Philips ConnorSome streets are so tough, mothers and grandmas are gangsters! Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the USA; places where even the bravest dare not thread – at least during the night. High crime rates have made these neighborhoods attractive, and most of the decent people still living in these places want to leave.
Even though there are attempts to restructure many of these places, so that they can be attractive to the right kind of people, those attempts have not yet yielded any conclusive results, and so it is still best to avoid these neighborhoods.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In The US
1. East St. Louis, Illinois (City Center)
East St. Louis, located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, has long grappled with high crime rates, particularly violent crimes. Once a thriving industrial hub, the city experienced significant economic decline following the departure of major industries in the mid-20th century. This economic downturn led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and a decrease in population, with the current population being approximately 26,000.
The city has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the nation. Between 2000 and 2018, there were 453 homicides, with approximately 75% remaining unsolved. Contributing factors include limited economic opportunities, underfunded public services, and a diminished police force, which shrank from 66 officers in 2005 to 34 in recent years. Additionally, systemic issues such as racial segregation and inadequate access to education and healthcare have exacerbated the city’s challenges.
Efforts are underway to address these issues, including community-based initiatives and increased collaboration between local and state law enforcement. However, significant work remains to improve safety and quality of life for East St. Louis residents.
2. Jackson, Tennessee (James Buchanan Dr / 1st St)
This neighborhood in Jackson, TN suffers from exceptionally high violent crime rates, driven by entrenched poverty, unemployment, and limited educational opportunities. The area struggles with gang activity, drug trafficking, and property crimes that have plagued it for decades. Economic decline following industrial downturns has left many residents in poverty, with little access to support systems or upward mobility. Police resources are often stretched thin, reducing response times and community trust. Youth involvement in crime is elevated due to the lack of after-school programs and job training. These factors combine to create an unstable environment with frequent violent incidents.
3. McDaniel St SW / Mary St SW, Atlanta, Georgia (Mechanicsville Neighborhood)
Located in Atlanta’s Mechanicsville neighborhood, the area around McDaniel Street SW and Mary Street SW has been plagued by high crime rates, particularly violent crimes such as shootings and assaults. Recent incidents include a fatal shooting near an apartment complex on McDaniel Street SW in March 2024, where a man was shot and later died from his injuries.
Additionally, in March 2025, two individuals were found shot inside a vehicle at the intersection of Whitehall Street SW and McDaniel Street SW, with one victim pronounced dead at the hospital.
4. E Holland Ave / E Genesee Ave, Saginaw, Michigan
The area surrounding E Holland Avenue and E Genesee Avenue in Saginaw, Michigan, is among the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. Saginaw consistently ranks as one of the most violent cities in the United States, with a violent crime rate of 2,119 per 100,000 people, translating to a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. The East Saginaw Business District, encompassing parts of E Genesee Avenue, has a high real estate vacancy rate of 27.8%, indicating significant urban blight.
Contributing factors to the area’s high crime rates include economic decline, with Saginaw experiencing a significant population decrease and high unemployment rates following the downturn of the manufacturing industry.
The neighborhood also has a high percentage of children living in poverty, at 54.1%, exacerbating social challenges. Residents have reported frequent gunfire and a general sense of insecurity, particularly on the east side of the city.
Efforts to revitalize the area have been ongoing, but challenges persist due to the deep-rooted socioeconomic issues affecting the community.
5. 7th St / E Jefferson St, Rockford, Illinois
This neighborhood in Rockford has been identified as one of the most dangerous in the U.S., with a violent crime rate of approximately 89.7 per 1,000 residents, equating to a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim annually. Contributing factors include economic decline, high unemployment, and a significant poverty rate.
The area has experienced a surge in assaults and arson incidents, with residents reporting a noticeable increase in police activity and a general sense of insecurity. The neighborhood’s challenges are compounded by a lack of community resources and limited access to quality education and employment opportunities.
6. Chelsea Ave / N Claybrook St, Memphis, Tennessee
Located in Memphis, this area has been plagued by persistent crime issues, including gang activity, drug trafficking, and frequent shootings. Economic hardship, high unemployment rates, and underfunded public services contribute to the neighborhood’s struggles.
Efforts to revitalize the area have been met with challenges, as systemic issues continue to hinder progress. Residents often express concerns about safety, and the community faces ongoing difficulties in attracting investment and improving living conditions.
7. Orange St / W Broad St, Rochester, New York
Situated in Rochester’s downtown area, this neighborhood experiences high rates of violent crime, including assaults and robberies. Economic decline, poverty, and limited access to education and employment opportunities are significant contributing factors. The area has a high percentage of children living in poverty, exacerbating social challenges.
Residents have reported frequent gunfire and a general sense of insecurity, particularly on the east side of the city. Efforts to revitalize the area have been ongoing, but challenges persist due to the deep-rooted socioeconomic issues affecting the community.
8. South Blue Valley, Kansas City, Missouri
Located between Interstate 70 and the Blue River, South Blue Valley is one of Kansas City’s most dangerous neighborhoods. With a population of approximately 1,400 residents, the area experiences a total crime rate of 9,900 per 100,000 individuals, which is 327% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate stands at 2,400 per 100,000 people, while property crimes occur at a rate of 7,500 per 100,000 individuals. Contributing factors include economic hardship, limited access to quality education, and underfunded public services.
The neighborhood’s challenges are compounded by a lack of community resources and limited employment opportunities.
9. Pines Village, New Orleans, Louisiana
Pines Village, situated in New Orleans, is known for its high crime rates. The neighborhood has a population of approximately 4,140 residents and experiences a total crime rate of 9,900 per 100,000 individuals. The violent crime rate is particularly alarming at 2,600 per 100,000 people, which is 591% higher than the national average.
Property crimes occur at a rate of 7,400 per 100,000 individuals. Factors contributing to the high crime rates include economic decline, poverty, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. The area has also been affected by the aftermath of natural disasters, which have exacerbated existing social and economic challenges.
10. Shelby Forest-Frayser, Memphis, Tennessee
Located in the northern part of Memphis, Shelby Forest-Frayser is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States. With a population of approximately 34,345 residents, the neighborhood experiences a total crime rate of 10,400 per 100,000 individuals.
The violent crime rate is 3,000 per 100,000 people, which is 705% higher than the national average, while property crimes occur at a rate of 7,400 per 100,000 individuals. Contributing factors include economic hardship, high unemployment rates, and underfunded public services. Despite efforts to improve safety, the neighborhood continues to struggle with deep-rooted issues that keep its crime rates alarmingly high.
11. Peabody-Darst-Webbe, St. Louis, Missouri
Peabody-Darst-Webbe is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis has a population of 239,210 and a crime rate that is 234% higher than the national average. In 2023, there were 6,112 violent crimes and 17,396 property crimes reported in the city. Of the 6,107 violent crimes, there were 264 incidents of murder, 1,246 incidents of robbery, and 4,280 incidents of assault.
Overall, residents have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. The high crime rates in Peabody-Darst-Webbe are attributed to factors such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. Efforts to revitalize the area have been ongoing, but challenges persist due to deep-rooted socioeconomic issues affecting the community.
12. South End, Little Rock, Arkansas
The South End neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, is among the most dangerous areas in the city. Little Rock has a population of 202,591 and a crime rate that is 209% higher than the national average, with 7,182 crimes per 100,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is especially high, with 1,833 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is almost 400% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 79 murders reported, making the murder rate 144% higher than the national average.
The property crime rate is also high, with 5,349 crimes per 100,000 residents. Contributing factors to the high crime rates include economic hardship, poverty, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. Efforts to improve safety have been made, but the neighborhood continues to struggle with deep-rooted issues.
13. Brookstown, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Brookstown is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The city has a population of 227,470 and a crime rate that is 196% higher than the national average, with 6,880 incidents per 100,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is 1,028 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it 178% more dangerous than the average U.S. city. The murder rate is 128% higher than the national average, with 29.1 homicides per 100,000 people. Property crimes are also prevalent, with 5,852 crimes per 100,000 residents.
Factors contributing to the high crime rates include economic decline, poverty, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. Efforts to revitalize the area have been ongoing, but challenges persist due to deep-rooted socioeconomic issues affecting the community.
14. Eastmont, Oakland, California
Eastmont, located in East Oakland, is one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. Oakland has a population of 433,823 and a crime rate of 6,459 per 100,000 people, making it 175% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 5,714 violent incidents, including 103 murders, 2,515 robberies, and 2,730 assaults.
Much of the violence in Oakland can be attributed to gang activity and drug-related crimes. Eastmont, in particular, has been a hotspot for such activities, leading to a heightened sense of insecurity among residents. Efforts to curb crime have been met with challenges, as systemic issues like poverty and unemployment persist in the area.
15. Franklin Park, Detroit, Michigan
Franklin Park is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Detroit, a city known for its high crime rates. Detroit has a population of 632,464 and a crime rate of 6,389 per 100,000 people, which is 170% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 14,430 violent crimes reported, including 330 murders, 1,850 robberies, and 11,565 assaults.
Additionally, there were 21,258 property crimes. Franklin Park, along with other neighborhoods like Fiskhorn and Warrendale, experiences significant challenges related to gang violence, drug trafficking, and economic decline. These factors contribute to the area’s high crime rates and the ongoing struggles faced by its residents.
16. Quigley Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Quigley Park is among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Albuquerque. The city has a population of 562,599 and a crime rate of 6,356 per 100,000 people, making it 171% more dangerous than the national average. In 2022, there were 7,552 violent crimes, including 80 murders, 1,439 robberies, and 5,592 assaults.
Property crime is also a significant issue, with 5,075 burglaries, 18,131 incidents of theft, and 4,965 vehicle thefts reported. Quigley Park, along with neighborhoods like La Mesa and Jackson Area, faces challenges such as poverty, drug abuse, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, all contributing to its high crime rates.
17. Baltimore, MD (E Oliver St / N Broadway)
Baltimore, MD (E Oliver St / N Broadway) This Baltimore corridor is marked by a high frequency of violent encounters alongside property crimes. Numerous early-morning shooting incidents have resulted in homicides and serious injuries, with local police reports highlighting fatal gunshot wounds and aggressive assaults.
Gang-related violence and drug-driven disputes further amplify the risk, fueling armed robberies and street-level muggings. The area also experiences cases of burglary and auto theft, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity among residents.
Abandoned properties and sporadic law enforcement responses often provide fertile ground for criminal activities, creating a perpetual environment where violent incidents and theft combine to challenge community safety.
18. Cincinnati, OH (Central Pky / Central Ave)
In Cincinnati’s Central Parkway and Central Avenue district, both violent and property crimes feature prominently. Reports in the area often detail escalated aggressive assaults, armed robberies, and occasional rapes that occur amid nighttime disturbances. Meanwhile, property crimes such as burglaries, theft from vehicles, and personal larceny are common, fueled in part by a high density of rental properties and economic challenges.
These mixed crime patterns not only target residents in their homes or on the streets but also leave businesses vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins. The interplay of violent and property offenses fosters an atmosphere of continual concern for public safety
19. Omaha, NE (N 24th St / Ames Ave)
The Omaha sector along N 24th Street and Ames Avenue experiences a troubling mix of violent assaults and property-related offenses. Law enforcement data and local crime maps indicate frequent physical altercations—including aggravated assaults and muggings—often occurring during late-night hours.
In addition, the area endures recurrent property crimes such as burglaries and auto thefts, with criminal elements capitalizing on sparse security and urban decay.
Reports suggest that these assaults are sometimes linked to broader social factors and sporadic disputes, resulting in an environment where both violent and non-violent property crimes undermine community confidence. The ongoing challenges prompt repeated police interventions, yet the pattern of incidents proves persistent.
20. Rockford, IL (N Rockton Ave / W State St)
In Rockford’s N Rockton Avenue and W State Street vicinity, residents face escalating violent encounters and property crimes. Local news accounts have noted that assaults have doubled in a short period, while arson cases have also increased, targeting vulnerable abandoned properties. Alongside the violent altercations, burglaries, break-ins, and vehicle thefts disturb both residential and commercial areas.
The neighborhood’s dense urban fabric and socioeconomic stressors contribute to frequent robberies and aggressive street confrontations, often linked to gang disputes. The combination of rising violent offenses and persistent property crimes creates a cityscape in which inhabitants must remain vigilant against unpredictable and multifaceted criminal behavior
21. West Memphis, AR (E Jackson Ave / Autumn Ave)
The West Memphis area along E Jackson Avenue and Autumn Avenue is notorious for a broad spectrum of criminal activities. Residents face recurring violent assaults and robbery incidents, often executed by local gangs amid disorganized street conflicts. Property crimes abound as well—burglary, vandalism, and particularly arson have been significant concerns, with numerous structures targeted repeatedly.
Economic hardship and a high vacancy rate create an environment ripe for exploitation, with criminal elements opportunistically engaging in motor vehicle theft and petty larcenies. These intertwined offenses bolster a climate of instability and fear, illustrating how long-term disinvestment and social challenges can manifest in an endemic pattern of violence and property damage
22. Chicago, IL (S Indiana Ave / E 60th St)
The Chicago stretch along S Indiana Avenue and E 60th Street is a hotspot for violent crimes as well as opportunistic property offenses. Residents report frequent incidents of shootings, aggravated assaults, and armed robberies that often culminate in serious injuries or fatalities. Intermittently, instances of stabbings, gang conflicts, and disputes over territorial control contribute to this volatile mix.
In tandem with violent acts, property crimes—including burglaries, vandalism, and theft—undermine the local quality of life. The high concentration of criminal incidents, aggravated by socioeconomic fragmentation and reduced municipal support, results in a persistent environment of fear and unpredictability for both pedestrians and businesses
23. Saginaw, MI (Lapeer Ave / E Genesee Ave)
The Saginaw corridor near Lapeer Avenue and E Genesee Avenue is plagued by a wide-ranging array of criminal activities. Violent crimes such as aggravated assaults, muggings, and occasional homicides have been repeatedly documented, painting a picture of frequent interpersonal conflict. Concurrently, property crimes remain a common theme—burglaries, vehicle thefts, and widespread vandalism take advantage of older, neglected housing stock.
The economic challenges in the community exacerbate the issue, as lower property values and poor maintenance often attract criminal opportunists. As a result, many residents contend with both direct violence and the persistent threat of property-related offenses, contributing to a climate of enduring insecurity
24. Washington, DC (Atlantic St SE / 4th St SE)
In the Atlantic Street SE and 4th Street SE sector of Washington, DC, a persistent pattern of crimes creates real safety concerns. The neighborhood sees a mix of violent offenses—including armed robberies, aggravated assaults, and occasional shootings—often linked to gang-related disputes.
Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and vandalism are also frequent, targeting both commercial entities and residential properties. The area’s high turnover in occupancy further complicates community cohesion, making it easier for criminals to exploit transient populations.
Local law enforcement continues to wrestle with these challenges as periodic reports highlight the enduring impact of both violent confrontations and non-violent property crimes in the district
25. St. Louis, MO (Clara Ave / Saint Louis Ave)
In Chicago’s S Pulaski Road and W Lexington Street district, criminal incidents span a broad spectrum. Violent crimes feature prominently, with residents reporting frequent armed robberies, aggravated assaults, and isolated shooting incidents that stir long-lasting fear.
In parallel, property crimes such as burglaries, thefts, and acts of vandalism are commonplace, affecting homes and local enterprises alike. The urban density of the area creates numerous opportunities for both organized criminal endeavors and spontaneous street-level altercations.
These recurring offenses, compounded by inter-neighborhood gang conflicts and economic disparities, leave the community grappling with a cyclical pattern of violence and property loss that challenges both local law enforcement and community maturity.
26. Chicago, IL (S Pulaski Rd / W Lexington St)
In Chicago’s S Pulaski Road and W Lexington Street district, criminal incidents span a broad spectrum. Violent crimes feature prominently, with residents reporting frequent armed robberies, aggravated assaults, and isolated shooting incidents that stir long-lasting fear.
In parallel, property crimes such as burglaries, thefts, and acts of vandalism are commonplace, affecting homes and local enterprises alike. The urban density of the area creates numerous opportunities for both organized criminal endeavors and spontaneous street-level altercations.
These recurring offenses, compounded by inter-neighborhood gang conflicts and economic disparities, leave the community grappling with a cyclical pattern of violence and property loss that challenges both local law enforcement and community maturity
27. Baton Rouge, LA (N Lobdell Ave / Harry Dr)
The Baton Rouge corridor near N Lobdell Avenue and Harry Drive endures a relentless barrage of criminal activity. Violent crimes—including assaults, armed robberies, and on occasion, homicides—are regularly reported, intensifying residents’ unease.
Alongside these, property crimes such as burglaries, motor vehicle thefts, and widespread vandalism disrupt both residential and commercial areas. The prevailing economic hardships and lower-than-average rental property values help attract criminal elements intent on exploiting vulnerable targets.
With a notable presence of opportunistic offenders and recurring law enforcement challenges, this neighborhood faces both immediate acts of violence and persistent property offenses that together create an environment of chronic instability and public safety concerns
Summary
The most dangerous neighborhoods in the US certainly have the spotlight because with a long history of criminal activity, law enforcement know the need to keep a watchful eye on all that happens there. However, many other neighborhoods not listed here also have high amounts of crime, with much of them going unreported. Wherever one may find themselves, it is important to be vigilant, and tale proper precautions.