Despite an overall decrease in crime rates since 1991, certain states continue to have higher crime rates. Using FBI data from 2022, we identified the top ten states with the highest crime rates in America. These statistics fall into two categories: property crime (theft, burglary, and arson) and violent crime (aggravated assault, homicide, and sexual assault).
On average, America has a combined crime rate of 2,335.2 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, with a violent crime rate of 380.8 and a property crime rate of 1,954.4, resulting in almost one out of every 43 people becoming victims of crime each year.
Michigan
In 2022, Michigan’s total violent and property crime rate was 2024.7, representing a 1 in 49 risk of becoming a victim of a crime. The violent crime rate is 21% over the national average. In 2022, there were 34,977 reports of violent assault and 105,299 reports of theft.
Missouri
In 2022, Missouri had a total crime rate of 2788.1 or one crime for every 36 persons. However, crime in Missouri has significantly decreased since 2012. In 2022, there were 97,718 theft reports and 22,952 serious assault reports. 448 VC + 2340.1 PC (which decreases every year) = 2788.1
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South Carolina
South Carolina’s total crime rate is 2799.5, with a one-in-35 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Property and violent crime are much higher than the US average, with homicide rates 77% higher. In 2022, there were 21,216 reports of violent assault and 91,622 of theft.
Colorado
Colorado has emerged as one of the states with the worst crime rates, experiencing a 64% increase in violent crime and a 17% increase in property crime between 2012 and 2022. In 2022, the crime rate was 3640.1, with a one-in-27 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Rape incidents are 63% greater than the national average, while assaults are 30% more common. In 2022, there were 20,644 assaults and 119,556 thefts.
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California
Although property crime has decreased in recent years, California has seen an increase in violent crime. With a combined crime rate of 2842.7, you have a one-in-35 chance of becoming a victim of crime. In 2022, only 52% of California’s crime by population was reported to the FBI, although there were 49,366 reported assaults and 14,286 reported robberies.
Tennessee
Tennessee had a crime rate of 2923.9 in 2022 for both violent and property crime, with a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim. There were more than 221,000 reported offenses, 44,261 of which were violent. The most common crime is larceny, with a property crime rate of 2302.3, which includes burglary and theft. However, over the last ten years, Tennessee’s crime rate has steadily decreased.
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Louisiana
Louisiana is ranked fourth with a combined crime rate of 3,376.8 for violent and property crime, which equates to a one-in-thirty probability of becoming a victim. Furthermore, the state’s homicide rate, at 16.1 per 100,000 people, is nearly three times the national average.
Arkansas
With a population of almost 3 million, Arkansas has a crime rate of 3097.3, or one crime for every 32 people. In Arkansas, you have a one-in-41 chance of becoming a victim of theft. There were a stunning 15,651 assault reports and 13,732 burglaries. However, property crime has decreased in recent years.
Alaska
Alaska has consistently ranked among the top states for crime. Despite their lesser population, the crime rate is 2,556.9, or one crime every 39 people. Aggravated assault is the most common form of violent crime, followed by sexual assault.
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New Mexico
New Mexico is frequently ranked as one of the states with the highest crime rates. In addition, Albuquerque, the capital city, is one of the most hazardous cities in the United States. New Mexico is America’s most hazardous state, with a crime rate of 3,764, or a one-in-27 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. In 2022, there were 11,579 reported assaults and 38,343 reported thefts.
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Conclusion
Despite a nationwide decline in crime rates since 1991, some states face higher crime challenges. Examining FBI data from 2022 reveals Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Colorado, California, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alaska, and New Mexico as the top ten states with the highest combined violent and property crime rates, emphasizing ongoing regional variations.