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America’s Most Dangerous Cities
Reflections on the American Experiment in Democracy — #1
If I asked you to name the five most dangerous cities in America, the cities where you run the greatest risk of becoming a victim of violent crime, which ones would you name?
If you are like many Americans, you would probably include Chicago on your list. The Windy City has a reputation for violence, and politicians remind us of that every time an election rolls around. There is no question that one should exercise caution when roaming in certain Chicago neighborhoods, and walking alone along a poorly lit street late at night is inviting trouble.
But of course, that is true of virtually any urban area. In fact, Chicago isn’t one of the five most risky cities — nor, for that matter, is Los Angeles, New York, Seattle or Portland. None of them even landed in the top ten. Or in the most dangerous twenty-five. They aren’t in the top fifty either — and believe it or not, none appear on this year’s list of America’s 100 Most Dangerous Cities.
That list is compiled annually by Neighborhood Scout, a nationwide real estate research firm which draws its data from the FBI and the U.S. Census Bureau, among other sources. They offer detailed information about any and all incorporated cities with a population of at least 25,000…
