As people become more able to see everything violent happening in their area, it’s easy to worry that violence is increasing. However, without data to back that up, it’s hard to say whether this is what’s really happening. Here’s what you need to know about America’s changing crime rates
Overall Crime Rate
One of the most crucial pieces of information regarding safety is the overall crime rate. According to the FBI, this is the crime rate per 100,000 since 2010:
- 2010: 3,350.4
- 2011: 3,292.5
- 2012: 3,255.8
- 2013: 3,112.4
- 2014: 2,971.8
- 2015: 2,859.6
- 2016: 2,837
- 2017: 2,745.1
- 2018: 2,568.4
As you can see, every year since 2010, the crime rate has actually gone down. Even though it’s easier to see crime occurring, it’s not actually occurring more frequently.
Violent Crime Rate
The violent crime rate is sometimes a better indication of whether you’re actually safer. According to the FBI, however, the violent crime rate is also going down, as this is the violent crime rate per 100,000 since 2010:
- 2010: 404.5
- 2011: 387.1
- 2012: 387.8
- 2013: 379.1
- 2014: 375.7
- 2015: 372.6
- 2016: 386.3
- 2017: 382.9
- 2018: 368.9
Even though there are more ups and downs in the violent crime rate, overall, it’s still safer now than it was in 2010.
On a statewide level, some states seem to be more dangerous than others. For example, Alaska’s violent crime rate in 2018 was over double the national average. However, statewide statistics don’t always help when it comes to understanding whether you’re safe in an area. To understand that, you’ll want to look at city statistics.
Some of the most dangerous cities in the United States have violent crime rates close to or more than five times the national average. These are possibly the five most dangerous cities in the United States according to violent crime per 100,000:
- Detroit, Michigan: 2,007.8
- Memphis, Tennessee: 1,943.2
- Birmingham, Alabama: 1,911.5
- Baltimore, Maryland: 1,833.4
- St Louis, Missouri: 1,800.4
On the other hand, these are possibly the five safest cities in the United States:
- Hopkinton, Massachusetts: Nearly 0
- Bridgefield, Connecticut: Nearly 0
- Madison, Connecticut: Nearly 0
- Harrison Town, New York: 3.5
- Bernards Township, New Jersey: 3.7
There are many potential reasons for this, including socioeconomic status. The 10 most dangerous cities all have a poverty rate above 20%, whereas the safest cities have a median area income over $100,000 per year. Regardless of why it happens, however, it’s important to make sure you pay attention to the crime rate of the area you’re interested in.
The best thing you can have at your disposal when you’re trying to understand crime is information. Without information, you’ll be less knowledgeable about whether the area you live in is safe. All you’ll have to go off is your own beliefs, which could be untrue. Instead, consider using a public record search engine to learn more about where you live, including the crime rate. It’s an easier way to keep yourself and your family safe.