The Most Dangerous City, State May Surprise You

The rate of violent crime in the US has been steadily declining and is about half of what it was in 1991 when it peaked at 758 crimes for every 100,000 people. But that may be scant consolation for people living in the cities that have not benefited from the trend. 24/7 Wall St has identified the most dangerous city in every state, and some of the results are surprising. For example, the most violent city in the country is possibly one you’ve never heard of. "Violent crime" includes murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape. A sampling:

• Anniston, Alabama: City violent crime rate: 3,310 per 100,000 (the worst in the country); state violent crime rate: 532 per 100,000
• Anchorage, Alaska: City violent crime rate: 1,144 per 100,000; state violent crime rate: 804 per 100,000 (the worst in the country)
• Tucson, Arizona: City violent crime rate: 795 per 100,000; state violent crime rate: 470 per 100,000:
• West Memphis, Arkansas: City violent crime rate: 1,858 per 100,000; state violent crime rate: 551 per 100,000
• Barstow, California: City violent crime rate: 1,511 per 100,000; state violent crime rate: 445 per 100,000
• Pueblo, Colorado: City violent crime rate: 983 per 100,000; state violent crime rate: 343 per 100,000
• Hartford, Connecticut: City violent crime rate: 1,093 per 100,000; state violent crime rate: 227 per 100,000
• Wilmington, Delaware: City violent crime rate: 1,780 per 100,000; state violent crime rate: 509 per 100,000

Click for the complete list and more information on each city. (More violent crime stories.)