While it’s true that crime rates have fallen greatly over the past few decades, according to the latest data available from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the FBI (via Pew Research), there are still places in our country where violent and non-violent crime is significantly higher than the average.
High-Risk Urban Centers
We studied data from City-Data.com, which uses both government and private sources to generate a crime index value for each city. Violent crime is weighted more heavily than non-violent crime and the U.S. average value is 246.1. We also looked at the cost of crime, according to a 2023 study by Money Geek, based on FBI statistics “to estimate the cost of crime for each city.”
- Kansas City, Missouri
Known for its amazing barbecue and jazz, unfortunately Kansas City is also known for its crime, with a per capita crime cost of $6,398, more than 17 times higher than the nation’s safest large city of Irvine, which has a crime cost of $364. Its City-Data crime index value is equally intimidating at 675.1.
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Known for its breweries and beer-making history, Milwaukee might be a great place to grab a pint, but it might cost you. The city has a crime cost of $7,029 and a City-Data crime index value of 663.2.
- Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, emerges as a city with a rich industrial legacy and a resilient spirit that defines its identity today. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland has historically been a hub for manufacturing, particularly in steel production and automotive industries. This industrial heritage has left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape and culture.
Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland also shares the spotlight on this list for its high $7,397 crime cost, according to Money Geek’s analysis. It hits a similarly flat note with its City-Data crime index value of 752.9.
- Little Rock, Arkansas
The capital and largest municipality of Arkansas, Little Rock is not so little when it comes to the cost of crime, registering in at $7,781 and a City-Data crime index value of 796.9.
- Baltimore, Maryland
Buy a home in Baltimore and things might not be so merry since it has a per capita crime cost of $8,160. That coincides with a City-Data crime index value of 656.6.
- Memphis, Tennessee
Home to the King of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley’s Graceland and still a hotbed for top blues, soul and other music, Memphis isn’t completely harmonious. It has a high $9,056 crime cost and a whopping City-Data crime index value of 1,022.4.
- Detroit, Michigan
Nicknamed Motor City for its auto industry history, Detroit has also been known for its history of poor crime stats. Indeed, Money Geek lists its crime cost at $9,281, while City-Data gives it a crime index value of 847.
- St. Louis, Missouri
With its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant city culture, St. Louis seems more impressive than its crime stats would suggest, with a crime cost of $11,055 and a City-Data crime index value of 896.4.
- New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana, exudes an unmistakable charm born from its blend of history, music, and diverse cultural influences. Nestled along the Mississippi River, the city is renowned for its vibrant jazz scene, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and annual festivals that draw visitors from around the globe. However, beneath its festive exterior lies a city shaped by both triumphs and trials.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 devastated New Orleans, exposing vulnerabilities in infrastructure and triggering a widespread humanitarian crisis. Despite the immense challenges, the city’s resilient spirit prevailed, sparking a resurgence marked by community-driven rebuilding efforts and a renewed commitment to sustainable development.
What’s not to love about the Big Easy, with its rich culinary, musical and melting pot culture? Well, its crime stats for one. With a crime cost of $11,094 and a City-Data crime index value of 763.8, the Big Easy seems pretty hard.
- Birmingham, Alabama
Holding the dubious honor of the highest cost of crime of any large city in the nation is Birmingham at $11,392 — more than 31 times higher than Irvine. Birmingham also has a City-Data crime index value of 738.1, nearly triple the national average of 246.1.Birmingham, Alabama, stands out with a unique blend of history, culture, and challenges.
From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to its vibrant arts scene, Birmingham offers a compelling narrative. However, it also grapples with significant issues, notably holding the dubious honor of the highest cost of crime among large U.S. cities. With a crime index value nearly triple the national average, Birmingham faces ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and community well-being. Despite these challenges, Birmingham continues to evolve, reflecting resilience and determination in its pursuit of progress.
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