10 US states facing the fastest-growing crime crisis
Crime in the United States varies from state to state. While some states are seeing crime rates go down, others are facing increases in certain types of crime that worry both residents and officials. These changes affect daily life, from how communities budget for safety to concerns about grocery store security and confidence in public travel.
Experts point out that violent and property crime rates across the country have mostly gone down in recent years. However, some areas are seeing sharp increases that need to be discussed. USAFacts reports that Hawaii had the biggest jump in violent crime at 16.4 percent, and property crime rose by 16.6 percent from 2023 to 2024, even though national numbers mostly dropped.
Hawaii
In the peaceful island communities where beach life is the heartbeat of daily life, Hawaii has caught many off guard with a sharp increase in reported crime.
In 2023 and 2024, the state had the largest annual increases in both violent and property crime among all states, with violent crime up 16.4 percent and property crime up 16.6 percent. Local advocacy groups say this shift feels like a wake‑up call after years of relatively calm streets.
Wyoming
Wyoming, often associated with wide open spaces and cowboy lore, has also seen crime figures climb unexpectedly. According to FBI state comparison data, Wyoming’s violent crime rate increased by 6.4 percent year over year, one of the larger jumps in the country.
Officials in Cheyenne and Casper are discussing how community policing and economic opportunity can help turn this trend around, with a focus on incorporating health and outreach programs into prevention.
Vermont
Nestled in green mountains and known for autumn splendor, Vermont posted a 4.1 percent rise in violent crime from the prior year, one of the few increases in the Northeast.
Residents in Burlington say they haven’t felt unsafe day to day, but local police data confirms incremental spikes in burglaries and assaults that officials are trying to address with community outreach and youth programs.
New Jersey’s
New Jersey often ranks among the states with lower overall crime rates, recent FBI data shows it had one of the higher year‑over‑year increases in reported violent crime.
Suburban and urban communities alike are debating how best to balance economic recovery with public safety investments, and some locals speak candidly about the shift affecting their lifestyle and sense of security.
Indiana
Indiana hasn’t just seen street crime grow, it’s also been hit hard by digital offenses. Internet crime complaints in 2024 jumped a dramatic 113% compared with 2023, placing the state near the top nationally for reported online scams.
Most of these involve romance and investment fraud schemes that chip away at money and trust. Law enforcement warns that savvy digital habits are just as important as locking doors.
Alaska
Alaska continues to register some of the nation’s highest violent crime rates, with roughly 724 incidents per 100,000 residents reported in 2024.
Anchorage has been the focus of new public safety partnerships after local authorities highlighted that a large share of the state’s most serious offenses happen in and around its largest city.
New Mexico
New Mexico has regularly ranked high for both violent and property crime, with figures often exceeding 700 reported violent incidents per 100,000 residents.
Albuquerque officials cite systemic challenges, including economic disparity, that make crime reduction a long‑term effort. Efforts to strengthen neighborhood watches have become common conversation starters at local relationships and community forums.
Tennessee
Tennessee remains near the top of state crime rankings, with elevated reports of violent and property offenses.
Memphis, in particular, has garnered national attention for its high city crime figures, prompting federal and local initiatives to work side by side on solutions. Residents often share stories of late nights where they weigh nightlife against caution about known trouble spots.
Arkansas
Arkansas has seen crime inch upward as well, with violent crime rates among the higher figures in the South. Local leaders stress that a mix of social programs and policing partnerships are critical to restoring confidence, especially where neighborhoods report frequent thefts and assaults.
For many families, everyday chores like a grocery run are now often done with extra eyes on safety
Louisiana
Rounding out our look at states with fast‑rising or high crime markers is Louisiana, where violent crime has often stayed ahead of the national average. (SafeHome.org)
In New Orleans and other urban hubs, residents and business owners grapple with how to revitalize neighborhoods while reducing offenses that impact money and local economies. It’s a topic that comes up over coffee more often than many would like.
Conclusion
While these states may not have been the ones we typically associate with rising crime, the truth is clear: crime is evolving, and it’s affecting more places than we realize. Whether it’s the quiet shores of Hawaii or the vast open spaces of Wyoming, no state is immune to these growing challenges
recognizing the issue is the first step toward change. With proactive efforts, community engagement, and a shift in focus, we can turn the tide. It’s up to all of us to stay informed, stay involved, and make sure that the story of crime in America isn’t one of constant escalation, but one of recovery and resilience.
