If you live in one of these 10 most dangerous states in America with highest violent crime rates, you should definitely keep your doors locked at all times.
Although it may not seems so from the news, violent crime rates are dropping, according to the FBI’s publication Crime in the United States 2013. Regardless of media image, violent crime rates have been reduced by almost 15% in the last 10 years. In 2004, there were 1,325,000 cases of murder, rape, robbery and assault. In 2013, that number fell to about 1,160,000 cases. That is 4.4% less than in 2012. If we go further into the past, the results are even more impressive. Compared 1990, violent crime rates are almost halved. Although these statistics doesn’t mean much, if anything, to victims and their families, it is good news. Hopefully, the trend will continue into the future, as the economy grows and fewer people are being forced to live under the poverty line. But as if to compensate for the decline of violent crimes, Mother Nature seems intent on increasing its destructive powers, as we can see in this article about most dangerous states for natural disasters.
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Still, some states have violent crime rates much higher than the national average. In 2013, there were 368 cases per 100,000 citizens in the US. Considering that the top country on our list has more than 600 violent crime cases, the situation clearly isn’t improving at the same pace nationwide. Why do some states have so many violent crimes?
Experts suggest that economic issues have a lot to do with crime rates. The most dangerous states in America with the highest violent crime rates tend to be the ones with the highest rates of poverty as well. Reducing instances of violent crimes is very difficult without reducing the poverty and creating a better economic situation in the states that are most affected with it.
Several processes have been identified as very helpful in reducing crime. Immigration, reducing economic segregation and gentrification have been proven to help reduce violence in cities which managed to encourage them. Perhaps these 10 most dangerous states in America with highest violent crime rates should consider these as well.
10. Arkansas
Violent crimes per 100,000: 445.7
With the second lowest median income and almost 20% of its population living under the poverty line, Arkansas’ 445.7 violent crimes per 100,000 doesn’t seem too surprising.
9. Florida
Violent crimes per 100,000: 460
Almost 90,000 cases of violent crimes happened in Florida in 2013. The combination of hot and humid weather and densely populated areas seems like a breeding ground for violence.
8. Maryland
Violent crimes per 100,000: 467.8
Maryland is a baffling case to experts. With the highest median income in the country and less than 10% of population living below poverty line, it still managed to rank 8th on our list.
7. Delaware
Violent crimes per 100,000: 479.1
Despite high per capita rate, violent crimes in Delaware aren’t as big of a problem as it would appear at first glance. Delaware has less than 1 million inhabitants and the total number of violent crime cases was less than 4,500, a 13% drop from the last year.
6. South Carolina
Violent crimes per 100,000: 494.8
All economic measurements in South Carolina are below national average, a fact that contributes to the state’s position on the list.
5. Louisiana
Violent crimes per 100,000: 510.4
Number 5 on the list of most dangerous states in America with the highest violent crime rates is Louisiana. It is one of the few states that saw an increase in crime rates since 2012.
4. Tennessee
Violent crimes per 100,000: 579.7
Aggravated assaults are responsible for about 75% of Tennessee’s violent crimes. Low education levels and poverty are major contributing factors.
3. Nevada
Violent crimes per 100,000: 591.2
Murder cases rose almost 30% in Nevada. The experts agree that lack of background check for purchasing a firearm has contributed to this.
2. New Mexico
Violent crimes per 100,000: 596.7
New Mexico is another state that saw an increase in violent crime rates since 2012. With the increase of 6.6%, it was enough to earn it second place. The violence is concentrated in cities, with Albuquerque’s violent crime rates almost double of the national average.
1. Alaska
Violent crimes per 100,000: 602.6
The number one on our list of most dangerous states in America with highest violent crime rates is Alaska. The state has the second-highest median income and less than 10% of people living below poverty line. Rape and sexual assault have been a major problem in the North. But with low population, Alaska’s total numbers are quite low, less than 4,500.
