New Study Reveals Most Dangerous U.S. Tourist Hotspots

A recent analysis exposes a stark reality: some of the United States' top tourist destinations also rank among its most hazardous. Cities across America face a difficult issue where popular attractions often coincide with neighborhoods experiencing elevated crime, explained Chandon Alexander, CEO of Spartacus Law Firm, the organization behind the study. This is particularly alarming for international travelers who may unknowingly enter risky areas near well-known tourist spots.

To assess the danger, the firm cross-referenced crime statistics in major U.S. cities with overseas visitor numbers, producing a Tourist-Risk Score that highlights locations where high tourist traffic intersects with high crime rates. Both violent and non-violent crimes per 100,000 residents were included in the calculation.

Top 10 U.S. Cities with Highest Tourist Risk

1. Portland, Oregon: Known for its food carts and indie culture, Portland records a crime rate of 2,897 per 100,000 residents. The city attracts roughly 138,000 international visitors annually, giving it a tourist-risk score of 76.7.
2. Dallas, Texas: With a crime rate of 2,078 per 100K and about 655,000 overseas visitors, Dallas earns a score of 76.9. It is one of two Texas cities featured in the top ten.
3. Los Angeles, California: The nations leading tourist hub sees 3.6 million international travelers yearly. Its crime rate of 1,966 per 100K results in a risk score of 78.9, reflecting concerns in areas beyond the famous attractions.
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Despite attracting only 167,000 overseas tourists, Minneapolis has a high crime rate of 2,859 per 100K, giving it a tourist-risk score of 79.1.
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: With 2,602 crimes per 100K residents and 529,000 international visitors, Philadelphia achieves a score of 79.7. Safety diminishes outside the well-guarded historic center.
6. Seattle, Washington: The citys crime rate of 2,579 and 579,000 overseas visitors result in a risk score of 79.8. Downtown areas see frequent petty theft despite the citys popularity.
7. Washington, D.C.: Hosting 1.6 million international tourists, the nations capital has a crime rate of 2,125 per 100K, translating to a risk score of 81.1. Safety levels can change rapidly just outside major attractions like the National Mall.
8. Denver, Colorado: Denvers crime rate of 2,710 per 100K and 286,000 overseas visitors give it a tourist-risk score of 82.9. Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, but vigilance is advised downtown.
9. Detroit, Michigan: With the highest crime rate in the ranking at 2,941 per 100K, Detroit scores 84.3 despite modest international tourism of 220,000 visitors. Cultural revitalization has not eliminated safety concerns.
10. Houston, Texas: Topping the list, Houston welcomes 887,000 overseas visitors and has a crime rate of 2,656 per 100K, resulting in the highest tourist-risk score of 88.2. Most incidents are non-violent, but the citys expansive layout increases the risk of entering unsafe areas.

Author: Sophia Brooks