FBI Reports High Crime Rates Persist in Many U.S. Cities
Study Reveals Significant Financial Impact of High Crime Across U.S. Regions
According to the article of KARK, despite a nationwide decline in violent crime to pre-pandemic levels, the FBI reported persistently elevated crime rates in numerous cities. Personal finance site MoneyGeek analyzed FBI crime data from 302 large cities and 1,010 small towns, assessing both violent and property crime. Utilizing research from the University of Miami and the University of Colorado Denver, they calculated the cost of crime in each area, revealing significant disparities in crime trends and financial impacts across different regions.
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(PHOTO: Southern Living)
Birmingham, Alabama – Tops the List for Highest Crime Costs in Large Cities
Despite a nationwide drop in violent crime to pre-pandemic levels, the FBI reported that many cities still have high crime rates. MoneyGeek analyzed FBI crime data from 302 large cities and 1,010 small towns, showing big differences in crime rates and costs across the country. Birmingham, Alabama, had the highest crime cost for large cities at $11,392 per person. Even though Birmingham had high crime rates, Memphis, Tennessee; Detroit, Michigan; and Little Rock, Arkansas had even more violent crimes. Memphis, Tacoma, Washington, and St. Louis, Missouri had the highest property crime rates.
Small Towns in the U.S. Struggle with High Crime Costs
Smaller towns and cities also face high crime costs, often with fewer resources to fight crime. Monroe, Louisiana, had the highest crime cost for small towns at $8,902 per person, followed by Petersburg, Virginia, and Saginaw, Michigan. Other small towns with high crime costs include Florence, South Carolina, and Alexandria, Louisiana. This shows that crime costs are a big problem not just in big cities but also in smaller communities.
Seeking Safer Cities – Top Places with Low Crime Costs
For those looking for safer places to live, MoneyGeek found cities with the lowest crime costs per person. Thousand Oaks, California, was the safest, followed by Fishers, Indiana; Pembroke Pines, Florida; Pearland, Texas; and Gilbert, Arizona. They also listed the safest small town in every state, providing useful information for families wanting to move to safer areas. This study shows the need for local strategies to reduce crime and its costs across the U.S.
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