N
o one wants to feel unsafe where they live, but some cities are more prone to danger due to various factors beyond crime rates. WalletHub ranked the 182 safest cities in America using metrics that go beyond traditional safety measures, including home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety.
The study considered 41 key dimensions across three categories, with each metric graded on a 100-point scale. The weighted average of these scores determined an overall safety score for each city, with 100 being the highest level of safety.
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Detroit, MI, and Memphis, TN, rank low across several safety and financial metrics, making them the least safe urban areas in 2024. These cities struggle with high crime rates, financial challenges, and natural disaster risks.
Memphis tops the list as the least safe city in America, with a safety score of 34.81 out of 100. It has one of the highest murder rates per capita (172nd) and assault rates (175th), along with a high bankruptcy rate (179th) and low median credit score (173rd). The city also faces natural disaster risks due to its location, including flash flooding.
Detroit ranks second on the list, with a safety score of 35.49 out of 100. It struggles with rampant violent crime, including one of the highest assault rates per capita (175th) and murder rate (172nd), despite having a strong law enforcement presence. The city faces severe financial issues, including high unemployment and low median credit scores.
Other cities on the list include Fort Lauderdale, FL; Baton Rouge, LA; New Orleans, LA; Baltimore, MD; Cleveland, OH; Oakland, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and San Bernardino, CA. While these cities face significant safety challenges, they also offer attractive home prices, making them potential investment opportunities for those willing to take on the risks.
The study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors beyond crime rates when evaluating a city's safety. By looking at metrics such as financial stability, natural disaster risk, and community resources, individuals can get a more comprehensive picture of a city's overall safety and make informed decisions about where to live or invest.
