The 10 States with the Highest Crime Rates in America

Despite an overall decline in crime rates since 1991, certain states still exhibit higher crime rates. Utilizing 2022 FBI data, we’ve identified the top 10 states with the highest crime rates in America. These rates encompass two main categories: property crime (including theft, burglary, and arson) and violent crime (encompassing aggravated assault, homicide, and sexual assault).

On average, America reports a combined crime rate of 2,335.2 crimes per 100,000 people, with a violent crime rate of 380.8 and a property crime rate of 1,954.4, resulting in approximately 1 out of every 43 individuals becoming victims of crime annually.

10. Michigan

In 2022, the combined violent and property crime rate in Michigan was 2024.7, or a 1 in 49 chance of being the victim of a crime. The violent crime rate is 21% higher than the national average. In just the year 2022, there were 34,977 reports of aggravated assault and 105,299 reports of theft.

9. Missouri

In 2022, Missouri had a combined crime rate of 2788.1, or 1 crime for every 36 people. However, crime in Missouri has been steadily declining since 2012. In 2022, there were 22,952 reports of aggravated assault and 97,718 reports of theft. : 448 VC + 2340.1 PC (going down every year) = 2788.1

8. South Carolina

With a 1 in 35 chance of being the victim of a crime, South Carolina has a combined crime rate of 2799.5. Both property and violent crime are significantly higher than the US average, with homicide rates being 77% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 21,216 reports of aggravated assault, and 91,622 reported theft.

7. Colorado

Emerging among the states with the highest crime rates, Colorado has experienced a 64% surge in violent crime and a 17% rise in property crime from 2012 to 2022. The crime rate was 3640.1 in 2022, or a 1 in 27 chance of being the victim of a crime. Incidents of rape are 63% higher than the national average, and assault is 30% more common. In 2022, there were 20,644 reports of assault and 119,556 reports of theft.

6. California

Although there has been a decrease in property crime in recent years, California has seen a rise in violent crime. With a combined crime rate of 2842.7, you have a 1 in 35 chance of being the victim of a crime. Even though only 52% of California’s crime by population was reported to the FBI in 2022, there were a staggering 49,366 reported assaults and 14,286 reported robberies.

5. Tennessee

Between violent crime and property crime, Tennessee had a crime rate of 2923.9 in 2022, with a 1 in 34 chance of being the victim of a crime. There were over 221,00 crimes reported, with 44,261 being violent crimes. Larceny is the most common crime, between burglary and theft the property crime rate was 2302.3. However, Tennessee has had a steady decrease in crime over the last ten years.

4. Louisiana

Ranked fourth, Louisiana has a combined crime rate of 3,376.8 for violent and property crime, equating to a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim. Additionally, the state’s homicide rate, at 16.1 per 100,000 people, is nearly three times higher than the national average.

3. Arkansas

With a population of over 3 million, Arkansas has a crime rate of 3097.3 or 1 crime per 32 people. In Arkansas, you have a 1 in 41 chance of being a victim of theft. There were a whopping 15,651 reports of assault and 13,732 incidents of burglary. However, property crime has declined in recent years.

2. Alaska

Consistently, Alaska has found itself among the top-ranking states for crime. Even though their population is smaller, the crime rate is 2,556.9, or 1 crime for every 39 people. Aggravated assault is the most common type of violent crime, followed by sexual assault.

1. New Mexico

New Mexico has consistently ranked among the states with the Highest Crime Rates. In addition, the capital city of Albuquerque is one of the most dangerous cities in the US. New Mexico is the most dangerous state in America with a crime rate of 3,764, or a 1 in 27 chance of being a victim of a crime. In 2022 there were 11,579 reported assaults and 38,343 reports of theft.

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