This Is the Most Dangerous City in America
From violent crime to the effects of COVID, your life is in the most danger in this U.S. city.
![Back view of young woman walking late at night in the city centre](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/alone-in-city-at-night.jpg?quality=82&strip=1&resize=640%2C360)
Danger can come in many forms—from eating undercooked chicken to riding your bike at night with no lights on. But what makes a certain area more dangerous than others? It's not just about the crime rate. There are a number of factors that are just as important to consider, from dangerous drivers to natural disasters. That's where we at Best Life come in, setting out to look at the 50 most populous metropolises and determine the most dangerous city in America.
First, we used U.S. Census Bureau data to make a list of the 50 largest cities and their populations, based on the 2019 estimate. (Results of the 2020 census aren't out yet.) The first metric was the rate of violent crime per capita*, as recorded by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Next, we investigated how many pedestrians have been killed in traffic accidents using data from Smart Growth America's most recent research report.
Danger can also come from non-human factors, so we used ATTOM's most recent natural disaster index, which measures the likelihood of earthquakes, floods, hail, hurricane storm surges, tornadoes, and wildfires—the higher the score, the greater the risk.
We also factored in how safe each city felt to the people who live there or visit using data collected by Numbeo to gauge the perceived safety of walking alone at night in each city—the higher the score, the safer people felt.
Finally, we decided to measure pandemic fatalities, using US News & World Report's COVID deaths per capita tracker. (The stated fatality figures are accurate as of Feb. 6, 2021).
Each of these metrics were then assigned a weighted value before being run through our exclusive algorithm to see how each city scored on our 100-point scale Danger Index, where 100 is the most dangerous. Read on to discover the most dangerous city in America and to see where the one closest to you falls in the mix. And for trouble on a larger level, This Is the Most Dangerous State in America.
*Per capita refers to per 100,000 people in all instances.
50
Virginia Beach, Virginia
![cityscape photo of a beach and hotels in Virginia Beach, Virginia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/virginia-beach-virginia-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 129.12
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.24
Natural disaster risk: 14.30
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 66.67
COVID deaths per capita: 50.00
Danger Index Score: 0.00
49
Raleigh, North Carolina
![city skyline of Raleigh, North Carolina at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/raleigh-north-carolina-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 257.77
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.37
Natural disaster risk: 17.10
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 64.52
COVID deaths per capita: 44.60
Danger Index Score: 6.07
48
Columbus, Ohio
![cityscape photo of downtown Columbus, Ohio at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/columbus-ohio-2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 507.59
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.13
Natural disaster risk: 13.50
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 50.00
COVID deaths per capita: 54.10
Danger Index Score: 17.17
47
Austin, Texas
![city skyline of Austin, Texas at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/austin-texas-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 403.82
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.56
Natural disaster risk: 25.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 54.88
COVID deaths per capita: 60.10
Danger Index Score: 23.33
And for the part of the country that has the biggest problem with acceptance, This Is the Most Hateful State in America.
46
Portland, Oregon
![Portland, Oregon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/portland-oregon.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 550.75
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.22
Natural disaster risk: 20.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 46.34
COVID deaths per capita: 59.20
Danger Index Score: 24.99
45
Colorado Springs, Colorado
![skyline and mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/colorado-springs-colorado-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 586.76
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.22
Natural disaster risk: 20.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 52.44
COVID deaths per capita: 99.40
Danger Index Score: 29.51
44
Charlotte, North Carolina
![city skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/charlotte-north-carolina.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 788.30
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.510
Natural disaster risk: 14.50
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 51.25
COVID deaths per capita: 71.00
Danger Index Score: 30.53
43
Omaha, Nebraska
![cityscape photo of downtown Omaha, Nebraska](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/omaha-nebraska-2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 602.90
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 0.65
Natural disaster risk: 32.20
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 45.29
COVID deaths per capita: 103.10
Danger Index Score: 30.80
42
Boston, Massachusetts
![stone road in boston](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/acorn-street-boston.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 612.76
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 0.98
Natural disaster risk: 12.30
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 12.30
COVID deaths per capita: 196.70
Danger Index Score: 33.20
41
Seattle, Washington
![Vibrant Lights Illuminate Modern Fountain Sculpture in Night Scene with Seattle Great Wheel in Seattle, Washington](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/01/ferris-wheel-seattle-washington.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 593.23
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 0.98
Natural disaster risk: 46.4
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 45.29
COVID deaths per capita: 56.7
Danger Index Score: 33.60
40
San Francisco, California
![houses and street cars along a hill in San Francisco, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/san-francisco-california-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 673.02
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.44
Natural disaster risk: 38.9
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 38.94
COVID deaths per capita: 39.1
Danger Index Score: 39.56
And for the place where people need to chill out a little more, This Is the Angriest State in America.
39
Mesa, Arizona
![cityscape photo of downtown Mesa, Arizona](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/mesa-arizona-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 377.02
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.95
Natural disaster risk: 5.10
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 50.00
COVID deaths per capita: 176.90
Danger Index Score: 41.49
38
San Diego, California
![city skyline of San Diego, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/san-diego-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 673.02
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.44
Natural disaster risk: 58.80
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 57.62
COVID deaths per capita: 107.80
Danger Index Score: 42.33
37
Fort Worth, Texas
![cityscape photo of Main Street and the downtown Fort Worth, Texas at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/fort-worth-texas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 447.24
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.49
Natural disaster risk: 49.50
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 48.68
COVID deaths per capita: 107.80
Danger Index Score: 44.61
36
San Jose, California
![shops in the downtown area of San Jose, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/san-jose-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 446.18
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.45
Natural disaster risk: 65.0
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 49.26
COVID deaths per capita: 79.00
Danger Index Score: 45.40
35
Sacramento, California
![riverboat in and city skyline of downtown Sacramento, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/sacramento-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 627.50
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.81
Natural disaster risk: 30.30
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 41.05
COVID deaths per capita: 83.90
Danger Index Score: 45.89
34
Arlington, Texas
![Global Life Park in Arlington, Texas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/arlington-texas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 515.23
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.49
Natural disaster risk: 49.50
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 47.22
COVID deaths per capita: 107.80
Danger Index Score: 46.96
33
Minneapolis, Minnesota
![downtown minneapolis minnesota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/shutterstock_686361076.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 928.76
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 0.68
Natural disaster risk: 38.90
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 39.12
COVID deaths per capita: 122.30
Danger Index Score: 47.86
32
Denver, Colorado
![Denver, Colorado](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/denver-co.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 750.68
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.28
Natural disaster risk: 55.60
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 49.46
COVID deaths per capita: 102.00
Danger Index Score: 49.29
31
New York, New York
![New York](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/ny.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 573.61
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.60
Natural disaster risk: 13.20
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 51.43
COVID deaths per capita: 224.10
Danger Index Score: 50.83
30
Washington, D.C.
![cherry blossom in washington d.c.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/cherry-blossom-washington-dc.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 977.12
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.27
Natural disaster risk: 20.10
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 38.65
COVID deaths per capita: 134.20
Danger Index Score: 51.38
29
San Antonio, Texas
![cityscape photo of San Antonio, Texas at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/san-antonio-texas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 713.91
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.23
Natural disaster risk: 18.10
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 46.67
COVID deaths per capita: 125.20
Danger Index Score: 51.50
28
El Paso, Texas
![Southern Rocky Mountains and flowers in El Paso, Texas at sunrise](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/el-paso-nevada.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 355.27
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.07
Natural disaster risk: 17.50
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 62.98
COVID deaths per capita: 259.90
Danger Index Score: 52.79
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27
Tucson, Arizona
![The skyline of Tucson, Arizona with cacti in the foreground](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/skyline-of-tucson-arizona-coronavirus-counts.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 688.78
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.98
Natural disaster risk: 8.40
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 45.90
COVID deaths per capita: 181.60
Danger Index Score: 53.10
26
Nashville, Tennessee
Violent crimes per capita: 1,099.55
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.29
Natural disaster risk: 36.40
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 39.42
COVID deaths per capita: 114.10
Danger Index Score: 53.16
25
Dallas, Texas
![city skyline of Dallas, Texas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/dallas-texas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 875.58
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.49
Natural disaster risk: 32.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 39.42
COVID deaths per capita: 114.10
Danger Index Score: 53.33
24
Atlanta, Georgia
![atlanta georgia state capitol buildings](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/atlanta-georgia-skyline-with-capitol-building.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 784.91
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.79
Natural disaster risk: 19.30
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 19.30
COVID deaths per capita: 88.70
Danger Index Score: 53.54
23
Louisville, Kentucky
![downtown louisville kentucky](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/08/downtown-louisville-kentucky.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 751.25
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.77
Natural disaster risk: 34.30
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 35.53
COVID deaths per capita: 94.80
Danger Index Score: 54.73
22
Phoenix, Arizona
![cityscape photo of Phoenix, Arizona at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/phoenix-arizona-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 702.14
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.95
Natural disaster risk: 5.10
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 38.58
COVID deaths per capita: 176.90
Danger Index Score: 55.43
21
Tulsa, Oklahoma
![cityscape photo of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/tulas-oklahoma.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 988.06
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.52
Natural disaster risk: 38.50
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 36.76
COVID deaths per capita: 94.90
Danger Index Score: 57.34
20
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
![Milwaukee, Wisconson](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/miluwakke-wisconson.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,334.22
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.13
Natural disaster risk: 0.40
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 22.65
COVID deaths per capita: 124.80
Danger Index Score: 57.49
19
Tampa, Florida
![tampa florida skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_239776111.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 405.80
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 3.07
Natural disaster risk: 24.90
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 39.44
COVID deaths per capita: 24.90
Danger Index Score: 58.17
18
Chicago, Illinois
![chicago cityscape over the river](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/chicago-city-view.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 947.74
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.07
Natural disaster risk: 17.20
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 26.34
COVID deaths per capita: 174.70
Danger Index Score: 60.93
17
Las Vegas, Nevada
![overview of the las vegas strip](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/the-strip-las-vegas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 604.62
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.19
Natural disaster risk: 25.90
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 38.45
COVID deaths per capita: 151.30
Danger Index Score: 61.02
16
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
![Philadelphia City Hall](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/01/Philadelphia-City-Hall-.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 910.32
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.73
Natural disaster risk: 7.40
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 32.45
COVID deaths per capita: 187.10
Danger Index Score: 63.22
15
Fresno, California
![cityscape photo of downtown Fresno, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/fresno-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 555.52
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.17
Natural disaster risk: 32.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 24.24
COVID deaths per capita: 122.50
Danger Index Score: 66.40
14
Kansas City, Missouri
![fountain and park in Kansas City, Missouri](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/kansas-city-missouri-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,433.19
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.13
Natural disaster risk: 38.40
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 31.62
COVID deaths per capita: 111.50
Danger Index Score: 67.30
13
Houston, Texas
![houston texas skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_663767527.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,088.54
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.82
Natural disaster risk: 31.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 25.09
COVID deaths per capita: 95.20
Danger Index Score: 67.73
12
Jacksonville, Florida
![cityscape photo of river and broad walk in Jacksonville, Florida](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/jacksonville-florida.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 645.74
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.94
Natural disaster risk: 16.60
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 25.00
COVID deaths per capita: 99.60
Danger Index Score: 68.31
11
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
![oklahoma city skyline state capitol buildings](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/oklahoma-city-skyline-with-capitol-building.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 725.28
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.66
Natural disaster risk: 101.90
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 44.05
COVID deaths per capita: 76.60
Danger Index Score: 71.89
10
Los Angeles, California
![Los Angeles Skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Los-Angeles-Skyline.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 738.77
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.91
Natural disaster risk: 59.60
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 47.34
COVID deaths per capita: 176.90
Danger Index Score: 72.30
9
Long Beach, California
![boats, pier, and city skyline of Long Beach, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/long-beach-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 512.07
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.91
Natural disaster risk: 59.60
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 38.79
COVID deaths per capita: 176.90
Danger Index Score: 72.78
8
Oakland, California
![cityscape photo of a waterfront and the downtown area in Oakland, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/oakland-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,274.74
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.44
Natural disaster risk: 59.90
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 24.07
COVID deaths per capita: 61.60
Danger Index Score: 73.56
7
New Orleans, Louisiana
![french quarter in louisiana, iconic state photos](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/french-quarter-louisiana-new-orleans.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,157.52
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.06
Natural disaster risk: 9.20
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 26.70
COVID deaths per capita: 189.4
Danger Index Score: 77.53
6
Miami, Florida
![aerial view of miami florida](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/08/shutterstock_529025026.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 609.02
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.61
Natural disaster risk: 44.60
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 40.26
COVID deaths per capita: 183.30
Danger Index Score: 78.27
5
Indianapolis, Indiana
![Indianapolis, Indiana, USA downtown cityscape on the White River at dusk.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/indiana-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,274.56
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.37
Natural disaster risk: 45.10
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 31.72
COVID deaths per capita: 169.20
Danger Index Score: 78.96
4
Albuquerque, New Mexico
![Suburb in Albuquerque, NM](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/01/Albuquerque-NM.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,355.19
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.35
Natural disaster risk: 21.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 22.84
COVID deaths per capita: 116.00
Danger Index Score: 81.13
3
Baltimore, Maryland
![baltimore skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/maryland-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,870.46
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.78
Natural disaster risk: 16.70
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 18.03
COVID deaths per capita: 139.90
Danger Index Score: 89.42
2
Memphis, Tennessee
![Memphis Tennessee](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/08/memphis-tennessee.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,899.48
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 2.21
Natural disaster risk: 20.30
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 17.74
COVID deaths per capita: 144.70
Danger Index Score: 98.20
1
Detroit, Michigan
![cityscape photo of Detroit, Michigan at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/detroit-michigan-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 1,946.18
Pedestrian deaths per capita: 1.76
Natural disaster risk: 12.00
Perceived safety walking alone at night: 23.36
COVID deaths per capita: 231.0
Danger Index Score: 100.0
And for the place where ethics don't seem to be much of a priority, This Is the Most Corrupt State in America.