When considering travel destinations in the southern United States, safety is a crucial factor for many tourists. While the South offers rich cultural experiences and historical landmarks, certain cities have higher crime rates that warrant caution. Below is an overview of 15 cities in the southern U.S. where travelers should remain particularly vigilant.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has historically faced high homicide rates, with a peak of 424 murders in 1994. In 2022, the city recorded 280 homicides, earning it the title of “Murder Capital of America.” However, 2023 saw a decline to 193 homicides, the first time in four years the count fell below 200. This downward trend continued into early 2024, with violent crime decreasing by 34% compared to the same period in 2023.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

In 2023, Memphis recorded a historic high of 397 homicides, surpassing New York City’s count despite a significantly smaller population. However, 2024 saw a notable improvement, with homicides decreasing by over 25% to 297 cases, and murders specifically dropping nearly 30% to 243. This positive trend extended to other violent crimes: aggravated assaults remained stable, while robberies declined by 22.3%. Property crimes also saw reductions, with burglaries down 19.2% and motor vehicle thefts decreasing by 37.3%.

3. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham’s crime rate is notably above the national average, with increasing gang violence contributing to the surge in criminal activities. In 2022, the city recorded 144 homicides, setting a modern record. A 2023 study highlighted Birmingham as leading the nation’s largest cities in the highest cost of crime per capita at $11,392.

4. Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi, has experienced fluctuating homicide rates in recent years. In 2021, the city reported a record 160 homicides, equating to a rate of 104 per 100,000 residents—the highest in the United States. Subsequent years saw a downward trend: 138 homicides in 2022 and 118 in 2023. By 2024, the number further declined to 111 homicides, marking a 5.93% decrease from the previous year. Despite these reductions, Jackson’s homicide rate remains the highest per capita among major U.S. cities.

5. Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport’s crime rate is significantly higher than both state and national averages. The total crime rate stands at 5,722.4 per 100,000 people, with violent crimes at 923.0 per 100,000. The city’s history of gang activity, particularly since the late 1980s, has contributed to persistent violent crime issues.

6. Bessemer, Alabama

Bessemer faces significant challenges, with an overall crime rate of approximately 102.5 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 33.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes reach 78.9 per 1,000. These statistics translate to roughly a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and 1 in 13 for property crime. The high rates are attributed to economic struggles, limited community resources, and drug-related activities.

7. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge remains one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with a 2024 homicide count of 124, up from 106 in 2023. The city’s homicide rate peaked at 51.8 per 100,000 residents in 2022. Violent crime is high, with a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of crime.

The most affected ZIP codes are 70802 and 70805, and young Black males (22–30) are the most common victims and perpetrators. Juvenile involvement is rising, with 16 arrested for murder in 2024. Property crimes like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft are also significantly above the national average.

8. Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock struggles with crime rates that outpace national averages, with a violent crime rate around 20.2 per 1,000 residents and property crimes at 65.3 per 1,000. These elevated rates increase the likelihood of property crime victimization to approximately 1 in 15. The city faces challenges from a combination of economic disparities, drug-related offenses, and gang activity.

9. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga experiences a relatively moderate overall crime rate of approximately 59.5 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime in the city is reported at about 10.8 per 1,000, while property crimes reach 48.7 per 1,000. These statistics suggest a lower risk of violent encounters—about a 1 in 92 chance—compared to property crimes, which occur at a rate of 1 in 21.

10. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s crime statistics illustrate significant safety concerns: the city records a murder rate of approximately 16.6 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 66.0 per 1,000, with property crimes at 55.8 per 1,000.

11. Houston, Texas

Houston has experienced notable fluctuations in its violent crime rates in recent years. In 2023, the city reported 344 homicides, a significant decrease from the 434 recorded in 2022. This downward trend continued into early 2024, with 61 homicides reported in the first quarter—a 24% reduction compared to the same period in 2023.

However, by the end of 2024, preliminary data indicated a total of 322 homicides, reflecting a 9% decrease from the previous year. Despite these improvements, other violent crimes, including rape and aggravated assault, saw increases of approximately 9% during the same timeframe.

12. Atlanta, Georgia

In 2023, Atlanta experienced a notable decline in violent crime, with homicides decreasing by 22% compared to the previous year, totaling 135 cases. Aggravated assaults also saw a reduction of 16%, while rape incidents dropped by 51%. However, property crimes presented a mixed picture; auto thefts increased, contributing to a 7% rise in overall property crime rates.

13. Dallas, Texas

In 2023, Dallas experienced a 15% increase in murders, totaling 246 compared to 214 in 2022, equating to nearly 19 murders per 100,000 residents. Despite this rise, overall violent crime decreased for the third consecutive year. Property crimes presented a mixed picture: motor vehicle thefts decreased by 15% from 2023 to 2024.

14. Orlando, Florida

Universal Orlando Resort (Florida) — Source: Canva by Christy B from Pexels

Orlando is challenged by crime rates that stress public safety, with violent crime averaging 44.1 per 1,000 residents and property crimes at 81.0 per 1,000. These figures place the city well above national averages, meaning that residents and visitors alike face an increased risk—about 1 in 12 for property crime victimization.

15. Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville experiences crime rates that significantly exceed national averages. The city’s violent crime rate is around 50.3 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes are reported at 87.2 per 1,000. Such elevated figures result in a high likelihood of victimization—approximately 1 in 20 for property crimes.

Sources:

Wikipedia – New Orleans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans
Wikipedia – Memphis, Tennessee
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis%2C_Tennessee
Wikipedia – Birmingham, Alabama
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham%2C_Alabama
Wikipedia – Jackson, Mississippi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson%2C_Mississippi
Wikipedia – Shreveport, Louisiana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shreveport%2C_Louisiana
Wikipedia – Bessemer, Alabama
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessemer%2C_Alabama
New York Post – “The 10 Least Safe Cities in America”
https://nypost.com/2024/12/31/real-estate/the-10-least-safe-cities-in-america-some-are-making-a-comeback-as-investor-markets/
Houston Chronicle – “Why Houston’s Roads Are the Deadliest”
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/houston-traffic-commute-19999418.php
Neighbourhood Scout
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/al/bessemer/crime
Supertalk
https://www.supertalk.fm/weve-still-got-a-lot-of-work-to-do-jackson-murder-total-decreases-for-third-straight-year/
CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/murder-map-deadliest-u-s-cities/

37 Most Dangerous Cities in the World You Need to Know About

While traveling is one of the greatest joys humans have, certain places need you to take extra precautions. With frequent news stories of violence, kidnappings and gang warfare, it’s hard to ignore the reality that there are dangerous places to travel to.

If you have no idea what the most dangerous cities in the world are, don’t worry — this guide’s got you covered. It’s been compiled using data from the Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (MCPSCJ) and sources like The Economist Intelligence Unit.

Whether you’re looking at places to avoid when traveling or just want to stroke your curiosity, you’ll find some of the world’s most dangerous cities below.

37 Most Dangerous Cities in the World

31 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe You Might Want to Avoid

Europe is an incredibly diverse continent and has many beautiful cities. Many of those cities are perfectly set up for tourists, but some are considered more dangerous than others.

What makes a city dangerous? Is it the number of criminal reports? Natural disasters? Scams? Terrorist attacks? Generally, it’s a combination of all of those. Europe is quite lucky to be a continent full of safe and bucket list-worthy destinations. But there will always be some level of risk wherever you go.

31 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe

Amanda OBrien

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

These Southern U.S. Cities Have the Highest Crime Rates — Is Yours on the List?