Top 10 most dangerous cities in America, ranked

September 12, 2023

By Kim Komando

Hold on to your hat because this list might be more alarming than your worst tech glitches. Security Gauge pulled crime data from 18,000 agencies — including the FBI and local police — to find the most dangerous U.S. cities in 2023. Did yours make the list?

Most dangerous US cities

1. Bessemer, Alabama

Once known as “The Marvel City,” Bessemer is now infamous for a different reason. Home to just 27,000, this town clocked 33.18 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

2. Monroe, Louisiana

While it reigned supreme on the crime charts for the past two years, Monroe’s been nudged down by Bessemer. Its 47,000 residents face a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. 

3. Saginaw, Michigan

It’s not just proximity to Detroit. Saginaw has its own crime challenges. Case in point: A tragic shooting at an unsanctioned street bash that killed two and injured 15 more. 

4. Memphis, Tennessee

Rock’ n roll, Elvis and … crime? With a population of around 700,000, Memphis has seen its murder rates climb, with experts pointing fingers at everything from policy to policing.

5. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s been grappling with crime for years, fueled by urban decay and population decline. With a crime rating of 23 per 1,000, locals face a 1 in 43 chance of becoming a victim. 

Rounding out the top 10 are:

6. Birmingham, Alabama

7. Pine Bluff, Arkansas

8. Little Rock, Arkansas

9. Alexandria, Louisiana

10. Cleveland, Ohio

Stay safe out there, folks. Here’s how to automatically alert loved ones if something goes wrong — no matter where you live.