9 Most Dangerous States in America

Crime in America is declining but the numbers are still unsettling.

Last year saw more than 1.2 million rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, and murders committed, according to 24/7 Wall St., which took a closer look at the data in a report published Thursday. The findings show just how localized crime is in the U.S. and driving the stats is economic conditions.

Some of the most violent places in America are in states where residents are struggling financially. The opposite is true for states with economic growth.

In light of this, 24/7 Wall St. ranked the most dangerous states in America according to the number of violent crimes reported for all 50 states. Here are the top 9:

9. South Carolina

Violent crime rate: 488.3 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 392 (16th highest)
Imprisonment rate: 494 adults per 100,000 (23rd highest)
Poverty rate: 15.3% (9th highest)
Most dangerous city: Greenwood

The most common crimes reported in South Carolina include aggravated assault and murder. There were 7.7 homicides and 362.8 aggravated assaults for every 100,000 people committed in the state.

8. Missouri

Violent crime rate: 502.1 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 607 (8th highest)
Imprisonment rate: 687 adults per 100,000 (7th highest)
Poverty rate: 13.2% (19th highest)
Most dangerous city: St. Louis

The major cities of Missouri see the most concentrated criminal activity. The overall murder rate saw 607 homicides committed.

7. Alabama

Violent crime rate: 519.6 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 383 (18th highest)
Imprisonment rate: 626 adults per 100,000 (10th highest)
Poverty rate: 16.8% (7th highest)
Most dangerous city: Anniston

Alabama is a prime example of how economic conditions impact violent crime rates. The poorer areas had a much higher rate, with aggravated assault and murder being especially concentrated.

6. Louisiana

Violent crime rate: 537.5 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 530 (12th highest)
Imprisonment rate: 942 adults per 100,000 (the highest)
Poverty rate: 18.6% (3rd highest)
Most dangerous city: Opelousas

Proof of Louisiana's crime rate is not only evident in the number of reported cases but also in the prisons, which saw a large number of adults incarcerated.

5. Nevada

Violent crime rate: 541.1 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 202 (25th lowest)
Imprisonment rate: 584 adults per 100,000 (13th highest)
Poverty rate: 12.9% (23rd highest)
Most dangerous city: North Las Vegas

While murder and robbery are declining, the number of reported rape cases has increased in Nevada- where North Las Vegas ranks as the most dangerous city.

4. Arkansas

Violent crime rate: 543.6 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 216 (23rd highest)
Imprisonment rate: 781 adults per 100,000 (4th highest)
Poverty rate: 17.2% (5th highest)
Most dangerous city: West Memphis

A large portion of Arkansas' high crime rate was committed in just a few cities, including Pine Bluff and West Memphis.

3. Tennessee

Violent crime rate: 623.7 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 498 (13th highest)
Imprisonment rate: 553 adults per 100,000 (18th highest)
Poverty rate: 15.3% (9th highest)
Most dangerous city: Memphis

Much of Tennessee's' violent crime rate was concentrated in Memphis, which accounted for 30% of all violence in the state,

2. New Mexico

Violent crime rate: 856.6 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 167 (22nd lowest)
Imprisonment rate: 448 adults per 100,000 (23rd lowest)
Poverty rate: 19.5% (2nd highest)
Most dangerous city: Gallup

Violence in America may be dropping, but in New Mexico it is on the rise. The state saw a 10.1% increase within a year, putting its violent crime rate at nearly double the national average.

1. Alaska

Violent crime rate: 885.0 per 100,000 people
Total 2018 murders: 47 (12th lowest)
Imprisonment rate: 343 adults per 100,000 (14th lowest)
Poverty rate: 10.9% (13th lowest)
Most dangerous city: Anchorage

Aggravated assault accounts for a large portion of violent crimes committed in Alaska. The state also saw the highest number of rape cases reported across America.