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What Are The Most Murderous Cities In America?

Understanding the prevalence of homicides in American cities is crucial for grasping public safety dynamics. Homicide rates, expressed per 100,000 residents, offer a clear metric to compare the severity of this issue across different urban areas.

High rates often highlight underlying challenges such as economic disparities, social tensions, and the effectiveness of local law enforcement. Recognizing these patterns can inform targeted policies and community initiatives aimed at reducing violence and improving overall well-being.

The following list presents the 50 U.S. cities with the highest homicide rates based on the most recent data available, primarily from 2021. It’s important to note that while these figures provide insight into the prevalence of homicides, they don’t encompass the full spectrum of safety or quality of life in these cities.

Factors such as community initiatives, economic development, and local governance play significant roles in shaping the overall environment.

Here are the 50 U.S. cities with the highest homicide rates.

1. St. Louis, Missouri

2. Baltimore, Maryland

3. Birmingham, Alabama

4. Detroit, Michigan

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

6. Memphis, Tennessee

7. Cleveland, Ohio

8. Kansas City, Missouri

9. Shreveport, Louisiana

10. Dayton, Ohio

11. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

13. Indianapolis, Indiana

14. Chicago, Illinois

15. Washington D.C.

16. Atlanta, Georgia

17. Oakland, California

18. Cincinnati, Ohio

19. Louisville, Kentucky

20. North Charleston, South Carolina

21. San Bernardino, California

22. Richmond, Virginia

23. Rochester, New York

24. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

25. Wilmington, Delaware

26. Saginaw, Michigan

27. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

28. Columbus, Ohio

29. Toledo, Ohio

30. Minneapolis, Minneapolis

31. Columbia, South Carolina

32. Akron, Ohio

33. Albuquerque, New Mexico

34. Savannah, Georgia

35. Columbus, Georgia

36. Tuscaloosa, Alabama

37. Houston, Texas

38. Montgomery, Alabama

39. Newark, New Jersey

40. Chattanooga Tennessee

41. New Haven, Connecticut

42. Buffalo, New York

43. Augusta, Georgia

44. Tucson, Arizona

45. High Point, North Carolina

46. Dallas, Texas

47. Shreveport, Louisiana

48. Greensboro, North Carolina

49. Beaumont, Texas

50. Richmond, California