15 Most Dangerous Cities in the World Based on the Crime Statistics

According to the World Population Review, countries like Haiti, Mexico, and South Africa have the most dangerous cities in the world with the highest crime rates. Their cities, such as Port-au-Prince and Pietermaritzburg, suffer from widespread violence. 

However, danger isn’t limited to countries already known for crime. Even nations with generally low crime rates have some high-risk areas. For example, Memphis in the United States records one of the highest crime levels, with a Numbeo score of nearly 89.

To identify the most violent cities in the world, we analyzed crime data from Numbeo’s city crime indexes and NeighborhoodScout’s reports. Read on for the detailed list to stay informed about the world’s most dangerous cities. Stay till the end to learn about the practical tips to remain safe in these places.

How We Determined the Most Dangerous Cities in the World?

To organize the list of dangerous cities, we examined Numbeo’s crowd-sourced crime statistics for cities worldwide. For this, our editors especially focused on each city’s Crime Index, recent trends, and safety ratings. Cities where the crime index is very high (often above 80) and rising over the past five years were flagged. 

We also reviewed NeighborhoodScout data, where available, which uses FBI and local data to rank city crime rates. By combining these sources, we compiled a list of 15 cities with alarmingly high violent crime and theft levels. 

15 Most Violent Cities in the World Based on Crime Statistics

With the methodology above, the cities below emerge as particularly dangerous. Each one of these places faces severe violence, often driven by gang warfare, poverty, or social unrest.

1. Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Port-au-Prince consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in the world on Numbeo. Its Crime Index score shows an extremely high value of 85.15, reflecting prevalent street crime, kidnappings, and gang dominance. Based on the World Population Review statistics, over 4700 murders and 2490 kidnappings were recorded nationwide.

Citizens report extremely low safety at night and high anxiety about home break-ins. Travelers and locals are advised to avoid informal settlements and certain downtown zones.

2. Ciudad Obregón, Mexico

In Mexico’s northern state of Sonora, Ciudad Obregón faces increasing cartel violence. Drug trafficking turf wars have driven the murder rate to extreme levels. According to Numbeo’s crime numbers, it has a very high level of crime, with values touching 92.50.

Shootouts between rival gangs are common, making streets in some neighborhoods like Emiliano Zapata and Horizonte very dangerous. Overall, poverty and weak police resources mean crimes such as armed robbery and extortion are widespread.

3. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

As a large city in KwaZulu-Natal province, Pietermaritzburg suffers high rates of violent crime, having a crime index of 82.81 according to Numbeo. South Africa has one of the world’s highest assault and murder rates, and this city is no exception. 

The poorer districts of this most unsafe city in the world also suffer from gang-related violence and robberies. Safety walking alone at night is rated very low (11.58), and even daytime streets can be unsafe in some townships.

4. Machala, Ecuador

Situated in El Oro province, Machala is experiencing a rapid increase in crime, with a rate of 96.43 in the last 5 years. Although Ecuador’s crime index is moderate, Machala’s local index is much higher. It is a key transit point for drugs coming from Peru, and gangs compete for control. 

Based on the Numbeo data, residents in this one of the most dangerous cities in the world have to deal with worries of being mugged or robbed. Poverty is widespread outside the city center, which drives some into theft or gang activity. 

5. Caracas, Venezuela

It was once called the murder capital of the world, as this city is frequently named the most dangerous capital. The murder rate of this city reached its peak in 2016, after which it has been on a decline, but is still greater than in other places in the world. Unfortunately, its level of crime value has now reached over 91.88 due to extreme gun violence and street robberies. 

Economic collapse and weak policing mean gangs freely roam. Wealthy or tourist areas like Chacao and Altamira have private security, but many barrios are controlled by gangs who prey on outsiders.

6. Memphis, TN, United States

Memphis tops the USA crime charts, as it has one of the highest crime rates in America. According to NeighborhoodScout, this city suffers from 26.05 violent crimes per 1000 residents, with a 1-in-9 chance of victimization. 

Moreover, homicides are frequent, especially in some places of the Whitehaven and Hickory Hill neighborhoods. Overall, your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Memphis is higher than in many war-torn regions.

7. Pretoria, South Africa

Being one of South Africa’s three capital cities, Pretoria faces similar issues to nearby Johannesburg. Its crime index has increased to over 81.87 according to the Numbeo statistics. Moreover, neighborhoods (Sunnyside and Pretoria Central) of this most unsafe city in the world suffer from robberies and carjackings. 

Like Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria is affected by the country’s high rates of assault, rape, and gang violence. The safety index is very low, meaning locals feel unsafe walking outside at night.

8. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

According to the World Population Review, Trinidad and Tobago has the 7th-highest crime rate worldwide. Among its most violent cities, Port of Spain stands out at the top due to gang conflicts and frequent shootings. The city’s narrow streets, especially in areas like Laventille, can be very unsafe after dark. 

With a Numbeo crime index of 86.73, citizens report being very worried about assaults and armed robberies. Tourists and residents of this one of the most violent cities in the world alike are advised to avoid walking alone at night, even in otherwise busy districts.

9. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Violent crime, with a crime index of 81.13, is common in Port Moresby’s urban areas, fueled by weak law enforcement. Its notorious Raskol gangs and armed robberies plague even major roads and neighborhoods. Several suburbs are effectively unsafe after dark, with reports of assaults and vehicle-related thefts. 

Unfortunately, the law enforcement capacity of this world’s most dangerous city is limited, and police response times can be slow. Tourism and business operations are deeply affected, and everyday life relies on guarded zones or escorted travel.

10. Zamora de Hidalgo, México

Located in Michoacán state, Zamora de Hidalgo struggles with cartel-related violence. The city is in the heartland of fighting between criminal groups, having a crime index of around 79.74 based on the Numbeo data. When gangs come face to face in this violent city, shootouts and ambushes occur in public. 

Residents report that even daytime movement is risky due to cartels like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Carteles Unidos.. So, many locals avoid certain neighborhoods entirely. 

11. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Once considered the murder capital of the world, San Pedro Sula still battles high levels of crime, reaching up to 89.18. Gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18 fight turf wars that spill into the streets, affecting the overall safety of the city. 

Although murder rates have fallen recently, crime remains intense compared to most cities. Many residents limit travel to group activities and prefer to use guarded transport. 

12. Natal, Brazil

Reaching the Numbeo level of crime score of 91.05, Natal has seen rising violent crime in recent years. Poorer neighborhoods and outlying slums experience frequent incidents of robberies and home invasions. However, tourist areas like Ponta Negra remain relatively safer in daylight, but random assaults occur. 

Moreover, its Numbeo crime index is high, and people express serious concerns about being mugged or robbed. Overall, people are recommended to install security appliances while living in this one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

13. Baltimore, United States

Baltimore has one of the highest crime rates of any city in the USA. NeighborhoodScout reports a crime rate of 59 per 1000 residents, which is among the worst nationwide. Violent crimes and property crimes occur frequently, especially in areas like Sandtown-Winchester. 

Residents say walking alone at night is very unsafe almost anywhere. Locals commonly use security cameras and alarms from brands like eufy to protect their homes.

14. Cali, Colombia

Once infamous for drug-cartel violence, Cali has improved security-wise, but the crime index is still above 72.Colombia’s national crime index is moderate, but Cali’s urban problems keep it toward the high end. Certain neighborhoods of this city, including Aguablanca, still report frequent homicides and assaults. 

Citizens often worry more about theft and carjackings. For safety reasons, many citizens avoid less-traveled areas after dark and use secured housing where possible. 

15. São Paulo, Brazil

Although São Paulo is South America’s largest city, it has areas of extreme poverty that fuel crime. According to the Numbeo statistics, its overall crime index is high, reaching up to 70.03. Moreover, slums like Paraisópolis and Heliópolis see gang turf battles and armed robberies. 

On the other hand, wealthy districts and business centers remain relatively safer with private security. Locals often report about the assault and armed robbery incidents in this one of the most violent cities in the world.

What’s Behind the High Crime Rates in the Most Violent Cities in the World?

As we’ve seen, each city struggles with different challenges, including gang violence and political unrest. However, many of these problems have some common basics. Let’s look at what drives crime rates in these dangerous cities:

• Poverty and Inequality: Widespread poverty and social inequality usually results in more crime. South Africa’s high assault and homicide rates, for example, are linked to extreme poverty and social exclusion.
• Gang and Drug Trade: Many dangerous cities are hotbeds for gangs or drug cartels. For instance, Haiti’s capital has over 150 gangs controlling key areas. Moreover, drug turf wars in Mexican cities or U.S. inner cities similarly fuel killings and violence.
• Weak Law Enforcement: In cities where police forces are underfunded or corrupt, criminals act with impunity. Haiti’s weak policing and open borders have allowed crime to flourish, and the same goes for many developing cities.
• Political Instability: Wars and unrest disrupt societies and law and order. Civil conflict or unstable governments, as seen in Venezuela, often coincide with spikes in violence.

What Are the Best Ways to Stay Safe in the Most Dangerous Cities in the World?

Even in unsafe cities, you just need to turn to careful strategies for reduced risk of becoming a victim:

1. Stay Far from Isolated Areas at Night

As a basic safety tip, we recommend you avoid walking or driving alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Moreover, stick to well-traveled routes and busy areas after dark. Locals of these most unsafe cities in the world advise traveling in groups whenever possible.

2. Install Security Cameras in Your Homes

With advancements in technology, cameras can now deter burglars and provide evidence if a crime occurs. Modern eufy Security Cameras have 4K resolution and AI motion detection, and even give real-time alerts to your phone.

Visible cameras around your perimeter signal that your home is being watched. This not only helps catch criminals, but can also prevent break-ins before they happen.

3. Change Your Travel Routine

Criminals often target predictable behavior. So, it is advised to vary routes and schedules for work, shopping, and recreation. Taking different streets or times reduces the chance of someone staking out your habits. 

4. Take Help from Advanced Security Systems

For ultimate security in the most dangerous cities in the world, consider an advanced system like the eufy ExpertSecure E10. This 24/7 home security hub combines local AI-powered video surveillance with professional monitoring. It features efficient sensors and weatherproof outdoor cameras to keep an eye on intruders.

If a break-in is detected, the monitoring center uses video verification and will notify both you and local authorities instantly. In dangerous cities, such advanced security keeps criminals at bay before they enter.

5. Know Local Emergency Contacts

Keep a list of emergency numbers, including police, fire, and ambulance, saved in your phone. In a crisis, dial local emergency services immediately. When available, register with your embassy so that officials know you are in the area. 

Conclusion

All in all, the most dangerous cities in the world are often shaped by poverty, gangs, and weak governance. Throughout this article, we’ve highlighted 15 cities where crime runs especially high, from Port-au-Prince to Baltimore. 

The good news is that technology can help, as eufy security products are designed precisely for these environments. Residents of these cities can use the ExpertSecure E10 system to get critical early warning and professional backup. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the highest crime rate overall? 

According to international rankings, Venezuela and South Africa often have the highest national crime indexes. These countries see very high rates of violent crime, including assault and murder. Haiti and Papua New Guinea are also regularly near the top globally.

Which country has the most cities on the “most dangerous” list? 

Mexico has the most cities on the “most dangerous cities in the world” lists, with several urban centers like Ciudad Obregón and Zamora. South Africa also contributes with multiple cities, such as Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg, having high violent crime rates. 

What is the safest city in the whole world? 

Based on the Numbeo statistics, Abu Dhabi is frequently ranked the world’s safest city. Its Numbeo safety index of around 89 tops global lists. Strong policing and strict laws help keep crime very low in Abu Dhabi and other cities of the United Arab Emirates.