Memphis, Tennessee, often celebrated as the ‘Home of the Blues’ and the ‘Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ carries a less enviable distinction: it’s frequently cited as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. But Why Is Memphis So Dangerous? It’s not just about one type of risk; studies indicate that Memphis fares poorly across various safety metrics, from violent crime to financial stability and even traffic safety. Recent reports and surveys paint a concerning picture, prompting many to question the factors contributing to this reputation.
According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey, Memphis recorded a staggering 129 homicides in the first half of 2024. This figure surpassed that of any other city in the nation during the same period. While this number represents a decrease from the 156 homicides reported in the first six months of 2023, it still positions Memphis as a city grappling with a significant violent crime issue.
The perception of danger in Memphis is not solely based on homicide statistics. WalletHub’s comprehensive safety rankings further illuminate the city’s challenges. In a survey encompassing 182 cities, Memphis consistently ranks low across critical safety categories. These categories extend beyond violent crime to include residents’ financial security, home and community safety, and exposure to natural disaster risks.
When examining financial safety, Memphis struggles significantly. The city ranks second to last in this category, revealing a concerning level of financial vulnerability among its residents. Specifically, data indicates that Memphis has the lowest percentage of households with emergency savings. This financial precarity can contribute to stress and potentially exacerbate other social issues.
Home and community safety are also major concerns in Memphis. Beyond the high homicide rate, the city is among the ten worst cities for assaults per capita. This reflects a broader issue with violent crime that goes beyond just homicides. Furthermore, Memphis’s traffic safety record is alarmingly poor. In 2022, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration positioned Memphis as the city with the highest rate of traffic fatalities in the entire country. While the WalletHub study places it at 173rd in traffic deaths per capita, this still indicates a significant issue with road safety compared to other cities.
While Memphis performs slightly better in terms of natural disaster risk, ranking 101st, this is not enough to offset the deeply concerning scores in other safety categories. It’s perhaps unsurprising that a separate WalletHub study in July found that residents of Memphis are among the most stressed in the nation, likely due to the combination of these safety and financial pressures.
In contrast, cities like Yonkers, New York, which ranked as the 6th safest city in the WalletHub survey, demonstrate that urban centers can achieve high levels of safety. The safest cities overall in the survey included South Burlington, VT, Casper, WY, Warwick, RI, Burlington, VT, and Boise, ID. These comparisons underscore the severity of the safety challenges facing Memphis and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address crime, financial insecurity, and traffic safety to improve the overall well-being of its residents.
