America’s Leading Crime Capitals

The changing scenario of the nation is bringing about some cities and areas to emerge as new crime capitals within the United States. 

These crime capitals have faced issues regarding gang activities, drug activities, and even fewer resources for youth at risk. These are the things that have resulted in a rise in violent crimes and homicide. 

Now, it is completely true that the crime rates don’t stay constant and are really ever-changing.

However, the very high rates of violence such as in the above cities resonates with concern, which needs immediate attention to come up with possible viable solutions aimed at addressing these root causes.

So, what are these places? And what are some of the things that you need to keep in mind?

Hi. In today’s blog, I will be talking about cities in the United States that were just tagged as crime capitals: Baltimore, St. Louis, Oakland, New Orleans, and Chicago.

So, if that is what you want to know, keep on reading till the end and thank me later…

America’s Leading Crime Capitals: The Names You Need To Know!

More than a dozen cities experienced record murder rates in 2021, following a period of violence beginning in 2020.

Growth and change in the United States can certainly result in some cities and regions experiencing increased crime, including but not limited to economic climate, population changes, and local laws and policies.

Below is a brief list of cities that have experienced higher crime rates and potential crime capitals in America:

1. New Orleans

First on the list of America’s leafong crime capitals is New Orleans! Yes, even though it is one of the most beautiful places that you can visit, it has a high crime rate!

As of June 30, 2024, there have been 145 murders in New Orleans. This means that the city would likely register more than 300 murders for the year, considering it had a homicide rate of 74.12 murders for every 100,000 residents each and every year. 

That number is well surpassed by Chicago’s under-the-hat figure of 18.26 murders per every 100,000 residents in 2021, when the Windy City saw more murders than any other year in the last quarter of a century. 

AH analytics states that New Orleans has very recently always had the highest homicide rate by city in the United States: simply, for what that is worth, New Orleans would be fourth in homicides for U.S. cities if one did not include cities currently at war.

Murders in New Orleans increased from 119 in 2019 to 201 in 2020, then steadily increased again to 218 in 2021, which was an increase of 83% from 2019.     

The President of the Louisiana FOP was even noted in a statement acknowledging these statistics and agreeing that “tremendous work lies ahead”.

He said, “I cannot really speak for the rest of the country, but folks in Louisiana certainly know it is one of the…most dangerous cities.”

He also recognized that what people see on the news and experience personally when they visit the city shines a great light on the problem.

2. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore has endured these crippling sin-a-peak crime rates over such a durance that any other city would have long shut down. The last few years have seen an upward spiral in violence in the city. 

In 2020, Baltimore recorded the highest number of homicides in a calendar year, with over 350 homicides ever recorded. 

The spike can be attributed to several reasons: the opioid epidemic, aggravated gang violence, resource deprivation, poor policing, or a multitude of various factors.

3. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis has seen a spurt of violent crimes these past few years. That is one of the reasons why it is tagged as one of America’s leading crime capitals.

For example, in the records of homicides in 2020, more than 200 deaths were recorded in a single year in St. Louis, which stands far above the national average.

The city has faced lingering poverty, racial division, and disinvestment in certain neighborhoods. However, as of 2022, the homicide trend has dropped by 15 percent from its peak in 2021.

4. Oakland, California

Oakland has had a tradition of exceeding crime rates across the board. It has now become dynamic with regard to homicides and gun shootings, which are on the rise in the city. 

More than 100 killings occurred in the city in 2020, making it the deadliest city. The city also has gang-related problems, drug trafficking, and a host of problems regarding limited resources for at-risk youths.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Like Oakland, Chicago is not known for its peace-keeping tradition. This city is known for crime. Especially in the last few years, it has stepped up its troubling reputation for violence.

Over 700 murders occurred in 2020, which is well above the national average. Chicago has been plagued by gang activity, poverty, and drug and substance abuse as well.

Factors Leading To High Crime Rates

So, by now, you know about the places in the United States that have a high crime rate. You have also come to know about the names of the places that have become America’s leading crime capitals.

You might be thinking: What is the reason behind this rise?”

Well, that is actually a good question. So, here I am with the answer! Here are some of the main reasons for this rise in crime rates in these cities in America:

• Poverty and Inequality: One frequently mentioned reason for crime is often a result of poverty and racial separation.
• Substance Abuse: The connection between substance abuse and crime has been discussed in some cities.
• Collective Fatigue: Experts claim that residents in some cities are in a state of “collective fatigue” from crime, and that is causing them to band together to reduce violence.

Wrapping It Up!

“It is important to note that crime rates can fluctuate over time, and many of these cities are working to address the underlying issues contributing to high crime rates,” says criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman.

However, for now, these cities have been identified as emerging crime capitals due to their recent increase in violent crime.

Read Also:

• Financial Crime Lawyer: I Bet You Didn’t Know THIS!
• General Strategies For The Defense Of White-Collar Crimes
• Theft Crime Allegations: Know What They Are & How to Avoid Them