Top 10 States with the Highest Crime Rate in 2023
Crime is a serious problem that affects many people in the United States. Crime can have negative impacts on the safety, health, well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities. Crime can also have economic costs for society, such as property damage, medical expenses, lost productivity and increased security measures.
The crime rate is a measure of how many crimes occur in a given area or population. It is typically expressed in units of incidents per 100,000 individuals per year. The crime rate can vary depending on the type of crime, the location, the time period and the data source.
In this article, we will look at the top 10 states with the highest crime rate in 2023, based on the latest available data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports12 and projections from Wisevoter3. We will also discuss some of the possible factors and trends that may explain the differences in crime rates among these states.
- District of Columbia
The District of Columbia (DC) is not a state, but a federal district that serves as the capital of the United States. It has a population of about 712,000 people and covers an area of 68 square miles.
DC has the highest crime rate in the country, with 999.8 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is more than twice the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. DC’s crime rate has been declining since 2016, when it reached a peak of 1,203.5 crimes per 100,000 people4, but it is still much higher than most other places in the US.
Some of the possible reasons for DC’s high crime rate are:
The high population density and urbanization of DC, which create more opportunities and incentives for crime.
The high poverty rate and income inequality in DC, which create more social problems and stress for residents.
The high political and media attention on DC, which may attract more criminals and extremists who seek publicity or influence.
The unique jurisdictional challenges and limitations of DC, which may affect the coordination and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
- Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the US by area, covering more than 660,000 square miles. It has a population of about 733,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated states in the country.
Alaska has the second-highest crime rate in the country, with 837.8 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is almost twice the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. Alaska’s crime rate has been fluctuating since 2016, when it reached a peak of 891.7 crimes per 100,000 people4, but it has not shown a clear downward trend.
Some of the possible reasons for Alaska’s high crime rate are:
The harsh climate and geography of Alaska, which create more challenges and isolation for residents and law enforcement agencies.
The high rate of substance abuse and mental health issues in Alaska, which contribute to more violence and self-harm.
The high rate of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska, which affect many women and children.
The high rate of gun ownership and availability in Alaska, which increase the risk of fatal shootings.
- New Mexico
New Mexico is the fifth-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 121,000 square miles. It has a population of about 2.1 million people, making it one of the least densely populated states in the country.
New Mexico has the third-highest crime rate in the country, with 778.3 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is almost twice the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. New Mexico’s crime rate has been declining since 2018, when it reached a peak of 842.8 crimes per 100,000 people4, but it is still much higher than most other places in the US.
Some of the possible reasons for New Mexico’s high crime rate are:
The high poverty rate and income inequality in New Mexico, which create more social problems and stress for residents.
The high rate of drug trafficking and consumption in New Mexico, which fuel more violence and addiction.
The high rate of immigration and border issues in New Mexico, which create more conflicts and challenges for law enforcement agencies.
The high rate of cultural diversity and historical trauma in New Mexico, which may affect the trust and cooperation among different groups.
- Tennessee
Tennessee is the 36th-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 42,000 square miles. It has a population of about 6.9 million people, making it the 16th-most populous state in the country.
Tennessee has the fourth-highest crime rate in the country, with 672.7 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is more than 50% higher than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. Tennessee’s crime rate has been increasing since 2019, when it was 598.9 crimes per 100,000 people4, reversing a previous downward trend.
Some of the possible reasons for Tennessee’s high crime rate are:
The high rate of urbanization and population growth in Tennessee, which create more opportunities and incentives for crime.
The high rate of poverty and unemployment in Tennessee, which create more economic hardship and stress for residents.
The high rate of opioid abuse and overdose in Tennessee, which contribute to more violence and addiction.
The high rate of gun ownership and availability in Tennessee, which increase the risk of fatal shootings.
- Arkansas
Arkansas is the 29th-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 53,000 square miles. It has a population of about 3 million people, making it the 33rd-most populous state in the country.
Arkansas has the fifth-highest crime rate in the country, with 671.9 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is more than 50% higher than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. Arkansas’s crime rate has been increasing since 2019, when it was 580.8 crimes per 100,000 people4, reversing a previous downward trend.
Some of the possible reasons for Arkansas’s high crime rate are:
The high rate of poverty and income inequality in Arkansas, which create more social problems and stress for residents.
The high rate of drug trafficking and consumption in Arkansas, which fuel more violence and addiction.
The high rate of domestic violence and child abuse in Arkansas, which affect many women and children.
The high rate of gun ownership and availability in Arkansas, which increase the risk of fatal shootings.
- Arizona
Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 113,000 square miles. It has a population of about 7.3 million people, making it the 14th-most populous state in the country.
Arizona has the sixth-highest crime rate in the country, with 654.8 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is almost 50% higher than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. Arizona’s crime rate has been increasing since 2019, when it was 447.1 crimes per 100,000 people4, reversing a previous downward trend.
Some of the possible reasons for Arizona’s high crime rate are:
The high rate of immigration and border issues in Arizona, which create more conflicts and challenges for law enforcement agencies.
The high rate of urbanization and population growth in Arizona, which create more opportunities and incentives for crime.
The high rate of poverty and unemployment in Arizona, which create more economic hardship and stress for residents.
The high rate of drug trafficking and consumption in Arizona, which fuel more violence and addiction.
- Louisiana
Louisiana is the 31st-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 51,000 square miles. It has a population of about 4.6 million people, making it the 25th-most populous state in the country.
Louisiana has the seventh-highest crime rate in the country, with 639.4 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is more than 40% higher than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. Louisiana’s crime rate has been increasing since 2019, when it was 559.7 crimes per 100,000 people4, reversing a previous downward trend.
Some of the possible reasons for Louisiana’s high crime rate are:
The high rate of poverty and income inequality in Louisiana, which create more social problems and stress for residents.
The high rate of natural disasters and environmental issues in Louisiana, which create more instability and vulnerability for communities.
The high rate of corruption and political instability in Louisiana
- Missouri
Missouri is the 21st-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 69,000 square miles. It has a population of about 6.1 million people, making it the 18th-most populous state in the country.
Missouri has the eighth-highest crime rate in the country, with 542.7 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is more than 20% higher than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. Missouri’s crime rate has been increasing since 2019, when it was 499.6 crimes per 100,000 people2, reversing a previous downward trend.
Some of the possible reasons for Missouri’s high crime rate are:
The high rate of urbanization and population growth in Missouri, which create more opportunities and incentives for crime.
The high rate of poverty and unemployment in Missouri, which create more economic hardship and stress for residents.
The high rate of racial and social inequality in Missouri, which create more conflicts and tensions among different groups.
The high rate of gun ownership and availability in Missouri, which increase the risk of fatal shootings.
- South Carolina
South Carolina is the 40th-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 30,000 square miles. It has a population of about 5.1 million people, making it the 23rd-most populous state in the country.
South Carolina has the ninth-highest crime rate in the country, with 530.7 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is more than 20% higher than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. South Carolina’s crime rate has been declining since 2011, when it reached a peak of 571.9 crimes per 100,000 people2, but it is still much higher than most other places in the US.
Some of the possible reasons for South Carolina’s high crime rate are:
The high rate of poverty and income inequality in South Carolina, which create more social problems and stress for residents.
The high rate of domestic violence and sexual assault in South Carolina, which affect many women and children.
The high rate of drug trafficking and consumption in South Carolina, which fuel more violence and addiction.
The high rate of corruption and political instability in South Carolina
- South Dakota
South Dakota is the 17th-largest state in the US by area, covering more than 77,000 square miles. It has a population of about 892,000 people, making it the fifth-least populous state in the country.
South Dakota has the tenth-highest crime rate in the country, with 501.4 crimes per 100,000 residents in 20201. This is more than 10% higher than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people. South Dakota’s crime rate has been increasing since 2019, when it was 397.1 crimes per 100,000 people2, reversing a previous downward trend.
Some of the possible reasons for South Dakota’s high crime rate are:
The high rate of rural and remote areas in South Dakota, which create more challenges and isolation for residents and law enforcement agencies.
The high rate of alcohol abuse and binge drinking in South Dakota, which contribute to more violence and self-harm.
The high rate of Native American population and reservation issues in South Dakota, which create more conflicts and challenges for law enforcement agencies.
The high rate of gun ownership and availability in South Dakota, which increase the risk of fatal shootings.
Conclusion
In this article, we have looked at the top 10 states with the highest crime rate in 2023, based on the latest available data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports13 and projections from Wisevoter4. We have also discussed some of the possible factors and trends that may explain the differences in crime rates among these states.
Crime is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can be influenced by many social, economic, political and environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to understand the context and nuances behind the statistics and not to make hasty generalizations or judgments based on them.
Crime prevention and reduction require a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves various stakeholders and sectors of society. It also requires a balance between addressing the root causes and risk factors of crime and ensuring effective and fair law enforcement and justice systems.
10 Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most asked questions and answers about crime rates in the US:
Q: Which state has the lowest crime rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter4, Vermont has the lowest projected crime rate in 2023, with 118.9 crimes per 100,000 residents. This is more than 70% lower than the national average of 442 crimes per 100,000 people.
Q: Which state has the highest murder rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter4, Louisiana has the highest projected murder rate in 2023, with 14.1 murders per 100,000 residents. This is more than three times higher than the national average of 4.4 murders per 100,000 people.
Q: Which state has the highest rape rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter4, Alaska has the highest projected rape rate in 2023, with
76.5 rapes per 100,000 residents. This is more than 10 times higher than the national average of 7.3 rapes per 100,000 people.
Q: Which state has the highest robbery rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter1, Nevada has the highest projected robbery rate in 2023, with 99.9 robberies per 100,000 residents. This is more than twice higher than the national average of 41.1 robberies per 100,000 people.
Q: Which state has the highest aggravated assault rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter1, New Mexico has the highest projected aggravated assault rate in 2023, with 579.8 aggravated assaults per 100,000 residents. This is more than twice higher than the national average of 250.2 aggravated assaults per 100,000 people.
Q: Which state has the lowest murder rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter1, New Hampshire has the lowest projected murder rate in 2023, with 0.9 murders per 100,000 residents. This is more than 80% lower than the national average of 4.4 murders per 100,000 people.
Q: Which state has the lowest rape rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter1, New Jersey has the lowest projected rape rate in 2023, with 2.6 rapes per 100,000 residents. This is more than 60% lower than the national average of 7.3 rapes per 100,000 people.
Q: Which state has the lowest robbery rate in 2023?
A: According to Wisevoter1, Vermont has the lowest projected robbery rate in 2023, with 16.8 robberies per 100,000 residents. This is more than 50% lower than the national average of 41.1 robberies per 100,000 people.