The 30 Most Dangerous Cities in the World in 2024

Have you ever wondered which cities are the most dangerous? Brace yourself as we look into the dark underbellies of crime-infested metropolises, unmasking the challenges faced by residents and uncovering the root causes that make these cities dangerous.

In this article, let’s go over the 30 most dangerous cities in the world!

But first, a disclaimer: this list is made with the help of crime and safety index data. The data is accurate at the time of writing and encompasses various factors. This data should be used for informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be solely relied upon to assess the current safety conditions of a specific location.

1. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is a familiar name when it comes to dangerous cities in the world, and for the right reasons, it still sits at the top. With a high threat of violent crime and kidnapping, Venezuela holds one of the highest murder rates globally. Robberies, carjackings, muggings, and burglaries are all too common and often involve extreme levels of violence. It is crucial to avoid resisting attackers.

2. Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second most dangerous city globally. It faces prevalent incidents of common robbery, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, and common assault. In 2022, Pretoria topped the crime index among African cities with a rating of approximately 82 points, which has only slightly decreased to 81.90.

3. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby, the third most dangerous city in the world, is plagued by bag snatching, assault (including sexual assaults), carjacking, and robberies. Criminals often target banks and cash machines, making them attractive targets. Walking after dark in Port Moresby and other urban centers is particularly unsafe.

The US travel advisory strongly advises reconsidering travel to Papua New Guinea due to high crime rates and civil unrest. With a crime index of 81, avoiding this city is highly recommended.

4. Durban, South Africa

Durban, the fourth most dangerous city in the world, has witnessed a surge in crimes such as murder, rape, sexual offenses, attempted murder, carjacking, and robberies. With a crime index of 80.90, the situation demands serious attention. 

The US travel advisory for South Africa stands at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Durban’s safety index is a mere 19.10, emphasizing the critical need for caution while navigating the city. 

5. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, the fifth-ranked city, faces multiple challenges. High crime rates, inadequate public transportation, air pollution, and power outages make it one of the most dangerous places. It’s the third South African city in the top five. 

To stay safe, keep valuables hidden and avoid flashy jewelry in this city with a crime index of 80.70!

6. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

San Pedro Sula, sharing the same crime index as Johannesburg, is far from being a safe city. The risks for travelers include armed robberies, muggings, kidnappings, and getting caught in the crossfire. Widespread violent gang activity involves extortion, rape, street crime, and the trafficking of humans and narcotics are also present.

Unfortunately, the emergency services and local police lack adequate resources to effectively respond to serious crimes. 

7. Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil

Ranked as the seventh most dangerous city, Rio de Janeiro is unfortunately known for its prevalent criminal activities. These include pickpocketing, bag snatching, mugging, and assaults. In 2021, over 4.4 million people in the state were residing in areas controlled by organized crime groups. 

The US travel advisory urges increased caution in Brazil.

8. Fortaleza, Brazil

Brazilian cities dominate the top 10 most dangerous cities, including Fortaleza. The city has soaring crime rates, encompassing home break-ins, theft, and armed robberies. 

In 2018, Fortaleza witnessed approximately 70 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, earning its place among the world’s 10 most violent cities. 

9. Salvador, Brazil

While Salvador has much to offer tourists, it is advisable to reconsider including it in your itinerary due to its high murder rate of 46.8 per 100,000 citizens. The city also has crimes such as theft, mugging, assault, and common pickpocketing. 

Visitors should exercise caution and prioritize personal safety when considering a trip to Salvador.

10. Recife, Brazil

Another city famous for tourism but filled with crimes! Recife is notorious for its high number of robberies, including armed incidents and reprisals against tourists. 

With a crime index of 76.6 and a safety index of only 23.40, it is strongly advised to avoid this city. 

11. Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth, despite being considered relatively safer than other areas in South Africa, still experiences a wide range of violent and non-violent crimes. With a crime index of 76.30, it falls significantly short of safety standards on a global scale. 

The chances of becoming a crime victim in this city stand at 1 in 15.

12. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

In Port of Spain, it’s important for visitors to be cautious and avoid specific areas like downtown and beaches after dark, as safety concerns arise. The city is unfortunately known for criminal activities, shootings, and high crime rates. It’s crucial to exercise caution while traveling, especially on roads and when using ATMs, particularly after dark. 

Bag snatching, pickpocketing, and theft from cars are common incidents to be mindful of.

13. Rosario, Argentina

Rosario has witnessed a surge in violence, setting a record with 287 homicides in 2022. The trend continues in 2023, with 65 murders in just 65 days, suggesting another record-breaking year. The city’s crime rate stands at 41.69 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. 

Travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario due to prevalent petty crime, as well as drug-related crime and violence. Vigilance and caution are essential when navigating this city.

14. Baltimore, MD, United States

Baltimore is the first American city on the list of dangerous cities where caution is advised in certain areas. The Baltimore Sun’s investigation unveiled a troubling statistic: about 80% of gun homicides in Baltimore occurred within only 25% of its neighborhoods. The likelihood of experiencing violent crime in Baltimore is 1 in 64!

With a crime index of 75.60, Baltimore, unfortunately, holds the highest index among US cities.

15. Detroit, MI, United States

Detroit closely trails Baltimore with a crime index of 74.20, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the US. Although there has been a significant decrease in crime, Detroit remains a city with ongoing risks.

In 2020, the Detroit police reported 14,370 violent crimes, encompassing assault, robbery, rape, and criminal homicide. While the murder rate is declining, less violent crime rates are on the rise.

16. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town’s western side is plagued by prevalent crimes like assault and common robbery. The most frequently reported crimes include home robbery (10%), theft of livestock (11%), and housebreaking/burglary (53%). Moreover, the city has the highest murder rate in South Africa. 

These statistics contribute to Cape Town’s reputation as a dangerous city, emphasizing the need for caution when residing or visiting the area.

17. Alice Springs, Australia

Alice Springs, the first city from Australia on the list, has shocking crime statistics from 2022. Violence rates, particularly alcohol-related assaults and domestic violence, have surged by over 60%. In just one year, assaults increased by 51%, with 2,823 reported incidents in a town of 26,000. 

Domestic violence-related assaults experienced an even higher spike of 65%. Alice Springs is a place you’d want to avoid when visiting Australia.

18. Guayaquil, Ecuador

In 2022, Guayaquil experienced a substantial surge in homicides, with 75% of them attributed to criminal gangs involved in the illicit drug trade. Guayaquil is also plagued by prevalent violent crimes such as express kidnapping, assault, murder, and armed robbery. With a crime index of 72.20, it is one of the most dangerous cities in South America.

Travelers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution in Guayaquil due to high crime rates.

19. Tijuana, Mexico

When traveling to Tijuana, exercise caution due to prevalent petty crime, scams, and muggings, even in tourist areas. Pickpocketing and theft are common in crowded places. Tijuana has a low safety index of 27.90, so staying vigilant is vital.

Its proximity to the US border contributes to human trafficking and organized crime. Sadly, Tijuana is considered the world’s most dangerous city based on homicide rates.

20. Porto Alegre, Brazil

Another dangerous city in Brazil! Stay cautious when exploring Porto Alegre, particularly after dark. Be mindful of pickpockets and bag snatchers. Surpassing both Rio and Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre holds a higher per capita homicide rate, with 21.20 gun-related deaths per 100,000 residents annually. 

21. Albuquerque, NM, United States

Albuquerque, ranked as the third most dangerous city in the US, unfortunately, experiences alarming crime rates. It holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest property crime rate in the country, standing at a staggering 85.30. Moreover, police data from 2021 reveals a crime rate three times higher than the national average.

Furthermore, rates of burglary and sex offenses in Albuquerque surpass the national average. 

22. Lima, Peru

Lima, known as the most dangerous city in Peru, faces a troubling issue with a high occurrence of violent crimes. Robbery emerged as the crime with the highest victim rate in Lima in 2022, affecting 10.60 victims per 100 inhabitants. 

The US travel advisory recommends exercising increased caution when visiting Lima, emphasizing the need to be vigilant.

23. Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, the 23rd most dangerous city in the world, experiences a high rate of armed robbery in all areas, particularly during rush hour and at stoplights. While some parts have a higher homicide rate, others are comparatively safer than many US cities.

Although the crime rate in Sao Paulo has been declining annually, caution is still advised due to ongoing safety concerns.

24. Saint Louis, MO, United States

Saint Louis, ranking as the fourth most dangerous city in the US, unfortunately, experiences a significant number of property crimes, comprising around 78.6% of all offenses. Theft stands as the most prevalent type of property crime, closely followed by motor vehicle theft. 

Gravois Park, a neighborhood in Saint Louis, exhibits an alarmingly high crime rate of 9,919 per 100,000, which is 323% higher than the national average.

25. Cali, Colombia

While Cali is generally considered safe, it is important to remain vigilant and take crime prevention measures. Since 2000, it has consistently held the highest average annual homicide rate among major cities in Colombia. The city poses risks, including home invasions, robberies, muggings, car theft, drug dealing, theft, and vandalism. 

Whether residing or visiting Cali, it is crucial to take precautions to ensure personal safety.

26. Damascus, Syria

Damascus, the first dangerous city in Asia, is notorious for muggings, robberies, and violent crimes among all cities in Syria. Due to armed conflict, civil unrest, terrorism, the risk of unjust detention, and kidnapping, travel to Syria is strongly discouraged.

Additionally, inadequate water supply and deteriorating sewage systems pose significant health hazards.

27. Rockhampton, Australia

In Rockhampton, theft is the most prevalent crime. Over the period of 2017-2022, there were 53 recorded murders or homicides, along with 21 attempted murders. In particular, Berserker, a suburb in Rockhampton, stands out as having high rates of robbery, assault, unlawful entry, theft, property damage, and trespassing. 

28. Windhoek, Namibia

In Windhoek, armed robbery is a common crime, with tourists often targeted by criminals. The city also faces a high rate of domestic violence, especially towards women and children. Frequent cases of rape and murder add to the city’s dangers. Caution is advised when visiting Windhoek, like any other city facing similar issues worldwide.

29. San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is generally safe for tourists to explore, with petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching being the most common. While occasional instances of violent crimes and harassment of women can occur, they are relatively rare.

San Juan stands out among cities of similar size with a lower crime rate, evident from its crime index of 68.4.

30. New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

New Orleans has witnessed a surge in crime, particularly in auto thefts, which significantly increased in 2022 compared to the previous year. Shootings, carjackings, and armed robberies also experienced alarming spikes in 2020. 

Despite ongoing efforts to tackle the issue, the city still maintains a crime index of 68.20, higher than many other areas in the country.

Summary of the Most Dangerous Cities in the World