What American City Has the Highest Crime Rate?
crime is a significant concern for cities across the United States, and it’s not just limited to major metropolises. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), nearly 20% of police departments reported a decrease in reported crime in 2020, while over 17% reported an increase.
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St. Louis, Missouri: The City with the Highest Crime Rate
But which city has the highest crime rate in America? The answer may surprise you: St. Louis, Missouri. The Gateway to the West has a violent crime rate that’s more than double the national average. In fact, St. Louis’ crime rate is so high that it’s often compared to some of the most violent cities in the world.
According to the FBI’s 2020 Crime Data, St. Louis Has:
Highest Homicide Rate
The FBI reported 87 homicides per 100,000 residents in St. Louis, a staggering 4.4 times higher than the national average.
Highest Aggravated Assault Rate
St. Louis also has the highest aggravated assault rate in the country, with 1,111.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, 3.7 times higher than the national average.
Highest Property Crime Rate
The city also struggles with property crimes, with 6,334.6 incidents of larceny-theft and 2,346.8 incidents of burglary per 100,000 residents.
**What’s Contributing to St. Louis’ High Crime Rate?
So, what’s driving St. Louis’ high crime rate? Some factors include:
• Economic decline: St. Louis has struggled with economic decline and high levels of poverty, leading to a lack of job opportunities and a high rate of unemployment.
• Drug use and abuse: St. Louis is plagued by drug use and abuse, particularly with opioids and fentanyl, which is fueling a rise in violent crime.
• Gun violence: St. Louis has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country, but lax enforcement and widespread availability of illegal guns have contributed to the high homicide rate.
• Poverty and segregation: St. Louis has deep-seated social and economic issues, including segregation and poverty, which contribute to a sense of hopelessness and despair in certain communities.
Other Cities with High Crime Rates
While St. Louis takes the top spot for overall crime rate, Baltimore, Maryland, and Kansas City, Missouri, are close seconds. Baltimore’s homicide rate is significantly lower than St. Louis’, but it has a higher overall crime rate. Kansas City has a slightly lower crime rate than St. Louis, but a higher rate of aggravated assault.
Here are some other cities with high crime rates:
| Rank | City | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Baltimore, MD | 693.2 | 4,541.3 |
| 3 | Kansas City, MO | 631.1 | 3,844.8 |
| 4 | Memphis, TN | 619.1 | 4,344.6 |
| 5 | Oakland, CA | 598.1 | 3,844.1 |
Solutions to High Crime Rates
While crime rates are a serious concern, there are ways to address them. Some solutions include:
• Community policing: Building relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve can help to reduce crime and improve trust.
• Job training and placement: Providing job training and placement opportunities can help to reduce unemployment and poverty, leading to a decrease in crime.
• Treatment for addiction: Providing accessible and effective treatment for drug addiction can help to address the root causes of drug-related crime.
• Community programs: Implementing community programs, such as youth centers and mentorship programs, can help to provide alternatives to crime for at-risk youth.
Conclusion
St. Louis, Missouri, has the highest crime rate in America, driven by a complex mix of economic, social, and political factors. While addressing high crime rates is a daunting task, there are steps that cities can take to reduce violence and property crime. By working together to address these issues, we can build safer, more prosperous communities for everyone.
