This is the home of the blues, not just music.
According to research, Memphis is considered the most dangerous city to live in the United States, not only in terms of crime, but also when considering other risks such as traffic accidents, economic safety, and natural disasters.
The Tennessee city, also known as the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll” and “Bluff City,” had 129 murders in the first half of 2024, more than any other city in the United States. August survey results Metropolitan Mayors Association Violent Crime Survey.
Still, the number of homicides in Memphis is down from the previous year, with 156 homicides in the first half of 2023, the study found.
But Memphis, home to famous musicians such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin and Justin Timberlake, also ranked low on several other important factors analyzed by WalletHub. Used to determine the overall safety of a population.
Memphis ranked last in WalletHub's survey of 182 cities, as it received poor ratings for residents' financial security, home and community safety, and natural disaster risk.
The city ranks second from last when it comes to the financial security of its residents, specifically having the lowest percentage of households with emergency savings, the study found.
It also has a high homicide rate, ranks third from the bottom for home and community safety, and is among the bottom 10 cities for assaults per capita.
It also ranks 173rd in traffic deaths per capita, according to WalletHub.
Memphis finished last in traffic fatalities in 2022, according to data released in June by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to the study, Memphis scored slightly better in the area of natural disasters, ranking 101st.
Not surprisingly, a WalletHub survey in July found that Memphians are also the most stressed out in the country.
Meanwhile, Yonkers, New York, was ranked the 6th safest city in WalletHub's study, 3rd safest for homes and communities, 29th for natural disaster risk, and 139th for economic security.
South Burlington, Vermont. Casper, Wyoming, Warwick, Rhode Island, and Burlington, Vermont. Boise, Idaho, ranked in the top five for safest cities overall in the study.
