What is the least safe city in the United States?

Asked by: Prof. Raven Shields  |  Last update: June 21, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (17 votes)

Based on 2025–2026 data, Memphis, Tennessee, is ranked as the most dangerous city in America. It has the highest violent crime rate among major U.S. cities, with approximately 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is nearly six times the national average.

What are the 10 worst cities for crime in the USA?

Based on early 2026 data, the cities with the highest violent crime rates per 100,000 residents in the U.S. include Memphis, St. Louis, Detroit, and Baltimore. These cities consistently see high rates of aggravated assault and robbery. Other cities often listed among the most dangerous due to high violent crime include Oakland, Cleveland, and Birmingham.

What is the least safe city in the US?

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  • Memphis, TN. #1 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
  • Oakland, CA. #2 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
  • St. Louis, MO. ...
  • Baltimore, MD. #4 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
  • Detroit, MI. #5 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
  • Alexandria, LA. #6 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
  • Cleveland, OH. #7 in Most Dangerous Places. ...
  • New Orleans, LA.

What are the 10 worst states for crime?

Based on 2024–2025 data, Alaska and New Mexico consistently rank as the most dangerous states, with high violent crime rates (above 700 per 100,000 residents) driven by issues like isolation, poverty, and substance abuse. Other top, consistently ranked dangerous states include Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri, often plagued by high homicide rates and socioeconomic factors.

Which state is lowest in crime?

Based on 2025–2026 data, Maine frequently ranks as having the lowest violent crime rate in the nation, while New Hampshire is consistently ranked as the #1 safest state overall due to exceptionally low violent and property crime rates.

NASHUA: The Safest City in America - Why Is There No Crime?

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What is the top 10 safest state?

Based on 2026 data, Vermont is the safest state in the U.S., driven by high rankings in personal safety, low crime rates, and financial stability, according to a TravelPulse report citing WalletHub. New England dominates the top rankings, with Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine taking the top four spots.

Which state is harshest on crime?

Louisiana is currently considered the most punitive state in the U.S. regarding crime, with recent laws expanding definitions of crimes, increasing prison sentences, and enabling harsher execution methods. Other states frequently cited for being "tough on crime" due to strict sentencing, high incarceration rates, or strict laws include Arizona, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

Which state has the best healthcare?

Top 10 States for Healthcare in 2026

  • Hawaii (Best Overall)Ranks first in U.S. News. ...
  • MassachusettsPioneered near-universal coverage (model for ACA) with an uninsured rate below 3%. ...
  • New HampshireRanks first in WalletHub. ...
  • Rhode IslandExcels in preventive care and chronic disease management.

What state is #1 in crime rate?

Here are the states with the highest violent crime rates. Quick note, the FBI classifies violent crimes as those involving force or the threat of force. At number one, Alaska had 724 incidents per hundred thousand people.

What is the least friendly city in America?

According to a 2024 survey by Preply, Miami, Florida, is ranked as the rudest city in America, scoring 9.88 out of 10 for behaviors like poor driving, lack of consideration, and loud public conduct. It is followed closely by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Tampa, Florida.

What is the safest small town to live in the USA?

Based on 2025-2026 data, the safest small towns in America are generally concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest, with top contenders including Ramapo Town, NY, Waldwick, NJ, Brandon, SD, and Redding, CT. These towns often report near-zero violent crime rates, with many top-ranked locations offering secure environments, particularly in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Which US city has the highest overall crime rate?

Based on 2024–2025 FBI data for cities with populations over 100,000, Memphis, Tennessee, has been identified as having the highest violent crime rate in the United States, with approximately 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Other frequently cited cities with extremely high crime rates include Oakland, California, Detroit, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri.

What is the roughest neighbourhood in America?

A new list, based on police reports, says that one Chicago neighborhood – around West Lake Street -- is the most dangerous in America, but also notes that Atlanta is home to four of the 25 worst neighborhoods. Other hot spots include parts of Las Vegas, Cleveland and Memphis, Tenn.

What are the top 10 cities with the most murders?

Based on data from late 2025 and early 2026, U.S. cities with the highest murder rates per capita—often considered the most accurate measure for comparison—include New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, and Baltimore. These cities frequently contend with high poverty and concentrated gun violence, with New Orleans having recorded some of the highest per-capita rates.

What state has the fittest people?

Vermont is ranked as the fittest state in the U.S. for 2026, scoring 8.97 out of 10 for its high levels of physical activity, healthy eating habits, low smoking rates, and excellent sleep quality. Other top contenders for the healthiest states frequently include Colorado, which has the lowest obesity rate, along with Utah, Montana, and Massachusetts.

What is the #2 hospital in the world?

According to Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals 2026, the #2 hospital in the world is the University Health Network - Toronto General Hospital in Canada. This marks a shift from previous years (2020-2025) where the Cleveland Clinic held the number two position globally.

What state is #1 in quality of life?

Based on 2026 data, Vermont is frequently ranked #1 for quality of life, particularly in analyses focusing on safety, environment, and social inclusion. Other top contenders for overall lifestyle, health, and well-being include Massachusetts, Washington, and New Hampshire.

Which US state has the most strictest laws?

California has the most regulations, while New York has the most complex rules, according to a new report. Nov. 3, 2020, at 7:00 a.m. On average, states have 135,000 regulatory restrictions in administrative rules, with California's regulations more than doubling the national average.

Which state is easiest on crime?

The top 10 safest states typically include Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Utah, Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. These states rank highly due to low crime rates, strong financial stability, and good emergency preparedness.

What states have truth in sentencing?

Truth in Sentencing (TIS) laws require offenders to serve a substantial portion—typically at least 85%—of their court-imposed sentences, reducing or eliminating parole and early release. Stemming from 1994 federal incentives, these state laws aim to increase punishment certainty, primarily for violent crimes, but often lead to prison overcrowding and increased costs.

What is the most not safest state?

Based on 2026 data, Louisiana is frequently ranked as the least safe state to live in, often due to high violent crime rates, low financial safety, and poor emergency preparedness. Other states consistently appearing at the bottom of safety rankings include New Mexico, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas, largely due to high crime and low safety scores.

What are the top 5 best states to live in?

Based on 2026 data, the top 5 states to live in, largely driven by high scores in health, safety, and economic stability, are Massachusetts, Idaho, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. These top-rated states consistently offer high qualities of life, though some face challenges with affordability.

Are there safe states for retirees?

PLANNING FOR A SECURE, FULFILLING RETIREMENT

The states listed here – Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Delaware and South Carolina – excel in tax benefits, health care access, cost of living, and community and lifestyle, offering the benefits you need to help make the most of your retirement years.