Small towns are often perceived as a haven, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. However, not all small towns are serene and peaceful. Some small towns in America can be quite dangerous, with high crime rates and other factors contributing to their unsavory reputation. We’ve uncovered a few of them in the following slides.
Lumberton, North Carolina
This quaint town, known for its friendly locals, vibrant festivals, and rich Native American heritage, also bears an unfortunate mark. Lumberton is notorious for its high crime rates, frequently topping the charts in statewide incidents per capita. Despite this, its people’s indomitable spirit and resilience prevail, painting Lumberton as a place teeming with challenges and inspiring tales.
Espanola, New Mexico
Located in the Rio Grande Valley, Espanola, New Mexico, has a population of around 10,000 and has been dubbed the “Low Rider Capital of the World.” However, it’s also known for its high crime rates. The town has been ranked as one of the most dangerous small towns in America due to its high rate of violent crimes, like homicide and aggravated assault. In addition to that, Espanola also has a severe drug problem, contributing to its reputation as an unsafe town.
Emeryville, California
Emeryville may seem like a charming and quaint town in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, it has been consistently ranked as one of America’s most dangerous small towns. With a population of only around 12,000, this town has a high crime rate of over 500% higher than the national average. The most common crimes here are property theft, robbery, and assault.
Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe, Louisiana, may seem like a quiet and unassuming small town in the southern United States. However, it has been ranked as one of America’s most dangerous towns due to its high crime rates. According to NeighborhoodScout, Monroe has one of the highest crime rates in America. The town also struggles with poverty and unemployment, which can contribute to its crime problem.
Cocoa, Florida
Cocoa, Florida, may be a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center. However, this small town of around 18,000 residents has a crime rate that is 153.1% higher than the national average. The most common crimes here are property theft and assault. In addition to its high crime rates, Cocoa also faces challenges with drug use and gang-related activities.
Pompano Beach, Florida
Pompano Beach, Florida, is a small beach town with a population of around 110,000. However, it ranks as one of the most dangerous towns in America due to its high crime rates. The most common crimes here are property theft and assault. In recent years, the town has also seen an increase in violent crimes like homicide and robbery.
Vallejo, California
Vallejo, California, may seem like a picturesque waterfront town, but it has a dark side that has earned it the title of one of America’s most dangerous small towns. With a crime rate that is 124% higher than the national average, Vallejo has been ranked as one of California’s most dangerous towns. The town has struggled with poverty and gang activity, leading to high rates of violent crimes such as homicide and aggravated assault.
UtqiaġVik, Alaska
Located in the northernmost point of Alaska, Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow) has a population of around 4,500. Despite its small size, it has been ranked as one of the most dangerous towns in America due to its high crime rates. Utqiaġvik has a violent and property crime rate that is 66% and 26%, respectively, higher than the national average. The town faces challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, and limited access to resources, contributing to its high crime rates.
Sauk Village, Illinois
Tucked away in the heart of Illinois, this quaint town presents a surprising contrast with its high crime rates, starkly at odds with its peaceful appearance. Despite a strong sense of community and local pride, an underlying threat of danger introduces a complex dimension to its charm. This complexity makes Sauk Village a fascinating anomaly in the tranquil American Midwest.
West Memphis, Arkansas
West Memphis, Arkansas, may seem like a typical small town in the South with its charming neighborhoods. However, it is one of America’s most dangerous towns. The crime rate here is 218% higher than the national average, with property theft and violent crimes being prevalent. Additionally, its location near a major interstate highway makes it a hotspot for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
Alexandria, Louisiana
Alexandria, Louisiana, is a small town with a population of around 47,000. With a crime rate that is 249% higher than the national average, Alexandria has struggled with poverty and drug abuse, which contribute to its high rates of property theft and violent crimes. Despite efforts from local authorities, the town continues to face challenges in addressing its crime problem.
East St. Louis, Illinois
Located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, East St. Louis has a crime rate that is 46% higher than the national average. The town has faced challenges with poverty and unemployment, leading to high rates of property theft and violent crimes like homicide and assault. Despite efforts to revitalize the area, East St. Louis continues to struggle with its reputation as one of America’s most dangerous small towns.
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland, a famous beach and boardwalk destination, has a population of about 7,000 but a crime rate 445% above the national average, much of it linked to underage drinking and drug use during tourist season. While the town has tried tackling crime, balancing resident safety with tourist influx remains challenging.
Anniston, Alabama
Despite its modest size, Anniston has captured national attention for its alarming crime rate and pervasive poverty. The town is frequently cited as one of Alabama’s most dangerous locales, notorious for a high incidence of violent crimes like murder and assault. Also, drug-related offenses worsen Anniston’s image, further cementing its status as one of America’s most daunting small towns.
Camden, New Jersey
Camden, New Jersey, often appears atop rankings of America’s most dangerous small towns. Despite recent efforts to improve its image and revitalize the town, Camden continues to battle poverty and crime. With a crime rate that is 86% higher than the national average, residents face daily threats of violent crimes like robbery, assault, and homicide.
Robstown, Texas
At first glance, it presents itself as a peaceful small town, yet looks can be misleading. Despite its modest population and calm environment, Robstown faces a startling reality with crime rates that eclipse the national average. This stark contrast between its serene facade and underlying distress offers a fascinating, albeit unsettling, glimpse into the town’s true character.
More From Inspired by Insiders
What’s not to love about the United States? From its culture to its economy, there is a lot to appreciate. Unfortunately, not everyone sees America as the perfect place they might like it to be. Here are 15 things foreigners hate about the US.
15 Things Foreigners Hate About America
25 Things to Never Do in the United States
Visiting the United States can be an incredible experience. You get to immerse yourself in a new culture, explore unique places, and try delicious food. But did you know that there are certain things you should never do while in the US? Read on to find out what these 25 things are.
25 Things to Never Do in the United States
This article was produced on Inspired by Insiders.