What state has the highest crime rate per population?

Asked by: Prof. Justice Heathcote  |  Last update: July 7, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (20 votes)

As of 2026, Alaska has the highest violent crime rate in the United States, with 724.1 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. While sometimes exceeding 800 per 100k in reported data, Alaska's rate is heavily impacted by its low population density and high rates of aggravated assault. New Mexico closely follows with the second-highest rate.

Which 10 states have the highest crime rates?

The states and federal districts with the highest overall crime rates in the U.S. (measured by combined violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents) feature a mix of economic and demographic challenges. Washington, D.C. ranks highest overall, while Alaska, New Mexico, and Tennessee lead among the 50 states.

What are the top 10 worst US cities for crime?

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 are the 10 most safest states?

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 the highest in crime rate?

Alaska had the highest violent crime rate in the U.S. in 2024, with approximately 724.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. Other states with exceptionally high violent crime rates include New Mexico, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. These states frequently rank highest for violent offenses, including homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault.

10 Countries With the Highest Crime Rates

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Which city has the highest crime rate?

Most Dangerous Places in the U.S. in 2025-2026

  • Memphis, TN.
  • Oakland, CA.
  • St. Louis, MO.
  • Baltimore, MD.
  • Detroit, MI.
  • Alexandria, LA.
  • Cleveland, OH.

What is the crime rate in California compared to other states?

California ranks among the higher tier of states for both violent and property crimes, usually placing around 6th or 7th nationwide. However, this overall figure masks a complex picture where California has lower homicide and overall death rates than many southern states but sees higher rates of aggravated assault and robbery.

What is the riskiest state to live in?

Top 10 Most Dangerous States in the U.S. (2025)

  • #1. Louisiana. Hurricanes Traffic Fatalities Insurance Disputes. ...
  • #2. New Mexico. Rural Crashes Property Crime High Injury Risk. ...
  • #3. Alaska. Winter Weather Remote Roads Property Damage. ...
  • #4. Arkansas. ...
  • #5. Tennessee. ...
  • #6. Nevada. ...
  • #7. South Carolina. ...
  • #8. Arizona.

What is the #1 best state to live in?

Based on 2026 data, Massachusetts is frequently ranked as the #1 best state to live in due to its exceptional education, healthcare systems, and high quality of life. Other top contenders often include Utah (high fiscal stability and economy) and Idaho (high livability).

Which city is the most violent in the United States?

According to CDC data analyzed by SafeSound, New Orleans leads all major cities in murders per capita. While the city's overall violent crime rate of 1,678 per 100,000 ranks below Memphis, St. Louis, and Detroit, its concentration of homicides specifically exceeds all others.

What are the top 25 cities with the worst crime?

Top 20 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. Today

  • Memphis. State: Tennessee. Population: 621,056. ...
  • St. Louis. State: Missouri. ...
  • Little Rock. State: Arkansas. Population: 202,864. ...
  • Oakland. State: California. Population: 440,646. ...
  • Minneapolis. State: Minnesota. ...
  • Detroit. State: Michigan. ...
  • Kansas City. State: Missouri. ...
  • New Orleans. State: Louisiana.

What is the crime rate in the world?

Global crime rates vary significantly by region, with a worldwide intentional homicide rate averaging roughly 5.6 to 6.0 per 100,000 population. While regions like Europe and East Asia experience low violent crime, Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa report the highest crime and homicide rates.

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.

What are the happiest states to live in?

Based on 2026 data, the happiest states to live in are primarily driven by high emotional/physical well-being, strong work environments, and community safety. Hawaii frequently ranks #1 due to its low depression rates and high life expectancy, followed closely by Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Utah.

What are the top 5 most murderous states?

Based on 2024–2026 data, the top 5 states with the highest murder rates (homicides per 100,000 people) are generally Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, and Tennessee, as reported by Ammo.com and Statista. While some data indicates Mississippi has the highest rate, Statista also notes that by total volume, California and Texas have the highest number of murders.

What are the 5 safest states in America?

As of early 2026, the 5 safest states in America are largely located in the Northeast, with Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut/Rhode Island consistently ranking at the top. These states are recognized for low violent crime rates, high community safety, and robust financial security, according to data from WalletHub and US News & World Report.

What is the most peaceful city in America?

Fort Collins, Colorado, is frequently named the most peaceful city in America, top-ranked for its low noise levels (averaging 38.03 dBA), high access to outdoor spaces like Horsetooth Reservoir, and quality of life. Other top contenders for tranquil, low-noise living include Boulder, CO, Ann Arbor, MI, and Lancaster, PA.

What state has the most violent crimes?

WHICH STATES HAVE THE MOST VIOLENT crime in the US? I'M CHRIS AN ANALYST AT USAFACTS WORKING TO MAKE GOVERNMENT DATA EASIER TO UNDERSTAND 5 Most Violent US States State: Washington, DC. Violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,005.5 State: Alaska. Violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 724.1 State: New Mexico.

What is the boringest state to live in?

Idaho is frequently ranked as the most boring state to live in, primarily due to its low population density, high percentage of married households, and limited nightlife or entertainment options. Other frequently cited "boring" states include South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas, which are often described as having large rural expanses with little to do.

What states do people regret moving to the most?

This animated map ranks the top five US states where people most regret their move, revealing California (#5), Connecticut (#4), New York (#3), Illinois (#2), and New Jersey (#1) as the biggest regrets.

What are the top 10 worst cities for crime in the United states?

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 #1 safest city in California?

Danville is ranked as the #1 safest city in California for 2026, according to the SafeWise report. Located in the East Bay, it reclaimed the top spot due to extremely low violent and property crime rates, with a violent crime rate of only 0.6 per 1,000 residents.

Which states have the fewest police officers?

The states that have the fewest numbers of police officers include:

  • Utah has approximately 293 police officers for every 100,000 people.
  • Oregon has approximately 301 police officers for every 100,000 people.
  • Washington has approximately 313 police officers for every 100,000 people.

What city in California has the highest crime?

Among major California cities, Oakland generally reports the highest rates of overall and violent crime per capita. However, depending on the crime metric and specific data source, a few other cities often top statewide lists: