The Worst Neighborhoods in America

Michelle Wilson - May 1, 2023

When it comes to neighborhoods, there are certainly good and bad ones. But what makes a neighborhood “bad”? It could be a high crime rate, a lack of resources and amenities, poverty, or a combination of these factors. Unfortunately, many neighborhoods in America struggle with these issues and are considered some of the country’s most dangerous and notorious areas.

This blog post will bring attention to the challenges that they face. Then, by understanding these challenges, the global community can work toward solutions that will help create safer and more prosperous neighborhoods for everyone.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, with a population of over 4 million, is a bustling metropolis in California known for its Hollywood glamour, beautiful beaches, and diverse neighborhoods. While many areas of the city offer a vibrant culture and exciting experiences, some neighborhoods have earned a reputation for being dangerous and unsafe. Despite the city’s efforts to improve these areas and reduce crime rates, they continue to be plagued by poverty, unemployment, and high levels of violence.

5th St., S. Los Angeles / St., Boyd St

The block group delimited by E. 5th St., S. Los Angeles St., Boyd St., and S. San Pedro St. in downtown Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous in America. According to public data, 55% of households in this area lived on less than $10,000 per year between 2014 and 2018, putting them in the bottom 0.2% of all U.S. block groups by income. The median household income in this block group is approximately $9,175 per year. Additionally, around 80% of the population aged 16 and above were not in the labor force, higher than 99% of U.S. block groups.

These factors may contribute to the high level of crime in this area, with a predicted 239 violent crimes per year and a violent crime rate of 347 crimes per 1,000 residents.

To put these statistics in perspective, it is important to note that poverty and lack of employment often correlate with high crime rates. However, this block group is just one small part of Los Angeles and does not represent the entire city.

Maple Ave., E. 9th / S. Los Angeles St., E

Located on the edge of Santa Monica Freeway, the community is marked by Maple Ave. East and South Los Angeles Street in downtown Los Angeles is the second most dangerous neighborhood in the United States. With a predicted violent crime rate of 293 crimes per 1,000 residents and an estimated 407 violent crimes per year, it’s no surprise that this community has earned such a reputation. According to online data, the population in this block group is significantly younger than 80% of the U.S., with a median male age of 30.6 years and median female age of 32.5 years. Additionally, the proportion of males in the area is much higher at 64%, another factor that analysts associate with higher crime rates.

Unemployment is also a significant issue in this neighborhood, with an unemployment rate higher than 87% in the U.S. between 2014 and 2018.

East 7th St., S. San Pedro St., E. 5th St. / S. Central Ave.

Third on the list is the area between E. 7th St., S. San Pedro St., E. 5th St. / S. Central Ave. / E. 4th, and S. Alameda St. in Los Angeles. According to a report by 24/7 Wall St., this neighborhood has a predicted violent crime rate of 291 crimes per 1000 residents, with 456 violent crimes predicted per year.

One factor contributing to the high crime rate in this neighborhood is poverty. The report notes that 60% of the households in this block group live with less than $10,000 per year, a proportion higher than 99.9% of U.S. block groups. The median household income over the last 12 months before the survey was only $7,188, making this neighborhood one of the 65 poorest in the United States. In addition, the residents of this neighborhood are mostly male and have a higher median age than average, with a median male age of 53.2 years and a median female age of 52.9 years. These factors create a challenging environment for residents and contribute to the neighborhood’s dangerous reputation.

Jackson, Tennessee

According to the latest crime statistics, Jackson has a higher crime rate than America’s national average, with a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city has a population of around 67,000 people and is the seventh-largest in the state of Tennessee. While there are many safe and vibrant neighborhoods in Jackson, residents and visitors need to exercise caution and take measures to protect themselves in one community in particular.

James Buchanan Drive / 1st St.

Jackson, TN’s unsafe reputation is due to factors contributing to the high crime rate in the James Buchanan Drive and 1st Street neighborhood. Poverty, lack of access to resources and amenities, and a history of gang activity have all made this neighborhood one of the most dangerous in America. The lack of resources in the area means that many residents struggle to make ends meet, leading to desperation and a higher likelihood of turning to crime. Additionally, the high concentration of gang activity in the neighborhood creates an environment of violence and intimidation, making it difficult for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes.

Despite these challenges, online data indicate improvements to these neighborhoods’ safety and quality of life are occurring. Community organizations and law enforcement agencies are working together to increase police presence, improve access to resources and support services, and promote positive activities for youth in the area. These efforts can help reduce the crime rate and make the James Buchanan Drive and 1st Street area a safe neighborhood for residents.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is known for several things, including being the Gateway to the West, as it was the starting point for many pioneers and explorers heading westward during the 19th century. The city is also famous for its iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall stainless steel structure that serves as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. However, despite its many attractions, St. Louis is also home to some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States. In fact, according to recent statistics, one neighborhood in St. Louis has a violent crime rate that is nearly four times higher than the national average.

East St. Louis (City Centre), Illinois

Located in southwestern Illinois, East St. Louis is widely considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America. Online data characterizes the area by its high poverty rate and a correspondingly high crime rate, with violent crimes like homicide, robbery, and assault being particularly common. In 2020, the murder rate in East St. Louis was nearly five times the national average, with 36 homicides reported in a city with a population of just over 25,000. Other crimes, such as theft and burglary, are also prevalent in the area.

Despite the challenges, the city and community organizations have been working to combat crime and poverty in East St. Louis.

One initiative is the Community Crime Prevention Program, which brings together community leaders and law enforcement to develop strategies to reduce crime. The program includes neighborhood watch groups, community cleanups, and events that bring residents and police officers together. Another initiative is the East St. Louis YouthBuild program, which provides job training and education to young people in the area. This program addresses the root causes of poverty and crime by giving young people the skills and knowledge to build successful careers and lead productive lives.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia, is a thriving city in the southern United States. According to public data from the United States Census Bureau, the Atlanta metropolitan area had an estimated population of 6 million people, making it the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the country.

Mcdaniel St SW / Mary St SW

The neighborhood between McDaniel Street S.W. and Mary Street S.W. in Atlanta, Georgia, continues to earn a reputation as being one of the worst neighborhoods in the United States. According to crime statistics, there is a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of crime in this area. This neighborhood has a high crime rate compared to the rest of the city and the state, making it a dangerous neighborhood in the country.

The residents of McDaniel Street S.W. and Mary Street S.W. face various challenges that contribute to the neighborhood’s unsafe reputation. Poverty and unemployment are high; many residents lack access to quality education and healthcare. Additionally, gang activity and drug-related crimes are prevalent in the area, leading to increased violence and danger for those who live there. These issues have led to a cycle of crime and poverty in the neighborhood that is difficult to break. Despite these challenges, the community is making efforts to improve the community. Local organizations and community leaders are working to provide resources and support to residents, including job training programs and after-school activities for children.

Kansas City, Kansas

Kansas City, Missouri, is the biggest city in the state and the sixth-largest city in the Midwest region of the United States. The city has a population of over 495,000 residents and is known for its barbecue, jazz music, art scene and being home to another of America’s worst neighborhoods.

Ann Ave, N. / 10th St. Washington Blvd.

The dire socioeconomic conditions of the block group in Kansas City, Kansas, play a significant role in its high crime rate. With almost half of the households living with less than $10,000 per year, the poverty level in this community is among the highest in the nation. This economic hardship may also stem from a higher unemployment rate than the national average. Residents of this block group face severe economic challenges, creating an environment conducive to crime and violence.

Another significant factor contributing to the high crime rate in this block group is the age of its residents. The median age for males is 50.9, and for females, it is 49.5, much higher than the median age of neighboring block groups, which is about 30.7 years. The lack of young people in the community can lead to a feeling of isolation and can cause some residents to engage in criminal activities. Additionally, the elderly population is often more vulnerable to victimization, making them easy targets for criminals. The combination of poverty, unemployment, and a high median age makes this block group one of the most dangerous in the United States.

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, is a city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. With a population of over 650,000 people, Portland is the largest city in Oregon state and the second-largest city in the Pacific Northwest, following Seattle. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic residents.

Steel Bridge / The Willamette River / Fremont Bridge

Inside the area marked by the Steel Bridge, the Willamette River, Fremont Bridge, N. Russel St., N. Williams Ave. / NE Thompson St., and the NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. / NE Hancock St. / N.E. 1st Ave. / NE Weidler St., Pacific Highway, and the BNSF Railroad in Portland, Oregon, have been identified as one of the most dangerous communities in the United States. According to public data, this community has a predicted violent crime rate of 210 crimes per 1,000 residents, with a predicted 181 violent crimes per year. The neighborhood’s poverty level is alarming, with 28% of the households living with less than $10,000 a year, the highest percentage in the top 3% nationally during the survey. Moreover, 65% of the residents moved in less than four years ago, ranking in the top 16%, suggesting that the neighborhood has a high turnover rate. Unemployment is also a significant problem, with a national unemployment rate higher than 96% of U.S. block groups.

Despite the recent efforts to revitalize the area, the neighborhood remains plagued by poverty, unemployment, and crime, making it challenging to break the cycle of poverty and violence. It is unclear whether the recent development projects and community programs will help turn the tide and improve the safety of the residents. Still, the high turnover rate suggests that many residents may not have a long-term commitment to the community. Additionally, with the unemployment rate still a significant concern, it may be difficult for residents to break out of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their families.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, America’s worst neighborhoods face significant challenges, including high crime rates, poverty, and a lack of economic opportunity. These issues not only affect the residents of these communities but also have broader implications for the country as a whole. If left unchecked, poverty and crime can lead to cycles of disinvestment, social unrest, and long-term economic stagnation. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-step approach that includes community engagement, law enforcement, economic development, and education. Initiatives like community policing, job training, and youth programs can help create opportunities for residents and reduce crime rates.

For those considering moving into one of these areas or with a loved one living there, it’s important to be aware of the neighborhood’s risks. One way to gather more information about the area and its residents is to run a background check on potential neighbors or acquaintances. This step ensures that you make informed decisions about who you interact with and trust in this high-crime neighborhood. Additionally, it’s important to take precautions such as locking doors and windows, avoiding walking alone at night, and being aware of your surroundings when in this neighborhood. By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can help protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of this neighborhood.