When discussing the most dangerous states in America, “dangerous” can mean: high crime rates, natural disasters, and poor health outcomes. This article will focus on the crime rates and types, in the US across states.
It’s important to stay informed about crime rates in your state and take appropriate precautions. Be aware of various types crime, avoid potentially dangerous areas, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. It is wise to stay informed about local safety measures and take precautions when living or traveling.
Pro Tip: Before visiting or moving to an area, research the crime rates. This will help ensure your safety and peace of mind
Crime Rate Analysis by State in the US
A colossal, diversified US is a dwelling for many citizens and their cultures, and crime across US states varies greatly. We will analyze the crime rate for 2023 in each state, to find out which states are the most and least dangerous. We will group crime into one of two categories; Violent Crimes and Property Crime. With this, one can evaluate the safety of living and/or travelling in the US.
Factors
When it comes to analyzing crime rates by state, several things have a huge influence. These include:
- Poverty rates; When poverty is high, theft, burglary and violent crime increase
- Drug abuse; Where drugs are abused, robbery and assault also grow. The US opioid crisis is of particular concern
- Gang activity; This brings more shootings, stabbings and aggravated assaults
- Access to guns; Easy access to guns means more gun violence and homicides
The burden of Crime by State

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, the 5 most hazardous states in the U.S. in 2023 are:
- Louisiana: Overall Crime Rate of 537.5/100,000 people, making it the most dangerous.
- Mississippi: Overall Crime Rate of 413.2/100,000 people.
- Alaska: Despite a low population, a high Overall Crimes Rate of 386.2/100,000 people.
- Arkansas: Overall Crime Rate of 385.9/100,000 people.
- New Mexico: Overall Crime Rate of 369.5/100,000 people.(More info about this)
Pro Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid risky areas and alert local authorities to anything suspicious
Violent Crime Analysis by State in the US
Below we will be exploring the Violent Crime Rates in the US for the year 2023. Moreover, we will find out which states are the most perilous to inhabit. Violent Crimes include:
- Aggravated Assault
- Robbery
- Homicide
- Rape
A recent study shows the five most dangerous states for Violent Crimes are: Alaska, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee.
Rank | State | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000) |
---|---|---|
1 | Alaska | 885.0 |
2 | New Mexico | 702.5 |
3 | Tennessee | 623.3 |
4 | Nevada | 606.6 |
5 | Louisiana | 573.8 |
6 | Arkansas | 550.9 |
7 | Missouri | 523.2 |
8 | South Carolina | 519.0 |
9 | Delaware | 505.7 |
10 | Maryland | 492.4 |
Where Does Your State Rank in Overall Violent Crime?
States vary drastically when it comes to violent crime rankings. Recent data shows certain states have high rates, while others are relatively safe.
The most dangerous states for 2023 are:
- Alaska
- New Mexico
- Tennessee
- Nevada
- Louisiana
The safest states are:
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Idaho
- Wyoming
It’s essential to understand your state’s violent crime rate. This way, you can make the best decisions for yourself and your community.
Pro Tip: Stay informed and take steps to stay safe
Analysis of Property Crime
In the US, property crimes are unfortunately very common. Each year, lots of people are affected. So, to keep the public informed, we studied property crime data across states. Our goal was to find the most dangerous places for property crime in 2023.
Highest Property Crime Rates in America

The FBI data reveals the US states with the top property crime rates per 100,000 inhabitants. In the US, property crime rankings are calculated by looking at the rates of theft, burglary, and vehicle theft in each state. Recent stats show that the most dangerous states for property crime are:
- New Mexico- the highest with 3,420.2 in 2020.
- Arkansas- second highest with 3,125.2 in 2020.
- Louisiana- third highest with 2,917.4 in 2020.
- Alabama- fourth highest with 2,771.9 in 2020.
- Oklahoma- fifth highest with 2,669.5 in 2020.
Property crimes are a major issue nationwide so it’s important to take steps to protect your property. Security systems, good-quality locks, and being aware of your surroundings can help. Plus, stay vigilant and be mindful of your environment to lessen the chance of property crimes.
It’s important to stay safe. Install security systems, lock doors, and secure your belongings to avoid becoming a victim of property crime.
Fact: Property crime accounted for 71.6% of all crimes reported in the US in 2021
Dangerous Cities Across the US
Within States, certain cities are more hazardous than others. It’s important to be aware of the potential threats. We will highlight which cities are most dangerous in 2023.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities 2023
We already speak about that on this website!
10 Most Dangerous Cities in the US 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Detroit, Michigan
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Stockton, California
Factors Contributing to High Crime Rate Cities
High crime rates in US cities are caused by several factors. These include:
- Poverty and unemployment can cause people to become desperate and commit crimes.
- Drug addiction makes people steal or become violent to get drugs or money.
- Gangs are a major source of violence and crime.
- Limited education means fewer opportunities and more crime.
- When law enforcement is underfunded or understaffed, criminals can get away with their deeds.
It’s important to remember that all these factors are connected. To reduce crime, it’s best to take a multifaceted approach which tackles each issue.
Initiatives to Reduce Crime Rate in Cities
Crime rates in cities can be reduced through various initiatives including:
- increasing police presence in high-risk areas
- Providing better access to education and social services
- Implementing neighborhood watch programs
The Broken Windows Theory is an effective approach that suggests that tackling small crimes can decrease major crimes.
As a community member, you can make a difference. Consider volunteering in after-school programs or reaching out to local lawmakers to advocate for more social programs. Reducing crime requires collective effort and commitment from everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the most dangerous state in the US in 2023?
As of 2023, the state of Alaska is considered the most dangerous state in the US due to its high level of crime rates.
2. What are the main factors contributing to the dangerousness of a state?
The main factors contributing to the dangerousness of a state include crime rates, natural disasters, and other environmental hazards such as toxic waste sites.
3. How can I stay safe while living in a dangerous state?
To stay safe while living in a dangerous state, it is important to stay informed about crime rates and other hazards in your area, practice good personal safety habits, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
4. What are some of the safest states in the US?
Some of the safest states in the US include Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, which have low crime rates and relatively low levels of natural hazards.
5. How can I find more information about the dangerousness of a particular state?
You can find more information about the dangerousness of a particular state by reviewing crime statistics, weather reports, and other relevant data sources. You can also consult with local law enforcement or community leaders for more information.
6. What steps are being taken to reduce the dangerousness of high-risk states?
Efforts to reduce the dangerousness of high-risk states include increased investment in law enforcement and emergency response services, better environmental monitoring and remediation, and the implementation of public safety programs and initiatives to train citizens to identify and respond to potential threats.