is Lumberton, North Carolina, with a population of 19,099 and a crime rate of 0.1326 per capita. This includes 0.0234 violent crimes and 0.1093 property crimes per capita. Sadly, Lumberton also saw eight murders in 2024, a staggering number for a town of its size.
In second place is Berkeley, Missouri, with a population of 8,232 and a crime rate of 0.1036 per capita. This includes 0.0276 violent crimes and 0.076 property crimes per capita. The city saw six murders in 2024.
Wadesboro, North Carolina, takes the third spot with a population of 5,004, a crime rate of 0.1045 per capita, and two murders in 2024. Dillon, South Carolina, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, follow closely behind, with crime rates of 0.1018 and 0.0973 per capita, respectively.
Monroe, Louisiana, has the highest number of murders on the list, with 18 reported in 2024. On the other hand, Fife, Washington, has the lowest number of murders, with just one.
The other cities on the list include Commerce, California; Bessemer, Alabama; and Hartsville, South Carolina. All of these cities have crime rates well above the national average and should be approached with caution.
The reasons for high crime rates in these cities are complex and varied. However, the report serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to improve community safety and security nationwide.
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