New Update: America’s Most Dangerous Cities: A Deep Dive into 2019 Murder Rates

In 2019, the United States witnessed an estimated 16,425 murders, a slight increase from the previous year. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of understanding the factors contributing to violence in different urban areas. This new update explores the 2019 murder rates in 65 major U.S. cities (those with populations exceeding 100,000), providing a comprehensive analysis of this critical issue. This data, compiled from the FBI’s 2019 Crime in the United States report, information directly from city police, and the U.S. Census Bureau, reveals a stark picture of varying levels of violence across the nation.

Murder Rates by City: A Comprehensive Overview

This section delves into the specific murder rates of 65 major U.S. cities, ranging from the lowest to the highest. Each city’s profile includes its murder rate per 100,000 residents and, in some cases, a brief account of high-profile murder cases that gripped the nation’s attention.

Cities with Lower Murder Rates (11-20 per 100,000)

Several cities experienced murder rates between 11 and 20 per 100,000 residents. These include Hampton, Virginia (11.26); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (11.37); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (11.40); Knoxville, Tennessee (11.66); and Bridgeport, Connecticut (11.73). Nashville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, both reported a rate of 12.08. Other cities in this range include Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (12.32); Toledo, Ohio (12.43); Winston-Salem, North Carolina (12.5); Fayetteville, North Carolina (12.76); Springfield, Massachusetts (12.96); Paterson, New Jersey (13.08); Durham, North Carolina (13.20); Syracuse, New York (13.34); Newport News, Virginia (13.53); Akron, Ohio (13.64); Tulsa, Oklahoma (13.69); South Bend, Indiana (13.72); Louisville, Kentucky (13.92); Jacksonville, Florida (14.19); and Greensboro, North Carolina (14.43).

Residents And Activists Hold Anti-Violence March After Deadly Year In ChicagoChicago residents march against violence.

Mid-Range Murder Rates (21-30 per 100,000)

Cities with mid-range murder rates include Norfolk, Virginia (14.83); Dallas, Texas (14.89); Albuquerque, New Mexico (14.95); West Palm Beach, Florida (15.07); Richmond, California (15.38); Beaumont, Texas (16.03); Rochester, New York (16.04); Milwaukee, Wisconsin (16.41); Savannah, Georgia (16.61); High Point, North Carolina (16.77); Hartford, Connecticut (17.18); Augusta, Georgia (17.69); Oakland, California (17.97); Newark, New Jersey (18.08); Chattanooga, Tennessee (18.15); Chicago, Illinois (18.26); Buffalo, New York (18.38); Montgomery, Alabama (18.54); Shreveport, Louisiana (18.66); Little Rock, Arkansas (19.15); Indianapolis, Indiana (19.51); Atlanta, Georgia (19.53); Tuscaloosa, Alabama (20.77); Columbus, Georgia (20.94); Cincinnati, Ohio (21.1); and San Bernardino, California (21.23).

Shooter Opens Fire In Baggage Claim Area At Fort Lauderdale AirportScene of a shooting at Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Cities with High Murder Rates (Over 30 per 100,000)

Columbia, South Carolina, reported a rate of 21.68, followed by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (22.47); Peoria, Illinois (22.53); and North Charleston, South Carolina (22.55). Washington, D.C. (23.52), and Miami Gardens, Florida (23.64) also experienced high rates. Richmond, Virginia, had a rate of 23.84, while Cleveland, Ohio, reported 24.09. Significantly higher rates were observed in Memphis, Tennessee (29.21), Kansas City, Missouri (29.88), New Orleans, Louisiana (30.67), Baton Rouge, Louisiana (31.72), Dayton, Ohio (34.18), Detroit, Michigan (41.45), Birmingham, Alabama (50.62), Baltimore, Maryland (58.27), and St. Louis, Missouri (64.54).

Mourner's pay respects in front of the memorial site.In theMourners gather at a memorial site in Pittsburgh.

Understanding the Complexities of Urban Violence

Understanding the multifaceted nature of urban violence requires considering various contributing factors. Socioeconomic disparities, access to resources, community policing strategies, and the prevalence of firearms all play significant roles. Analyzing these factors in conjunction with murder rates helps paint a more complete picture of the challenges facing these cities.

Federal Grand Jury Indicts John EdwardsA scene from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Addressing the Challenge: A Call to Action

The high murder rates in certain U.S. cities necessitate comprehensive and sustained efforts to address the root causes of violence. This requires collaboration among law enforcement, community leaders, policymakers, and residents to implement effective strategies for prevention and intervention. This includes focusing on community policing, addressing socioeconomic inequalities, providing access to mental health services, and enacting sensible gun control measures.

This deep dive into 2019 murder rates serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing many American cities. By understanding the complexities of urban violence and working together, we can strive to create safer and more equitable communities for all.