In this article, we will take a look at the 30 most dangerous cities in the world. If you want to see more cities in this selection, go to the 5 Most Dangerous Cities in the World.
According to the Global Peace Index report, the overall level of global peacefulness declined by 0.3% in 2022. This marks the eleventh time peacefulness has deteriorated in the past fourteen years. Out of 163 countries analyzed, 90 have shown improvement, while 71 have experienced a decline in the peace index. Only two have remained stable in their levels of peacefulness. For the fifth year in a row, Afghanistan remains the least peaceful country in the world, with Yemen, Syria, Russia, and South Sudan following closely. These five countries have consistently ranked among the least peaceful nations for the past three years. Notably, Russia and Ukraine were among the five countries with the largest deterioration in peacefulness, along with Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Haiti, which can be attributed to the ongoing conflicts in these areas.
Over the past 25 years, the rate of intentional homicide as a cause of violent death has been decreasing worldwide. In 1993, the homicide rate was 7.4 per 100,000 population, but it decreased to 6.1 in 2017. However, this decline in the homicide rate is not necessarily indicative of a reduction in the actual number of homicides that occur globally. Instead, the global population has increased at a faster rate than the increase in the number of homicide victims. Between 1990 and 2017, the overall number of people who were killed due to homicide increased from 362,000 to 464,000, even as the homicide rate decreased. According to data released by the FBI, the United States also experienced a significant rise in violent crime in 2020. In comparison to the previous year, murders increased by almost 30%, representing the most substantial one-year increase in killings ever recorded by the agency. If you want to read more about the crime levels in the US, you can check out the 25 Most Dangerous Cities In The US.
The Economic Cost of Violence
There are numerous cities throughout the world that experience extreme levels of crime, violence, and insecurity. Characterized by high homicide rates, gang violence, and organized crime activities, some of the most perilous cities in the world are Caracas in Venezuela, Acapulco in Mexico, and Cape Town in South Africa. These cities are notorious for being some of the most challenging places to live or visit due to their reputation for violence and crime. Beyond the individuals who are directly impacted, the effects of violence and crime also have a strong negative influence on businesses and tourists. In 2021, the economic impact of violence worldwide was $16.5 trillion, which accounts for 10.9% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or $2,117 per individual.
Reports reveal there is a strong correlation between poverty and violent crime, both on an individual and national level. Individuals facing poverty may resort to crime as a means of survival, while a struggling economy may lead to lower investment in law enforcement systems, resulting in an environment of lawlessness where people are more susceptible to violent crime. This creates a vicious cycle where high levels of violence can hinder business growth, further exacerbating poverty and leading to more violence.
Photo by Baron Cole on Unsplash
Our Methodology
To determine the 30 most dangerous cities in the world, we utilized a multi-faceted approach. Our analysis considered a range of factors, including homicide rates, drug trafficking, gang activity, and political instability. We collected data from diverse sources, such as government agencies, international organizations, and news reports. The Organized Crime Index Report 2022 was also used to assess the level of organized crime in different countries. To gather information on the latest homicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants in various cities, we referred to the Citizens’ Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. Our ranking is based on the ascending order of homicide rates, with the cities having the highest homicide rates ranked as the most dangerous.
30. Macapá, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 47.20
Macapá is a city located in the northern part of Brazil, in the state of Amapá. It is situated near the equator and is known for its unique geographical location and natural beauty. The city is located near the Brazilian Amazon, which is used as a route for drug trafficking and illegal gold and copper mining activities. Timber shipments are used to hide and transport contraband in the region.
29. Salvador, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 47.23
Salvador is a city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the state of Bahia and is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful beaches. Despite the high rate of homicides, the city attracts millions of visitors every year for its renowned Carnival celebrations.
28. Maturin, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 47.24
Maturin is a city located in the northeastern part of Venezuela. It is situated in the Orinoco River basin and is the capital of the Monagas state. Maturin is a relatively large city with a population of around 500,000 people. The reign of a socialist government for the last two decades has adversely impacted the country economically and socially.
27. Palmira, Colombia
Homicides per 100,000: 47.97
Palmira is a city in southwestern Colombia, located in the Valle del Cauca department. It has a population of around 300,000 people and is the third largest city in the department after Cali and Buenaventura. The city has implemented a program aimed at providing resources to youth as a means of preventing their involvement in gang violence.
26. Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 48.35
Coatzacoalcos is situated in a region infamous for drug trafficking, with drug-related violence being a significant issue in the city. Various gangs operate within Coatzacoalcos, engaging in diverse criminal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping. The local police force in the city has been subject to criticism, as it is understaffed, underfunded, and insufficiently trained, which can impede its ability to combat crime effectively.
25. Aracaju, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 48.77
Aracaju is a city located in the northeastern state of Sergipe, Brazil. The city faces issues associated with corruption and inadequate law enforcement, which makes it difficult to combat crime effectively.
24. San Salvador, El Salvador
Homicides per 100,000: 50.32
San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, has been known for its high rates of violent crime, including murder. Various factors contribute to the high levels of violence in El Salvador, including poverty, inequality, gang activity, drug trafficking, and a weak justice system. Gangs, such as MS-13 and Barrio 18, have a strong presence in the country and are responsible for much of the violence.
23. Baltimore, USA
Homicides per 100,000: 50.52
Baltimore is located in the state of Maryland in the US. There have been longstanding tensions between the police and the community in Baltimore, particularly in neighbourhoods with high rates of crime. This can make it difficult for the police to effectively investigate and prevent homicides, as witnesses may be hesitant to come forward or cooperate with law enforcement.
22. Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 50.75
Vitória da Conquista is a city located in the southwestern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. The city is known for its cultural diversity, as it is home to many different ethnic groups, including indigenous peoples and immigrants from Europe and Asia. Despite its multiculturalism, the city has been plagued by violent crime due to the conflict between criminal organizations and law enforcement agencies.
21. Maceió, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 51.46
Maceió is a city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, specifically in the state of Alagoas. It is the capital and largest city in the state, with a population of around 1 million people. The city’s current rate of homicides per 100,000 reflects a significant decline from 110 murders per 100,000 people back in 2011.
20. Ciudad Obregón, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 52.09
Ciudad Obregón is a city located in the state of Sonora in northwest Mexico. It is the second-largest city in the state and is named after Álvaro Obregón, a general and president of Mexico. The town is six hours away from the US-Mexico neighbourhood. In March 2022, following an anonymous tip, a mass grave with 21 bodies was found in the city.
19. Kingston, Jamaica
Homicides per 100,000: 54.12
Kingston, Jamaica, has had a reputation for high crime rates and homicides. The city has struggled with issues related to gang violence, drug trafficking, and poverty for many years, which have contributed to the high levels of crime. In December 2022, the government announced a state of emergency to control the rising level of violence, as the island of Jamaica saw 1,421 murders during 2022.
18. Uruapan, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 54.52
Uruapan is a city located in the state of Michoacán in western Mexico. It is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. In April 2022, the city saw the murder of prominent lawyer and notary public Ricardo Alberto Esparza in front of his office by unknown gunmen.
17. Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 56.67
Barquisimeto is a city located in northwestern Venezuela. It is the capital of the Lara state and is one of the largest cities in Venezuela, with a population of around 1.23 million people. The city has a bustling commercial district with many shops, restaurants, and businesses. Despite being a hub for economic activity, Barquisimeto has experienced high crime levels in recent years.
16. Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 60.09
Ciudad Bolívaris a city located in southeastern Venezuela, in the state of Bolivar. The city has faced challenges in the last several years due to Venezuela’s economic crisis. Many of the city’s residents have struggled to access necessities, such as food and medicine, and there have been reports of crime and violence in certain parts of the city.
15. Culiacán, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 60.52
Culiacán is a city located in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. It is the largest city in the state and serves as its capital. Culiacán has been plagued by drug-related violence and organized crime in recent years, as the city is located in a region that is a major producer of illegal drugs such as marijuana and heroin.
14. St. Louis, USA
Homicides per 100,000: 60.59
St. Louis, Missouri, has historically had a higher homicide rate than many other cities in the US. The city recorded 196 murders in 2022. The root causes of violent crime in St. Louis and other cities are complex and multi-faceted. Factors such as poverty, inequality, drug addiction, and lack of access to education and job opportunities can all contribute to the high crime rate.
13. Feira De Santana, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 63.29
Feira de Santana is a city located in the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. It is the second-largest city in the state and is known for its historic architecture and cultural festivals. Like many urban areas in Brazil, Feira de Santana has a relatively high crime rate. The neighbourhoods of Queimadinha and Sobradinho are known for being dangerous in the city.
12. Cancún, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 64.47
Cancún is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural history. Like many popular tourist spots, Cancún experiences a significant level of criminal activities, including homicides. To overcome the rampant homicide rate, the government deployed 3,000 soldiers in the city in September 2022.
11. Belém, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 65.31
Belém, Brazil, is a large city located in the northern state of Para. Guamá and Terra Firme are some of the most dangerous neighbourhoods of the city. Some of the common crimes taking place in the city are pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft of valuables from cars. There are also frequent reports of more serious crimes, such as robberies, assaults, and kidnappings.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Homicides per 100,000: 66.36
Cape Town, located in South Africa, is notorious for its high crime rate, which includes a significant number of homicides. Official statistics reveal that the city has one of the highest murder rates in the country, with certain areas, such as the Cape Flats and Khayelitsha, being notorious for their dangerous reputation.
9. Fortaleza, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 69.15
Fortaleza is a coastal city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, in the state of Ceará. It is the fifth-largest city in Brazil, with a population of around 2.7 million people, and covers an area of approximately 313 square kilometres. The city has a large number of slums, or “favelas,” which are often controlled by drug gangs who engage in violent turf wars. These turf wars contribute to the high homicide rate in Fortaleza.
8. Natal, Brazil
Homicides per 100,000: 74.67
Natal is a city located in the northeastern region of Brazil, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. It is known for its beautiful beaches, dunes, and warm climate. The city has a population of around 900,000 people. Earlier in March 2023, 14 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, including Natal, experienced coordinated attacks on public property. This reflects the strength of the criminal element in the state and its capital.
7. Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela
Homicides per 100,000: 78.3
Ciudad Guayana is situated in the southeastern region of Venezuela, near the Orinoco River, with a population of over 964,000 people. It is renowned for its robust industrial sector, mainly iron and steel production. However, the city has been grappling with high levels of crime and violence for the last few years. Carjacking, robberies, and homicides are all prevalent issues in Ciudad Guayana.
6. Irapuato, Mexico
Homicides per 100,000: 81.44
Irapuato, Mexico, is a city situated in the state of Guanajuato. The city has a population of approximately 468,000 people and is known for being a hub for the automotive industry. In October 2022, the city experienced a violent incident where 12 people were killed by unidentified gunmen in a bar located in the southern part of the city. This event highlights the high levels of crime and violence that are prevalent in Irapuato and the state of Guanajuato as a whole.
In addition to Irapuato, Acapulco, Ciudad Victoria, and Tijuana are some other cities in Mexico that are considered the most dangerous cities in the world.
Click to continue reading and see the 5Most Dangerous Cities in the World.
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Disclosure: None. 30 Most Dangerous Cities in the Worldis originally published at Insider Monkey.
FAQs
30 Most Dangerous Cities in the World? ›
The most dangerous city in the United States is Detroit, Michigan. Detroit has a violent crime rate of 2,007.8 incidents per 100,000 people with a total of 261 homicides in 2018. Detroit is the only midsize or large city in the United States with a violent crime rate of over 2,000.
What are the top 10 unsafe cities? ›- Memphis, Tennessee.
- St. Louis, Missouri.
- Oakland, California.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- Baltimore, Maryland.
- New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Detroit, Michigan.
- Lubbock, Texas.
The most dangerous city in the United States is Detroit, Michigan. Detroit has a violent crime rate of 2,007.8 incidents per 100,000 people with a total of 261 homicides in 2018. Detroit is the only midsize or large city in the United States with a violent crime rate of over 2,000.
What are the top 20 cities with the highest crime rate? ›- St. Louis, MO (2,082)
- Detroit, MI (2,057)
- Baltimore, MD (2,027)
- Memphis, TN (2,003)
- Little Rock, AR (1,634)
- Milwaukee, WI (1,597)
- Rockford, IL (1,588)
- Cleveland, OH (1,557)
| Rank | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colima | Mexico |
| 2 | Zamora | Mexico |
| 3 | Ciudad Obregón | Mexico |
| 4 | Zacatecas | Mexico |
Detroit is consistently ranked high on violent city lists, as its population of over 600 000 residents sees about 22 crimes per day. This means its violent crime rate is about six times the US average. This makes it one of the most dangerous cities in America.
Which state in US has highest crime rate? ›1. Alaska. The most dangerous state in the USA is Alaska, as it has the highest combined violent and property crime rate out of any state. Out of a population of 736,081, Alaska's crime rate was 32.14 per 1,000 people in 2022, making it the state with the highest crime rate.
Is Chicago the most violent city in the US? ›Chicago gets a lot of attention for leading the nation in the number of homicides. But when you account for population, Chicago's homicide rate is actually lower than many of its regional peers. It is, however, much higher than New York or Los Angeles.
What are top 5 dangerous cities? ›- Memphis, TN.
- Albuquerque, NM.
- Anchorage, AK.
- Bakersfield, CA.
- Little Rock, AR.
- Chattanooga, TN.
- Corpus Christi, TX.
...
Cities with Most Murders 2023.
| Rank | 1 |
|---|---|
| City | St. Louis |
| State | Missouri |
| Murder Rate | 69.40 |
| 2023 Population | 279,390 |
What is the safest city in the United States? ›
Frisco, Texas
Frisco, Texas, part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex has been ranked the number 1 safest city to live in the U.S. It boasts the fourth-lowest violent crime rate and the sixth-lowest property crime rate.
Qatar. Qatar has a safety index of 85.2, according to NUMBEO. It has the lowest crime rate in the world. It hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Where is the highest crime rate? ›Introduction. Crime rates vary widely around the world, with some countries having significantly higher crime rates than others. For example, countries like Venezuela, Honduras, and Papua New Guinea have some of the highest crime rates in the world, with rates of violent crime and homicide far above the global average.
Which country is no 1 in crime rate? ›| Rank | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis | Tennessee |
| 2 | Detroit | Michigan |
| 3 | Little Rock | Arkansas |
| 4 | Pueblo | Colorado |
- Iceland.
- New Zealand.
- Ireland.
- Denmark.
- Austria.
- Portugal.
- Slovenia.
- Czech Republic.
How safe is Miami? Just like the city of New York on the east coast, Miami is a largely safe city to visit. It may have a reputation for crime – of all kinds – but it is about as safe as any other megalopolis city in the Western world. It has gentrified in the main visiting areas, especially the far north side.
Is Detroit a safe place to live? ›Detroit's crime rates are higher than most of the Midwest and tend to come in high nationwide because of the city's size — Detroit used to have two million residents at its peak and, as of 2021, its population was a little more than 630,000.
Is Atlanta Georgia safe to live? ›However, it's important to note that Atlanta has a higher crime rate than most large cities, and the violent crime rate in Atlanta is more than twice that of the national average. So if you're moving to the city and safety is a concern, it's important to be familiar with the safest places to live in Atlanta.
What state is lowest in crime? ›Maine has the lowest crime rate in America, with around 1.3 crimes per 1000 people. Like Vermont, the majority of crime is related to property theft, and there are very few instances of violent crimes such as mugging, assault, or murder.
What is the least safe state in the United States? ›
The South continues to be ranked as the least safe states in the U.S., according to WalletHub. Louisiana was named the least safe state in America for the second year in a row. Mississippi was also the second least safe state in the country for a second year in a row.
What is the most non violent city in America? ›| City | Crime Cost per Capita | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Naperville, IL | $156 |
| 2. | Sunnyvale, CA | $156 |
| 3. | West Covina, CA | $181 |
| 4. | Carmel, IN | $205 |
The Safest Cities in the US
This year, Honolulu was named the safest large city, with the lowest per-capita crime cost in the country—$528.
Odessa. Odessa tops the list as the most dangerous city in Texas, with a significantly higher crime rate than the national average. Known for its oil production and cowboy culture, Odessa struggles with widespread poverty, which often leads to criminal activities.
What is the most violent city in america 2023? ›As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, some of the most dangerous cities included St. Louis, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; Memphis, Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri. Keep in mind that crime rates and city rankings can change over time, so it's important to consult the most recent data.
What is the cheapest and safest state to live in? ›- Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
- Kansas. ...
- Alabama. ...
- Oklahoma. ...
- Georgia. ...
- Tennessee. ...
- Missouri. ...
- Iowa.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado is still America's #1 place to live in 2021-2022 according to U.S. News & World Report. What makes it so appealing? A paradise for those who love the outdoors, for practitioners of alternative medicine and fitness enthusiasts, wellness and health are at the core of Boulder's charm.
The following 10 countries are viewed as the safest, according to U.S. News. The United States failed to make the list, coming in at No. 47 after placing 38th in 2021.
What US state has the most murders per capita? ›Louisiana is currently the state with the highest murder rate in the US, with a rate that stands at 22.9 homicides per 100,000 people. This puts Louisiana at more than double the overall national average and far above other states in terms of homicide rates.
Which is the safest city in the world for females? ›- Oslo, Norway.
- Singapore, Singapore.
- Vienna, Austria.
- Barcelona, Spain.
- Helsinki, Finland.
- Lisbon, Portugal.
- London, United Kingdom.
- Berlin, Germany.
What is the #1 growing crime in America? ›
This is a critical part of why identity theft is the fastest is the growing crime in America. It's also easy for identity thieves to steal information from paper records.
What are the top 5 most criminal countries in the world? ›World of Statistics has shared the ranking of the world's "most criminal countries". On the list, Venezuela has been ranked top, followed by Papua New Guinea (2), Afghanistan (3), South Africa (4), Honduras (5), Trinidad (6), Guyana (7), Syria (8), Somalia (9) and Jamaica (10), respectively.
Which country has most street crimes? ›1. Venezuela. Venezuela has a crime index of 83.76, the highest of any country in the world.
What country has the most organized crime? ›As the birthplace of the original mafia, Italy is home to some of the world's most powerful organized crime groups, operating domestically and abroad.
Where does NYC rank in crime? ›...
How the Violent Crime Rate in New York Compares to Other States.
| Rank | 26 |
|---|---|
| State | New York |
| Violent crimes per 100,000 people, 2020 | 363.8 |
| Total violent crimes, 2020 | 70,339 |
| Total homicides, 2020 | 808 |
The United States ranks at 129th with a score of 2.44, marking the country's score "low." Just above the U.S. is Azerbaijan, and just below is Brazil.
How safe is United States? ›Although we were surprised to see a negligible rise in overall concern in 2020, the US rate of high daily concern about safety jumped three points in 2021—from 47% to 50%. Following suit, the percentage of Americans who feel safe in their state fell five points year over year, from 55% in 2020 to 50% in 2021.
What is the 3 safest country? ›| # | Country | Global Peace Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 1.11 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 1.27 |
| 3 | Ireland | 1.29 |
| 4 | Austria | 1.3 |
The latest dangerous list by 2023, The top 10 most dangerous cities in the US are Memphis, Detroit, Little Rock, Pueblo, Tacoma, Kansas City, Rockford, St. Louis, Cleveland and Springfield.
What state has the highest crime rate 2023? ›State With Highest Crime Rate
This high crime rate is due to a combination of factors, including poverty, drug use, and gang violence. On the other hand, Alaska has the highest crime rate among all states with 837.8 incidents per 100,000 people.
Is Portland Oregon a safe city? ›
Travel Portland says: “Yes, Portland remains a safe city for visitors. We recommend that visitors to Portland exercise the same caution, concern, and common sense as when traveling to any metropolitan destination.
Is Louisville KY a safe place to live? ›With a crime rate of 43 per one thousand residents, Louisville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 23.
What are the fastest growing crimes in the US? ›Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. It occurs when someone obtains credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, bank account information or other personal identification information and uses them to commit fraud or deception.
Is it safe to live in USA? ›Although it's true that the US has a higher crime rate than many other developed countries, its reputation for violence is often exaggerated by the local media. As a whole, the country is an extremely safe expat destination.
Why is Walmart closing in Portland? ›The locations shutting down are at Hayden Meadows and East Portland Plaza on 82nd Avenue. The company said it was shuttering those stores for financial reasons as Walmart's CEO announced record-breaking retail theft nationwide has been impacting the company's bottom line.
Is Portland or Seattle safer? ›Seattle's crime rate is 5,829 incidents per 100,000 people. Portland's crime rate is 5,980 incidents per 100,000 people. So, they are very similar, but Portland's is slightly higher. However, that depends on the type of crime too.
Is Washington or Oregon safer? ›Oregon has a violent crime rate that is 28.5 percent lower than that of the U.S. median and a property crimes rate that is nearly 15 percent higher than the reported national average. Compared to Washington, Oregon is a “safer” state in which to reside. Oregon does have a higher rate of theft than Washington.
Is Milwaukee a safe city? ›| Violent | Property | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Crimes | 9,493 | 24,950 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 16.67 | 43.82 |
One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 20. Within Tennessee, more than 97% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Knoxville.