Between August 3 and 4, 2019, within a short span of 13 hours, two mass shootings occurred in the United States, leaving a total of 31 dead and over 40 injured. The first shooting took place in El Paso, Texas; the second in Dayton, Ohio.
On August 5, President Trump ordered flags at all government buildings to be flown at half-staff for five days as a solemn tribute to the victims of these horrific acts of violence.
The United States is no stranger to mass shootings. So far this year, 255 mass shootings have occurred in the country. Data show that gun-related homicides in other developed countries are far lower than in the U.S.
Beyond mass shootings, robberies, intentional homicides, sexual assaults, and other crimes have also significantly increased safety concerns. In recent years, more than 30 cases involving the deaths of Chinese students overseas have been reported. The slow progress in the Zhang Yingying kidnapping case has deeply distressed students and parents alike, fueling widespread anxiety about safety in the United States.
A 2019 QS survey of international students found that 81% prioritize local safety and inclusiveness when choosing a study city. Therefore, many parents’ top criterion in school selection is to avoid neighborhoods with poor public security.
Whether studying abroad or traveling, safety is undeniably the foremost factor to consider. Gaining some insight into the safety rankings of U.S. cities is always a wise precaution. Below, CheersYou（清柚教育） will list the FBI’s Top 20 Most Dangerous Cities.
Ranking of the Most Dangerous Cities
20th, South Bend, Indiana
(South Bend, Indiana)
19th, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
18th, Buffalo, New York
(Buffalo, New York)
17th, West Palm Beach, Florida
(West Palm Beach, Florida)
16th, Pueblo, Colorado
(Pueblo, Colorado)
15th, Hartford, Connecticut
(Hartford, Connecticut)
14th, Tulsa, Oklahoma
(Tulsa, Oklahoma)
13th, Lansing, Michigan
(Lansing, Michigan)
12th, Minneapolis, Minnesota
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)
11th, New Orleans, Louisiana
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
10th, Anchorage, Alaska
(Anchorage, Alaska)
9th, Stockton, California
(Stockton, California)
8th, Cleveland, Ohio
(Cleveland, Ohio)
7th, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
6th, Rockford, Illinois
(Rockford, Illinois)
5th
Birmingham, Alabama
(Birmingham, Alabama)
Violent crime rate per 10,000 residents: 86.1
Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city. As the fifth most dangerous city in the nation, Birmingham also ranks high in murder, robbery, and aggravated assault. Over 30% of its residents live in poverty.
4th
Little Rock, Arkansas
(Little Rock, Arkansas)
Violent crime rate per 10,000 residents: 87.4
Little Rock is the capital and largest city of Arkansas. While property crime rates have been declining in recent years, violent crime has been on the rise. The city’s aggravated assault rate ranks sixth nationwide and is the only city in Arkansas to make the list.
3rd
St. Louis, Missouri
(St. Louis, Missouri)
Violent crime rate per 10,000 residents: 91.5
St. Louis is an independent city in Missouri, with the second-highest violent crime rate in the nation and the eighth-highest property crime rate. Many Chinese students studying there report that their schools frequently email them at night advising them not to leave campus.
2nd
Memphis, Tennessee
(Memphis, Tennessee)
Violent crime rate per 10,000 residents: 97.4
Memphis is Tennessee’s largest city and the 17th-largest in the nation. It has the highest aggravated assault rate in the U.S. The local economy struggles, with over a quarter of residents living below the poverty line and an unemployment rate 2% above the national average.
1st
Baltimore, Maryland
(Baltimore, Maryland)
Violent crime rate per 10,000 residents: 98.6
Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and one of the country’s largest independent cities and major seaports. In 2018, it was ranked the most dangerous city in America. Its murder rate is extremely high—11 times the national average.
After reviewing these city safety profiles, do you feel a chill? Here are some safety tips for everyone:
1. Avoid going out alone or taking rides after dark, especially if you are a woman. If you must go out alone, steer clear of isolated streets and make sure at least one friend knows your whereabouts.
2. Always carry $20 with you. If confronted by a robber, stay calm, hand over the money and ask to be let go. Remember, your life is the top priority; money is replaceable. (The key phrase: take my money, let me go.)
3. Do not trust strangers casually or accept rides from them. Also, avoid getting into arguments with anyone.
4. When eating out, try not to let your food leave your sight.
5. When driving alone, check around your car before getting in, and lock the doors immediately once inside.
6. Lock your home before going out. Consider placing a small safe in a concealed spot at home.
7. If you must go to an unsafe area, carry pepper spray for self-defense. (Recommended brand: SABRE pepper spray.)
8. If faced with danger, choose to flee as quickly as possible rather than staying to resist.
9. Inform your parents of the school’s emergency number, the international student office number, and a friend’s contact, so they can reach someone in case of an emergency.
10. If you experience violence, seek help as early as possible. After an attack, call 911 immediately when in a safe situation. If injured, see a doctor promptly, photograph your injuries, and preserve evidence to assist with any subsequent investigation.
Actually, no matter which city you go to, always take care to protect yourself so as not to worry your parents on the other side of the world. Academic success is important, but in the face of life safety, nothing else is as important.
After reviewing the ranking of America’s most dangerous cities, let’s take a look at the most livable areas in the nation: Ranking of the Most Livable U.S. Cities – Where Is Your Dream School?
