MONEY
Crime
Where crime is soaring in every state
Feb. 28, 2019, 7:15 a.m. ET
24/7 Wall St. reviewed five-year changes in violent crime rates in 283 U.S. metro areas that have comparable data to identify, in every state, the city where crime is climbing fastest. The violent crime rate is a measure of the number of murders, robberies, rapes and aggravated assaults for every 100,000 people in a given year. Nationwide, aggravated assault is by far the most common violent offense, and in most cities on this list, climbing rates of aggravated assault drove the overall increase in violence.
South_agency / Getty Images
1. Alabama: Auburn-Opelika
• 5-year change in crime rate: +113.7 percent (metro area) +16.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 552 (metro area) 524 (state)
• 2017 murders: 12 (metro area) 404 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.9 percent (metro area) 4.4 percent (state)
Rivers Langley; SaveRivers / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +113.7 percent (metro area) +16.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 552 (metro area) 524 (state)
• 2017 murders: 12 (metro area) 404 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.9 percent (metro area) 4.4 percent (state)
2. Alaska: Fairbanks
• 5-year change in crime rate: +15.0 percent (metro area) +37.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 608 (metro area) 829 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (metro area) 62 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 6.3 percent (metro area) 7.2 percent (state)
Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +15.0 percent (metro area) +37.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 608 (metro area) 829 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (metro area) 62 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 6.3 percent (metro area) 7.2 percent (state)
3. Arizona: Flagstaff
• 5-year change in crime rate: +14.6 percent (metro area) +18.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 384 (metro area) 508 (state)
• 2017 murders: 11 (metro area) 416 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.6 percent (metro area) 4.9 percent (state)
Rodrigoparedes / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +14.6 percent (metro area) +18.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 384 (metro area) 508 (state)
• 2017 murders: 11 (metro area) 416 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.6 percent (metro area) 4.9 percent (state)
4. Arkansas: Jonesboro
• 5-year change in crime rate: +38.8 percent (metro area) +18.3 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 454 (metro area) 555 (state)
• 2017 murders: 16 (metro area) 258 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.2 percent (metro area) 3.7 percent (state)
Thomas R Machnitzki ([email protected]) / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +38.8 percent (metro area) +18.3 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 454 (metro area) 555 (state)
• 2017 murders: 16 (metro area) 258 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.2 percent (metro area) 3.7 percent (state)
5. California: Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura
• 5-year change in crime rate: +32.4 percent (metro area) +6.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 263 (metro area) 449 (state)
• 2017 murders: 26 (metro area) 1,830 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (metro area) 4.8 percent (state)
Kenlund / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +32.4 percent (metro area) +6.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 263 (metro area) 449 (state)
• 2017 murders: 26 (metro area) 1,830 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (metro area) 4.8 percent (state)
6. Colorado: Pueblo
• 5-year change in crime rate: +42.2 percent (metro area) +19.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 726 (metro area) 368 (state)
• 2017 murders: 11 (metro area) 221 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 2.8 percent (state)
Kenlund / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +42.2 percent (metro area) +19.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 726 (metro area) 368 (state)
• 2017 murders: 11 (metro area) 221 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 2.8 percent (state)
7. Connecticut: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: -19.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 228 (state)
• 2017 murders: 102 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.7 percent (state)
Enfi / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: -19.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 228 (state)
• 2017 murders: 102 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.7 percent (state)
8. Delaware: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: -17.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 453 (state)
• 2017 murders: 54 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.6 percent (state)
Ymn / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: -17.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 453 (state)
• 2017 murders: 54 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.6 percent (state)
9. Florida: The Villages
• 5-year change in crime rate: +35.7 percent (metro area) -16.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 234 (metro area) 408 (state)
• 2017 murders: 6 (metro area) 1,057 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 6.0 percent (metro area) 4.2 percent (state)
Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +35.7 percent (metro area) -16.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 234 (metro area) 408 (state)
• 2017 murders: 6 (metro area) 1,057 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 6.0 percent (metro area) 4.2 percent (state)
10. Georgia: Gainesville
• 5-year change in crime rate: +26.7 percent (metro area) -5.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 221 (metro area) 357 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 703 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.9 percent (metro area) 4.7 percent (state)
Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +26.7 percent (metro area) -5.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 221 (metro area) 357 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 703 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.9 percent (metro area) 4.7 percent (state)
11. Hawaii: Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina
• 5-year change in crime rate: +3.9 percent (metro area) +4.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 269 (metro area) 251 (state)
• 2017 murders: 2 (metro area) 39 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.5 percent (metro area) 2.4 percent (state)
7Michael / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +3.9 percent (metro area) +4.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 269 (metro area) 251 (state)
• 2017 murders: 2 (metro area) 39 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.5 percent (metro area) 2.4 percent (state)
12. Idaho: Idaho Falls
• 5-year change in crime rate: +45.5 percent (metro area) +8.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 239 (metro area) 226 (state)
• 2017 murders: 2 (metro area) 32 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.6 percent (metro area) 3.2 percent (state)
5of7 / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +45.5 percent (metro area) +8.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 239 (metro area) 226 (state)
• 2017 murders: 2 (metro area) 32 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.6 percent (metro area) 3.2 percent (state)
13. Illinois: Danville
• 5-year change in crime rate: +61.8 percent (metro area) +5.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 901 (metro area) 439 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (metro area) 997 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 6.3 percent (metro area) 5 percent (state)
Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +61.8 percent (metro area) +5.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 901 (metro area) 439 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (metro area) 997 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 6.3 percent (metro area) 5 percent (state)
14. Indiana: Kokomo
• 5-year change in crime rate: +122.8 percent (metro area) +15.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 593 (metro area) 399 (state)
• 2017 murders: 6 (metro area) 397 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.8 percent (metro area) 3.5 percent (state)
Davidwilson1949 / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +122.8 percent (metro area) +15.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 593 (metro area) 399 (state)
• 2017 murders: 6 (metro area) 397 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.8 percent (metro area) 3.5 percent (state)
15. Iowa: Sioux City
• 5-year change in crime rate: +37.0 percent (metro area) +11.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 291 (metro area) 293 (state)
• 2017 murders: 3 (metro area) 104 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.2 percent (metro area) 3.1 percent (state)
Dustin77a / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +37.0 percent (metro area) +11.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 291 (metro area) 293 (state)
• 2017 murders: 3 (metro area) 104 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.2 percent (metro area) 3.1 percent (state)
16. Kansas: Wichita
• 5-year change in crime rate: +36.9 percent (metro area) +16.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 724 (metro area) 413 (state)
• 2017 murders: 44 (metro area) 160 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.1 percent (metro area) 3.6 percent (state)
Sean Pavone / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +36.9 percent (metro area) +16.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 724 (metro area) 413 (state)
• 2017 murders: 44 (metro area) 160 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.1 percent (metro area) 3.6 percent (state)
17. Kentucky: Elizabethtown-Fort Knox
• 5-year change in crime rate: +49.1 percent (metro area) +1.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 113 (metro area) 226 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 263 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.7 percent (metro area) 4.9 percent (state)
Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +49.1 percent (metro area) +1.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 113 (metro area) 226 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 263 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.7 percent (metro area) 4.9 percent (state)
18. Louisiana: Houma-Thibodaux
• 5-year change in crime rate: +11.4 percent (metro area) +12.1 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 325 (metro area) 557 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (metro area) 582 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.5 percent (metro area) 5.1 percent (state)
Con4tini / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +11.4 percent (metro area) +12.1 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 325 (metro area) 557 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (metro area) 582 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.5 percent (metro area) 5.1 percent (state)
19. Maine: Lewiston-Auburn
• 5-year change in crime rate: +7.5 percent (metro area) -1.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 157 (metro area) 121 (state)
• 2017 murders: 0 (metro area) 23 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.1 percent (metro area) 3.3 percent (state)
John Phelan / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +7.5 percent (metro area) -1.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 157 (metro area) 121 (state)
• 2017 murders: 0 (metro area) 23 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.1 percent (metro area) 3.3 percent (state)
20. Maryland: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
• 5-year change in crime rate: +26.0 percent (metro area) +4.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 783 (metro area) 500 (state)
• 2017 murders: 413 (metro area) 546 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 4.1 percent (state)
Sean Pavone / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +26.0 percent (metro area) +4.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 783 (metro area) 500 (state)
• 2017 murders: 413 (metro area) 546 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 4.1 percent (state)
21. Massachusetts: Pittsfield
• 5-year change in crime rate: +60.4 percent (metro area) -11.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 558 (metro area) 358 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 173 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.4 percent (metro area) 3.7 percent (state)
Devardhan / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +60.4 percent (metro area) -11.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 558 (metro area) 358 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 173 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.4 percent (metro area) 3.7 percent (state)
22. Michigan: Kalamazoo-Portage
• 5-year change in crime rate: +39.6 percent (metro area) -1.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 501 (metro area) 450 (state)
• 2017 murders: 16 (metro area) 569 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (metro area) 4.6 percent (state)
JTGrafix / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +39.6 percent (metro area) -1.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 501 (metro area) 450 (state)
• 2017 murders: 16 (metro area) 569 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (metro area) 4.6 percent (state)
23. Minnesota: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: +3.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 238 (state)
• 2017 murders: 113 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.5 percent (state)
7Michael / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +3.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 238 (state)
• 2017 murders: 113 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.5 percent (state)
24. Mississippi: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: +9.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 286 (state)
• 2017 murders: 245 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.1 percent (state)
Tiago_Fernandez / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +9.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 286 (state)
• 2017 murders: 245 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.1 percent (state)
25. Missouri: St. Joseph
• 5-year change in crime rate: +32.0 percent (metro area) +17.6 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 415 (metro area) 530 (state)
• 2017 murders: 8 (metro area) 600 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.4 percent (metro area) 3.8 percent (state)
25or6to4 / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +32.0 percent (metro area) +17.6 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 415 (metro area) 530 (state)
• 2017 murders: 8 (metro area) 600 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.4 percent (metro area) 3.8 percent (state)
26. Montana: Great Falls
• 5-year change in crime rate: +46.0 percent (metro area) +38.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 337 (metro area) 377 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 41 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.8 percent (metro area) 4 percent (state)
Douglas Rissing / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +46.0 percent (metro area) +38.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 337 (metro area) 377 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 41 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.8 percent (metro area) 4 percent (state)
27. Nebraska: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: +17.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 306 (state)
• 2017 murders: 43 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.9 percent (state)
IamVagabond / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +17.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 306 (state)
• 2017 murders: 43 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.9 percent (state)
28. Nevada: Carson City
• 5-year change in crime rate: +53.2 percent (metro area) -8.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 360 (metro area) 556 (state)
• 2017 murders: 1 (metro area) 274 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.1 percent (metro area) 5 percent (state)
Patrick_nouhailler / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +53.2 percent (metro area) -8.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 360 (metro area) 556 (state)
• 2017 murders: 1 (metro area) 274 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.1 percent (metro area) 5 percent (state)
29. New Hampshire: Manchester-Nashua
• 5-year change in crime rate: +7.4 percent (metro area) +5.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 266 (metro area) 199 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 14 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.6 percent (metro area) 2.7 percent (state)
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +7.4 percent (metro area) +5.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 266 (metro area) 199 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 14 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.6 percent (metro area) 2.7 percent (state)
30. New Jersey: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: -21.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 229 (state)
• 2017 murders: 324 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.6 percent (state)
Creative-Family / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: -21.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 229 (state)
• 2017 murders: 324 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.6 percent (state)
31. New Mexico: Albuquerque
• 5-year change in crime rate: +68.2 percent (metro area) +40.1 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,085 (metro area) 784 (state)
• 2017 murders: 81 (metro area) 148 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.7 percent (metro area) 6.2 percent (state)
Ron Reiring / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +68.2 percent (metro area) +40.1 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,085 (metro area) 784 (state)
• 2017 murders: 81 (metro area) 148 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.7 percent (metro area) 6.2 percent (state)
32. New York: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: -12.3 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 357 (state)
• 2017 murders: 548 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.7 percent (state)
Spyarm / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: -12.3 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 357 (state)
• 2017 murders: 548 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.7 percent (state)
33. North Carolina: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: +2.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 364 (state)
• 2017 murders: 591 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.6 percent (state)
RickSause / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +2.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 364 (state)
• 2017 murders: 591 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.6 percent (state)
34. North Dakota: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: +15.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 281 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.6 percent (state)
ChrisBoswell / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +15.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 281 (state)
• 2017 murders: 10 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.6 percent (state)
35. Ohio: Mansfield
• 5-year change in crime rate: +37.2 percent (metro area) -0.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 269 (metro area) 298 (state)
• 2017 murders: 7 (metro area) 710 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.5 percent (metro area) 5 percent (state)
Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons• 5-year change in crime rate: +37.2 percent (metro area) -0.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 269 (metro area) 298 (state)
• 2017 murders: 7 (metro area) 710 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.5 percent (metro area) 5 percent (state)
36. Oklahoma: Tulsa
• 5-year change in crime rate: +4.2 percent (metro area) -2.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 566 (metro area) 456 (state)
• 2017 murders: 90 (metro area) 242 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (metro area) 4.3 percent (state)
Digidreamgrafix / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +4.2 percent (metro area) -2.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 566 (metro area) 456 (state)
• 2017 murders: 90 (metro area) 242 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (metro area) 4.3 percent (state)
37. Oregon: Corvallis
• 5-year change in crime rate: +25.1 percent (metro area) +13.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 139 (metro area) 282 (state)
• 2017 murders: 3 (metro area) 104 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.3 percent (metro area) 4.1 percent (state)
Rssfhs / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +25.1 percent (metro area) +13.8 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 139 (metro area) 282 (state)
• 2017 murders: 3 (metro area) 104 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.3 percent (metro area) 4.1 percent (state)
38. Pennsylvania: Gettysburg
• 5-year change in crime rate: +27.7 percent (metro area) -10.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 141 (metro area) 313 (state)
• 2017 murders: 1 (metro area) 739 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.7 percent (metro area) 4.9 percent (state)
Zrfphoto / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +27.7 percent (metro area) -10.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 141 (metro area) 313 (state)
• 2017 murders: 1 (metro area) 739 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.7 percent (metro area) 4.9 percent (state)
39. Rhode Island: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: -8.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 232 (state)
• 2017 murders: 20 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (state)
Meybruck / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: -8.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 232 (state)
• 2017 murders: 20 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.5 percent (state)
40. South Carolina: Florence
• 5-year change in crime rate: +53.7 percent (metro area) -9.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 836 (metro area) 506 (state)
• 2017 murders: 48 (metro area) 390 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.8 percent (metro area) 4.3 percent (state)
Https://www.flickr.com/photos/mixtapepl/• 5-year change in crime rate: +53.7 percent (metro area) -9.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 836 (metro area) 506 (state)
• 2017 murders: 48 (metro area) 390 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.8 percent (metro area) 4.3 percent (state)
41. South Dakota: Rapid City
• 5-year change in crime rate: +25.5 percent (metro area) +34.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 480 (metro area) 434 (state)
• 2017 murders: 7 (metro area) 25 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.5 percent (metro area) 3.3 percent (state)
EunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +25.5 percent (metro area) +34.7 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 480 (metro area) 434 (state)
• 2017 murders: 7 (metro area) 25 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.5 percent (metro area) 3.3 percent (state)
42. Tennessee: Memphis
• 5-year change in crime rate: +10.6 percent (metro area) +1.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,168 (metro area) 652 (state)
• 2017 murders: 220 (metro area) 527 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 3.7 percent (state)
Sean Pavone / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +10.6 percent (metro area) +1.2 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 1,168 (metro area) 652 (state)
• 2017 murders: 220 (metro area) 527 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 3.7 percent (state)
43. Texas: Amarillo
• 5-year change in crime rate: +20.6 percent (metro area) +7.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 634 (metro area) 439 (state)
• 2017 murders: 17 (metro area) 1,412 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.0 percent (metro area) 4.3 percent (state)
RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +20.6 percent (metro area) +7.4 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 634 (metro area) 439 (state)
• 2017 murders: 17 (metro area) 1,412 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.0 percent (metro area) 4.3 percent (state)
44. Utah: Logan
• 5-year change in crime rate: +49.3 percent (metro area) +16.1 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 80 (metro area) 239 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 73 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.7 percent (metro area) 3.2 percent (state)
Kenlund / Flickr• 5-year change in crime rate: +49.3 percent (metro area) +16.1 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 80 (metro area) 239 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 73 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 2.7 percent (metro area) 3.2 percent (state)
45. Vermont: None
• 5-year change in crime rate: 14.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 143 (state)
• 2017 murders: 8 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.0 percent (state)
Sean Pavone / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: 14.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 143 (state)
• 2017 murders: 8 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.0 percent (state)
46. Virginia: Lynchburg
• 5-year change in crime rate: +23.4 percent (metro area) +9.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 192 (metro area) 208 (state)
• 2017 murders: 7 (metro area) 453 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 3.8 percent (state)
SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +23.4 percent (metro area) +9.5 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 192 (metro area) 208 (state)
• 2017 murders: 7 (metro area) 453 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 4.3 percent (metro area) 3.8 percent (state)
47. Washington: Walla Walla
• 5-year change in crime rate: +46.6 percent (metro area) +3.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 336 (metro area) 305 (state)
• 2017 murders: 1 (metro area) 230 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.0 percent (metro area) 4.8 percent (state)
Russmac / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +46.6 percent (metro area) +3.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 336 (metro area) 305 (state)
• 2017 murders: 1 (metro area) 230 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.0 percent (metro area) 4.8 percent (state)
48. West Virginia: Parkersburg-Vienna
• 5-year change in crime rate: +29.3 percent (metro area) +10.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 436 (metro area) 351 (state)
• 2017 murders: 8 (metro area) 85 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.6 percent (metro area) 5.2 percent (state)
6381380 / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +29.3 percent (metro area) +10.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 436 (metro area) 351 (state)
• 2017 murders: 8 (metro area) 85 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 5.6 percent (metro area) 5.2 percent (state)
49. Wisconsin: Wausau
• 5-year change in crime rate: +28.1 percent (metro area) +14.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 160 (metro area) 320 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 186 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.0 percent (metro area) 3.3 percent (state)
Michael-Tatman / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +28.1 percent (metro area) +14.0 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 160 (metro area) 320 (state)
• 2017 murders: 4 (metro area) 186 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.0 percent (metro area) 3.3 percent (state)
50. Wyoming: Cheyenne
• 5-year change in crime rate: +22.4 percent (metro area) +17.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 295 (metro area) 238 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 15 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.7 percent (metro area) 4.2 percent (state)
Davel5957 / Getty Images• 5-year change in crime rate: +22.4 percent (metro area) +17.9 percent (state)
• 2017 violent crimes per 100,000 people: 295 (metro area) 238 (state)
• 2017 murders: 5 (metro area) 15 (state)
• 2017 unemployment: 3.7 percent (metro area) 4.2 percent (state)
Featured Weekly Ad