Pine Bluff, Arkansas – In a recent analysis by MoneyGeek, using FBI crime data, the landscape of crime in the United States has been closely examined. While violent crime has decreased nationwide to pre-pandemic levels, there remains a significant disparity in crime rates and costs across various cities.
MoneyGeek’s study focused on both violent and property crimes in 302 large cities and 1,010 small towns. The study utilized data from the University of Miami and the University of Colorado Denver to assess the cost of crime in each area. Interestingly, Birmingham, Alabama, emerged as the large city with the highest cost of crime per capita, with a violent crime rate of 1,682 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 4,173 per 100,000 residents. However, Birmingham was not the city with the highest rate of violent crime. This dubious distinction went to Memphis, Tennessee; Detroit, Michigan; and Little Rock, Arkansas, which recorded more violent crimes per capita.
In terms of property crime rates, Memphis, along with Tacoma, Washington, and St. Louis, Missouri, topped the list. The study provided a comprehensive ranking of the large cities with the highest cost of crime per capita, with Birmingham, New Orleans, Louisiana, and St. Louis, Missouri, leading the pack.
The analysis also shed light on the crime situation in small towns and cities, where resources for crime-fighting are often limited. In these areas, the cost of crime can be disproportionately high, despite a lower incidence of crimes. Monroe, Louisiana, topped the list for the highest crime cost per capita in small towns, followed closely by Petersburg, Virginia, and Saginaw, Michigan.
For those considering relocation for safety reasons, the study also identified cities with the lowest cost of crime per capita. Thousand Oaks, California, was ranked as the safest, followed by Fishers, Indiana; Pembroke Pines, Florida; Pearland, Texas; and Gilbert, Arizona.
The data underscores the varying challenges faced by different cities and towns in managing crime and highlights the economic impact crime can have on communities. The findings from MoneyGeek’s study provide valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public, offering a clearer picture of the crime landscape across the United States. This information is crucial for directing resources, formulating policies, and taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in both large cities and small towns.
