The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America

Erika Rawes November 07, 2014


Each year in the U.S., well over 1 million violent crimes occur , and this does not include all of the other types of crimes, like property and other nonviolent crimes. According to FBI estimates from various reporting agencies, there were around 1.2 million violent crimes in the year 2012 alone.
Safety is, of course, one of the most important factors people consider when choosing a place to live. Along with employment considerations and price, it’s perhaps the most important factor. Using data from a report by Neighborhood Scout on dangerous cities, coupled with data from the FBI website, we created a list of the most dangerous cities in America.

Methodology: Neighborhood Scout ranked the Most Dangerous Cities by analyzing cities with more than 25,000 residents and then comparing the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents in each city using the Census Bureau’s most recent population estimates and the FBI’s most recent crime reports. Cities with the highest violent crime rates ranked highest. All statewide crime data come directly from the FBI’s most recent state-by-state reports.


Newburgh, NY

• Violent crimes: 1,350
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Newburgh has a population of 29,183 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.17. There were also 0.65 rapes per 1,000 residents, 7.33 robberies, and 10.49 assaults per 1,000 resident in Newburgh. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 1,217
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 11.68 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 27.89 thefts per 1,000, and 2.12 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 1,761 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 60.34 per 1,000 Newburgh residents.
• Crime in New York: New York’s violent crime rate is moderate, at 406.8 per 100,000 or around 4.1 per 1,000 residents. Newburgh’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 18.64 per 1,000.

Oakland, Calif.

• Violent crimes: 7,963
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Oakland has a population of 399,487 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.32. There were also 0.68 rapes per 1,000 residents, 10.86 robberies, and 8.08 assaults per 1,000 resident in Oakland. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 26,342
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 15.44 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 33.04 thefts per 1,000, and 17.46 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 34,305 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 85.87 per 1,000 Oakland residents.
• Crime in California: California’s violent crime rate is moderate, at 423.1 per 100,000 or around 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Oakland’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 19.93 per 1,000.

Chester, Penn.

• Violent crimes: 720
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Chester has a population of 34,239 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.64. There were also 0.50 rapes per 1,000 residents, 6.34 robberies, and 13.55 assaults per 1,000 resident in Chester. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 1,203
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 13.58 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 18.58 thefts per 1,000, and 2.98 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 1,923 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 56.16 per 1,000 Chester residents.
• Crime in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania’s violent crime rate is moderate, at 348.7 per 100,000 or around 3.5 per 1,000 residents. Chester’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 21.03 per 1,000.

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Bessemer, Ala.

• Violent crimes: 582
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Bessemer has a population of 27,585 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.15. There were also 0.73 rapes per 1,000 residents, 5.95 robberies, and 14.28 assaults per 1,000 resident in Bessemer. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 3,329
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 31.65 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 80.41 thefts per 1,000, and 8.63 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 3,911 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 141.78 per 1,000 Bessemer residents.
• Crime in Alabama: Alabama’s violent crime rate is moderate, at 449.9 per 100,000 or around 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Bessemer’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 21.10 per 1,000.

source:

Detroit, Mich.

• Violent crimes: 15,011
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Detroit has a population of 707,096 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.55. There were also 0.62 rapes per 1,000 residents, 6.85 robberies, and 13.21 assaults per 1,000 resident in Detroit. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 40,956
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 19.08 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 22.58 thefts per 1,000, and 16.26 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 55,967 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 79.15 per 1,000 Detroit residents.
• Crime in Michigan: Michigan’s violent crime rate is moderately high, at 454.5 per 100,000 or around 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Detroit’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 21.23 per 1,000.

source:

Saginaw, Mich.

• Violent crimes: 1,211
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Saginaw has a population of 51,267 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.53. There were also 1.27 rapes per 1,000 residents, 3.26 robberies, and 18.57 assaults per 1,000 resident in Saginaw. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 1,765
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 20.32 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 12.05 thefts per 1,000, and 2.05 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 2,976 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 58.05 per 1,000 Saginaw residents.
• Crime in Michigan: Michigan’s violent crime rate is moderately high, at 454.5 per 100,000 or around 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Saginaw’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 23.62 per 1,000.

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West Memphis, Ark.

• Violent crimes: 653
• Breakdown of violent crimes: West Memphis has a population of 26,153 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.23. There were also 1.11 rapes per 1,000 residents, 5.24 robberies, and 18.39 assaults per 1,000 resident in West Memphis. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 2,394
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 41.68 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 44.58 thefts per 1,000, and 5.28 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 3,047 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 116.51 per 1,000 West Memphis residents.
• Crime in Arkansas: Arkansas’s violent crime rate is moderately high, at 469.1 per 100,000 or around 4.7 per 1,000 residents. West Memphis’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 24.97 per 1,000.

source:

Camden, NJ

• Violent crimes: 1,995
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Camden has a population of 77,665 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.86. There were also 0.95 rapes per 1,000 residents, 9.73 robberies, and 14.14 assaults per 1,000 resident in Camden. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 4,085
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 14.14 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 29.38 thefts per 1,000, and 9.08 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 6,080 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 78.29 per 1,000 Camden residents.
• Crime in New Jersey: New Jersey’s violent crime rate is moderately low, at 290.2 per 100,000 or around 2.9 per 1,000 residents. Camden’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 25.69 per 1,000.

source: Facebook

Flint, Mich.

• Violent crimes: 2,788
• Breakdown of violent crimes: Flint has a population of 101,632 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.62. There were also 1.07 rapes per 1,000 residents, 6.68 robberies, and 19.06 assaults per 1,000 resident in Flint. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 5,837
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 29.33 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 23.54 thefts per 1,000, and 4.57 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 8,625 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 84.87 per 1,000 Flint residents.
• Crime in Michigan: Michigan’s violent crime rate is moderately high, at 454.5 per 100,000 or around 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Flint’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 27.43 per 1,000.

Source: Google Map

East St. Louis, Ill.

• Violent crimes: 1,350
• Breakdown of violent crimes: East St. Louis has a population of 27,040 and as of 2013, the murder rate per 1,000 residents was 0.63. There were also 2.22 rapes per 1,000 residents, 7.32 robberies, and 39.76 assaults per 1,000 resident in East St. Louis. All of these rates are higher than the U.S. nationwide rates.
• Property crimes: 1,827
• Breakdown of property crimes: There were 32.14 burglaries per 1,000 residents, 21.04 thefts per 1,000, and 14.39 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000.
• Total violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents: There were 3,177 total violent and property crimes in 2013, which equates to 117.49 per 1,000 East St. Louis residents.
• Crime in Illinois: Illinois’s violent crime rate is moderate, at 414.8 per 100,000 or around 4.1 per 1,000 residents. East St. Louis’s violent crime rate is much higher than the statewide average, at 49.93 per 1,000.

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7 Most Expensive States to Live in the U.$.

Erika Rawes October 28, 2014


Photo by Stan Honday/AFP/Getty Images

As most of us already know, an equal salary can stretch much further in one place than in another. If you earn at least $75,000 per year, you earn a comfortable salary. At this income level, you are said to have reached the point where you really don’t need any more money to thrive. In each state, however, this $75,000 has to be adjusted to account for costs of living differences.
A few states, however, like Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin are right around the benchmark. That is, even when adjusting for cost of living, these states will produce a monetary amount that is relatively similar to the nationwide reference point.

Recently, we shared the most inexpensive states to live in the U.S. Now, let’s check out the most expensive states. Do you live in an expensive state? How much does it cost to live, eat, and go out on the town in these higher priced locations? We’re also going to take it one step further and answer the question: how much of an annual salary do you need in each of these states to live comfortably at that $75K level?
*These states are ranked in order based on their overall cost of living. All cost of living index data comes from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) first-quarter report, and pricing data comes from Zillow, Numbeo.com, and other resources.
Source: iStock

7. Connecticut

• Cost of Living Index: 125.2
• Grocery Index: 124
• Housing Index: 136.1
• Utilities Index: 116.3
• Transportation Index: 119
• Health Index: 120.4
• Misc.: 122.8

In Connecticut, notice how every index category is above the benchmark index of 100, and food, healthcare and miscellaneous costs — like entertainment and clothing — are particularly high. The median home value in the Northeastern state is $240,000 and homes generally list for a median price of around $275,000 (or $162 per square foot). If you rent, you’re also looking at a hefty housing payment of around $1,500 per month, as per the Zillow reported median.
In Hartford, utilities in a small apartment average around $210, and to go out for dinner (at a mid-range restaurant) and a movie with a friend, you’re probably going to pay around $75.
Assuming $75,000 is the ideal income, you’d need to earn close to $94,000 to achieve the same standard of living that $75k would offer in a state closer to the benchmark, like Florida.

Source: Thinkstock

6. California

• Cost of Living Index: 127.1
• Grocery Index: 113.6
• Housing Index: 176.7
• Utilities Index: 113.6
• Transportation Index: 111.1
• Health Index: 109.7
• Misc.: 106.2

The median home value in the sunny state is $429,000, and homes generally list for a median price of $425,000 ($256 per square foot). As a renter, you’re looking at a median rent of almost $1,900 and housing and rent prices in some California cities — like San Francisco — are among the highest in the nation.
Dinner and a movie for you and a guest may very well come with a $100 price tag. Basic food items, like milk, bread, and eggs, are going to cost you a pretty penny, as well. In San Fran, you may pay close to 4 bucks for a regular old loaf of bread.
Utilities, however, are not as high as they are in some of the other expensive states. In San Fran, you may just be able to keep your lights and water on in a small apartment for less than $100 per month. All in all, living in California is going to cost you. If you want to achieve that $75K standard of living, you’d need a salary of around $95,000 in California as of late.

Source: Thinkstock

5. New Jersey

• Cost of Living Index: 127.6
• Grocery Index: 108.2
• Housing Index: 167.7
• Utilities Index: 117.3
• Transportation Index: 112.4
• Health Index: 104.3
• Misc.: 116.1

Overall, living costs in New Jersey are comparable to California. You’d need that same $95K salary to feel completely comfortable. Home prices in Jersey are lower than in California, though, with the median value of Jersey homes at $278,600. If you’re looking for a home to purchase in the Northern state, the median list price is just under $300K, or $174 per square foot.
Rent is exceptionally high, with the median monthly rent at $1,800. If you rent in an area like Princeton, you may have to pay $275 or so for utilities in a tiny apartment. If you go out for dinner and a movie, expect to pay around $80 to $85 in Princeton.

Source: Thinkstock

4. Alaska

• Cost of Living Index: 131.8
• Grocery Index: 128.4
• Housing Index: 147
• Utilities Index: 161.7
• Transportation Index: 115
• Health Index: 144.8
• Misc.: 116.8

When we think of expensive states, New York and California are generally the first ones to come to mind. We often forget about the high cost of living in Alaska. In Anchorage, you’re going to pay around $70 (or more) for Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), which is considerably high compared to many other locations.
The median list price of homes in the large state are $252,000. Homes cost much more in Juneau (where the median is around $315,000) than in Kenai (where the median sits at around $200,000). Food is also priced high, and of you go out to dinner and a movie with a friend, you’re looking at a bill of $85 or so.

Photo by John Moore/Getty Images

3. New York

• Cost of Living Index: 132.2
• Grocery Index: 110.6
• Housing Index: 193.3
• Utilities Index: 106.8
• Transportation Index: 112.9
• Health Index: 103.0
• Misc.: 112.1

New York is known for its higher cost of living, with median home prices sitting at around $525,000 ($507 per square foot). The real estate market in the Big Apple is hot, as statewide housing values have risen 8.5 percent over the past year, according to Zillow. As a renter, you could easily pay upwards of 4 grand for a small apartment in New York City, and utilities in that apartment will run you about $175 per month.
You could shell out over $400 if you and a guest decide to go to dinner and to the theater one night. If you want to go out to a downtown club and have a drink, you may end up paying $13 for a cocktail. But, if you’re more of a neighborhood pub kind of person, a beer should cost around $7. Overall, to be able to live comfortably at the $75K level, you’d need around $100,000 per year.

Source: Thinkstock

2. DC

• Cost of Living Index: 139.6
• Grocery Index: 111.7
• Housing Index: 249.4
• Utilities Index: 97
• Transportation Index: 103.7
• Health Index: 95.9
• Misc.: 97.4

Although some costs like healthcare and utilities are lower than the benchmark, housing prices in DC are incredibly high. According to Zillow, “the median price of homes currently listed in Washington is $449,000 while the median price of homes that sold is $527,150.” The housing market in the nation’s capital is red hot, as home values have increased by 10.4 percent over the past year.
If you’re planning on renting, the median rent price is just under $2,000 — more than double the median in some other states like Wisconsin. Utilities in a small apartment should cost around $160 per month, which is pretty reasonable. However, dinner and a movie for you and a guest may come with a higher price — probably around 100 bucks. To thrive in DC at that $75,000 level, you’d need an annual salary of right around $105,000.

Source: Thinkstock

1. Hawaii

• Cost of Living Index: 162.9
• Grocery Index: 159.7
• Housing Index: 213.1
• Utilities Index: 227.8
• Transportation Index: 125.3
• Health Index: 113.3
• Misc.: 126.6

Paradise is expensive. To live comfortably in Hawaii, you’d need a salary of over $122,000, as of late. Dinner and a movie in Honolulu will cost you around $75, which is a little high. Your grocery bill may be on the higher end in this area as well, with the price of bread and eggs averaging over $4 each.
The median home value in Hawaii is $518,800 and the median list price is a little higher at $525,000 ($420 per square foot). If you decide to rent, you’re looking payment of just under $2,000 per month, and that’s if you pay the median price. To keep the utilities running in a small apartment in Honolulu, you’re facing a cost of around $285 per month.
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I'm doing good, the first most dangerous city is only 30 mins away and i live in the 3rd most expensive state Though neither is news to me really.

 

Hi `Keane, that's sad & amazing. It's sad there's that much danger in our Nation + so many living in fear.

To me there's high crime here in Florida also. I wish our country, our World could wake `up and be able to control or reteach the bad.

I believe in Peace & I pray that people will learn it's so much better be good in their lives (?) (I dream a lot)

"Let Peace begin with you reading this" (?)
"Please be peaceful, or we will kick the **** out of you" >

 

 

Michigan with three, and I'm within 80 minutes of all three. I still find Detroit a fascinating place. Funny though, plastered right between Flint and Detroit is Oakland County which is the wealthiest county in Michigan and is among the wealthiest counties in the United States. Livingston and Washtenaw Counties are also ranked high and they're relatively near Detroit and Flint.