17 U.S. Cities You Should Avoid Visiting At All Costs
Approximately 345,976,665 people live in the United States. There are many beautiful places to see in a vast landscape, but within the bustling metropolis and charming small towns, there are a couple of places you should be dragging out the caution tape for your itinerary. The national average crime rate for violent crimes is 3.96, and for property crime, 19.46 per 1,000 residents.
Conversations in travel blogs and safety forums alike are now sparked by crime rates in urban centers like Detroit and New Orleans. Without question, these cities certainly have histories and cultures that are rich, but NeighborhoodScout experts warn people to be on their guard when walking in certain areas. Here are 17 cities in the U.S. that you might want to bypass on your next American road trip.
Detroit, Michigan
Named the Motor City, it has iconic landmarks such as the Renaissance Center and Belle Isle Park. Having about 633,218 inhabitants, Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. For decades, Detroit has been a city where one should not walk. It has the highest violent crime rate and is in the top 15 regarding property crime.
Detroit, MI, has a 2022 crime rate of 847, 3.4 times the national average. Nevertheless, revitalization efforts in recent years have not successfully spurred redevelopment in all areas, leaving some neighborhoods still high-risk areas to which visitors should exercise caution.
St. Louis, Missouri
One of the highest violent crime rates in the country, St. Louis is famous for its iconic Gateway Arch. St. Louis had a violent crime rate of 87 per 1000 residents, as stated by Neighborhood Scout.
However, the city, which has been the focal point for such revitalization efforts, is still a tough place for those who put safety first. Those determined to visit should study neighborhoods thoroughly and take a tour.
Baltimore, Maryland
It really is a charm about the place: Baltimore, with its Inner Harbor and cultish arts scene. However, the city still has crime and safety issues. In Baltimore, you have a 1 in 64 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
Visit popular areas in the day and explore less traveled areas with local advice. Neighborhoods such as Guilford, Homeland, and Keswick are all safer ones in Baltimore.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy is a cultural hot spot with its delicious Creole cuisine and jazz music. However, it tops the crime lists—especially property crimes.
The property crime rate in New Orleans is 46.86 per 1000 residents, which is higher than the national average. At night, the city is very lively, and to safely see it, it is advisable to stick with well-populated places.
Memphis, Tennessee
Compelling but not without its own troubles, Memphis is home to Graceland and the birthplace of blues. Nevertheless, the city has terrible crime rates, and it is important for visitors to keep safe.
A crime rate of 98 per 1,000 residents, the city’s total crime probability is one in ten. However, to live it up on Beale Street, do so with your wits, particularly after dark.
Cleveland, Ohio
The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra are just few of the many things Cleveland is well known for. Safety-wise it is also facing one in seventeen chances of becoming prey to crime.
So, travelers should be aware of the 155 percent higher-than-average crime rate in the city and prepare accordingly.
Stockton, California
The city sits in California Central Valley and has over 310,000 residents. Contribution to its reputation for high crime stemmed from its economic challenges.
It has tried to revitalize itself, though cautiously. Safe daylight exploration is of select spots.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana’s capital city sees as much culture as it does sports, in this case, the Indy 500. It’s a city to avoid and has earned a spot on the list because of its high crime rates.
The crime rate of Indianapolis is 44 per 1000 residents, and the violent crime rate is 16 per 1000 residents. It’s crucial to research and stay aware when visiting.
Oakland, California
People already know that Oakland has a pretty sky and other cultures, but nobody can ignore the high crime in this city. It had double the national average of violent and property crimes.
Stay in well-populated areas and take advice from the local people if you’re visiting.
Little Rock, Arkansas
An estimated population of 202,591, the Central Arkansas city of Little Rock is a slice of Southern charm. As the capital city of Arkansas, it’s home to Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
However, its crime statistics are cautious. The city is navigated based on sense of surroundings with a focus towards safer tourist centric areas.
Chicago, Illinois
There’s plenty of deep-dish pizza and world-class museums out there. Although high-crime neighborhoods are known and visitors should be aware. The national average crime rate is 116 — compared to Chicago’s rate of 380, 1.5 times that number.
They’re also significantly higher in violent crime and property rates. Make sure to keep to tourist-friendly areas like the Loop and Navy Pier to enjoy the best of Chicago safely.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is home to popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. Yet, it has persistent traffic congestion and safety problems.
The crime rate in is 97% higher than the national average. In case of a trip to Atlanta, explore guided tours to help secure your stay and enjoy fully.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is known for its barbecue and jazz, but it also often appears on high crime ‘maps.’ The crime rate is 63 in 1000 residents. Here, there is a one in sixteen chance of being a victim of crime, higher than the national average.
The city has some areas that are safer than others, so visitors should research before visiting. Be alert and stick to the areas where tourists are around.
New York City, New York
Travelers from all over the world over flock to New York City. The $4051 per month cost of living here is notably higher than the national average. About 3 percent above the national average is the cost of utilities.
New York city also costs more food, transport, housing, and healthcare.
Birmingham, Alabama
As rich in history and culture as it is, Birmingham is a city to see. It also has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation, and for every 1,000 residents, 59 are reported as having been involved in a crime.
Travelers heading to Birmingham should be careful and watchful when they are around. At night, stick to well-lit areas and seek locally advised safe day exploring areas.
San Francisco, California
You might know San Francisco for its majestic Golden Gate Bridge and hip, techy vibe, but it’s also got today’s most pressing problems like homelessness and crime. The violent crime rate for the city is 16 per 1000 residents, and the property crime rate is 50 per 1000 residents.
The city is a risky place for visitors, especially in those parts that are known for some drug activities or homelessness. It’s always better if there is a group with you and when you can walk in well-lit places.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is famous as a city of breweries and cheese but has a reputation for high crime rates. The crime rate for the city of San Pablo, compared to the national average, is 51 per 1,000 residents.
Visitors should stay in well-known tourist areas, such as Historic Third Ward or Riverwalk, or go out prepared with the right precautions.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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