The designation of a city as ‘dangerous’ often considers factors such as violent and property crime rates. Below is a list of the 20 most dangerous small cities in America, along with explanations for their rankings:
- Bessemer, AL: Bessemer’s history as a major mining and steel-making city has seen a decline with the closure of steel factories and the departure of large companies, contributing to rising crime rates.
- Monroe, LA: Monroe’s growth was initially driven by the Great Migration. Currently, about 36.8% of its population lives below the poverty line, significantly contributing to its high crime rates.
- Saginaw, MI: Once an important lumber and manufacturing city, Saginaw’s decline in the auto industry led to urban blight and high unemployment, factors contributing to its crime rates.
- Memphis, TN: Known as the “Home of the Blues,” Memphis has seen demographic shifts and historical segregation contributing to its high crime rates.
- Detroit, MI: A city famous for its high crime rates, Detroit’s struggles with racial conflict and economic downturns have made it a center for violent crime.
- Birmingham, AL: Once the third-most dangerous city in America, Birmingham’s fluctuating economy and “white flight” have hindered its growth and recovery, impacting crime rates.
- Pine Bluff, AR: Pine Bluff’s economy suffered greatly during the Great Depression and subsequent natural disasters, which, along with racial tensions, have impeded the city’s development and contributed to its high crime rates.
- Little Rock, AR: The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock has a history of violent race riots and racial conflict, contributing to its ongoing crime issues.
- Alexandria, LA: Alexandria’s history as a small trading post has evolved, but over 27% of its population currently lives below the poverty line, influencing its crime rates.
- Cleveland, OH: A port city that struggled economically in the late 1900s, Cleveland’s high unemployment and population decline have contributed to its high violent crime rate.
- Kalamazoo, MI: Formerly known as the “paper city,” Kalamazoo’s decline in manufacturing and the 2008 recession significantly impacted its employment levels, influencing crime rates.
- Milwaukee, WI: Known for its segregation and poverty among large cities, Milwaukee’s high poverty and homelessness contribute to its violent crime rate.
- Albany, GA: Once a major transportation hub, Albany’s decline in railway importance and military base closures led to high unemployment and poverty, influencing its crime rates.
- Gadsden, AL: Gadsden’s transition from a major industrial center to economic decline in the late 20th century has contributed to its high crime rates.
- Danville, IL: The closure of coal mines and manufacturing companies in Danville led to high unemployment and poverty, influencing its crime rates.
- Lansing, MI: As the decline of American car production impacted Lansing, efforts to diversify employment have been underway to combat high crime rates.
- Baltimore, MD: Despite a drop in crime since the 1990s, Baltimore still struggles with high crime rates in a densely populated area.
- Springfield, MO: Known as the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield’s limited diversity and economic factors contribute to its crime rates.
- Spartanburg, SC: The departure of textile mills and industrial companies in the 1950s led to high unemployment in Spartanburg, affecting its crime rates.
- Rockford, IL: Rockford, once a major industrial center, faced high unemployment during the 1980s recession, contributing to its current crime rates.
These cities, while small, face challenges such as economic downturns, high unemployment, poverty, and racial tensions, which significantly contribute to their high crime rates.