Analysis and Safety Tips
Crime rates vary significantly across the United States. This article highlights the fifteen states with the highest violent crime rates between 2020 and 2023 exploring why these states are ranked so high and what residents and visitors should know, according to the report of Property Club.
(photo: Forbes)
Top 15 States with the Highest Violent Crime Rates
1. Alaska
Alaska has the highest crime rate in the US, with a rate of 32.14 per 1,000 people in 2022. Aggravated assault and sexual assault are particularly common partly due to the state’s remote locations that complicate law enforcement.
2. New Mexico
New Mexico ranks second, with high violent crime rates, especially in cities like Albuquerque. In 2021, the state saw over 12,000 violent assaults and more than 2,000 robberies.
3. Tennessee
Tennessee has a crime rate of 31.65 per 1,000 people, with over 221,000 incidents reported in 2021.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas has a violent crime rate of 672.7 per 100,000 people. Property crime is also high, with nearly 24,000 incidents of burglary and vehicle theft in 2021. Cities like West Memphis and Little Rock are particularly affected.
5. Arizona
Arizona’s crime issues are severe in cities like Tempe and Phoenix. Between 2020 and 2021, violent crime rose by 8.6%, with significant incidents of robbery, assault, and 504 murders. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 199.
6. Louisiana
Louisiana surpasses national averages in both violent and property crimes. Cities such as Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans have high murder rates. In 2021 property crimes like burglary and theft were also prevalent.
7. Missouri
Missouri reports high murder rates, with 723 murders in 2020. St. Louis, in particular, has crime rates 234% higher than the national average.
8. South Carolina
South Carolina’s crime rate is 5.4 per 1,000 people, higher than the national average. In 2020, the state reported nearly 22,000 robberies and 549 murders indicating significant safety concerns.
9. South Dakota
Despite its small population, South Dakota has a high violent crime rate of 501 per 100,000 residents in 2023. The state also has high rates of murder, rape, and drunk driving-related fatalities.
10. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a violent crime rate of 419.7 per 100,000 residents. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have particularly high crime rates posing substantial safety challenges.
11. Michigan
Michigan ranks 11th for violent crime, with over 40,000 incidents reported in 2023. Detroit leads with 14,509 violent offenses in 2021 highlighting significant safety concerns.
12. Colorado
Colorado’s crime rates have surged, with a violent crime rate of 586.2 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Denver and Aurora have crime rates over 180% higher than the national average.
13. Nevada
Nevada faces high violent crime rates, especially in Las Vegas and Reno. In 2023, the state reported 11,719 crimes, including 190 homicides and 8,258 aggravated assaults.
14. Montana
Montana ranks 10th for violent crime, with a rate of 469.8 per 100,000 residents. Billings and Missoula report crime rates 151% higher than the national average.
15. Washington
Washington’s violent crime rate rose to 376 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Tukwila report crime rates over 100% higher than the national average.
In conclusion, the states with the highest violent crime rates between 2020 and 2023, such as Alaska, New Mexico, and Tennessee, face significant safety challenges due to factors like economic conditions and law enforcement difficulties. For those living in or visiting these areas, it’s important to stay informed about local crime trends, avoid high-crime areas, use security measures at home, and be aware of your surroundings. Taking these precautions can help enhance personal safety and contribute to a safer community overall.
