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The Most Dangerous Small Towns in America

Small towns can offer respite from city chaos. Yet, some US small towns aren't safe due to high crime rates. We highlight a few of these towns below.

Lumberton, North Carolina

Lumberton: a quaint town known for its friendly locals, vibrant festivals, and rich Native American heritage, yet notorious for high crime rates (statewide incidents per capita). Its people's spirit and resilience prevail.

Espanola, New Mexico

Espanola, New Mexico, the "Low Rider Capital of the World" in Rio Grande Valley, is known for high crime rates, including violent crimes. The town also has a severe drug problem.

Emeryville, California

Emeryville, a small San Francisco Bay Area town, despite its charm, is one of America’s most dangerous with a crime rate over 500% above national average. Common crimes include theft and assault.

Monroe, Louisiana

Despite its quiet facade, Monroe, Louisiana is one of America’s most dangerous towns due to high crime rates, poverty, and unemployment according to NeighborhoodScout.

Cocoa, Florida

Cocoa, Florida, a tourist spot near Orlando and Kennedy Space Center, has a crime rate 153.1% higher than US average. Common crimes: property theft, assault. Also troubles with drug use, gang activities.

Pompano Beach, Florida

Pompano Beach, Florida, with around 110,000 residents, is one of America's most dangerous towns due to high property theft, assault, and violent crimes.

Vallejo, California

Vallejo, California, notably one of America's most dangerous small towns, has a crime rate 124% above the national average, marked by poverty, gang activity, and violent crimes.

UtqiaġVik, Alaska

Utqiaġvik, Alaska's northernmost town with 4,500 residents, is one of America's most dangerous due to high crime rates. Violent and property crime rates are 66% and 26% higher than national average, driven by poverty and substance abuse.

Sauk Village, Illinois

Sauk Village in Illinois, despite its peaceful facade, has high crime rates. Even with strong community spirit, an underlying danger adds complexity, making it a Midwest anomaly.

West Memphis, Arkansas

West Memphis, Arkansas is one of America's most dangerous towns with a crime rate 218% higher than the national average. Property theft, violent crimes and drug trafficking are prevalent here.

Alexandria, Louisiana

Alexandria, Louisiana, population ~47,000, has a crime rate 249% higher than national average due to poverty and drug abuse.

East St. Louis, Illinois

East St. Louis, across the Mississippi from St. Louis, has a crime rate 46% higher than the national average. Poverty, unemployment, theft and violent crimes challenge the town.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, a popular beach destination, has a crime rate 445% above the national average, largely due to underage drinking and drug use.

Anniston, Alabama

Despite its size, Anniston is infamous for its high crime rate, pervasive poverty, and being one of Alabama's most dangerous spots.

Camden, New Jersey

Camden, New Jersey tops America's dangerous small towns list. Despite revitalization efforts, it battles poverty and crime with a crime rate 86% above national average.

Robstown, Texas

Robstown may seem a peaceful small town, but looks can be deceiving. Its high crime rates, eclipsing the national average, reveal a startling contrast to its serene facade.

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