During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. violent crime rate rose to its highest level in a decade. The increase was driven by a rise in aggravated assault and, most notably, a historic 29% surge in homicides that made 2020 the deadliest year in the United States since the mid-1990s.
Violent crime is a broad category of offenses that includes rаpe, robbery, aggravated assault, and murder. All told, more than 1.3 million violent crimes were reported in the U.S. – or 399 for every 100,000 people – in 2020, an increase of 18 incidents per 100,000 people from the previous year.
While rates of violence are rising in much of the country, many American towns are bucking the national trend, reporting year-over-year declines in criminal violence.
Using data from the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 50 towns where crime is falling fastest. Towns, defined as places with populations between 2,500 and 25,000, are ranked by the population adjusted year-over-year change in violent crimes reported per 100,000 people in 2020.
Among the towns on this list, the violent crime rate fell by anywhere from 341 to 1,676 incidents per 100,000 people from 2019 to 2020. The majority of towns on this list are in the South, including seven in South Carolina alone.
Every town on this list was more dangerous than the U.S. a whole in 2019. However, due to falling rates of criminal violence, most now have a lower violent crime rate than the national average. Still, despite substantial improvements, a significant portion of these towns remain relatively dangerous. In six, the violent crime rate is more than triple the national average, including one South Carolina town with a violent crime rate of 2,056 incidents per 100,000 people – five times the national rate. Here is a look at America’s most dangerous city.
Click here to see the towns where crime is falling
Click here to read our detailed methodology
50. Muldrow, Oklahoma
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -341.2
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 9 — 1,020th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 20 — 1,050th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 278.8 — 941st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 620.0 — 270th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,270
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49. Sullivan, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -346.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 36 — 609th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 52 — 370th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 812.5 — 172nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,158.9 — 58th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,475
48. Matteson, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -347.3
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 185 — 31st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 253 — 6th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 949.0 — 125th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,296.3 — 42nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 19,385
47. Liberty, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -348.1
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 10 — 1,108th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 21 — 1,005th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 318.2 — 813th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 666.2 — 233rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,177
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46. Woodbury, Tennessee
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -349.9
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 5 — 577th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 15 — 1,321st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 171.3 — 1,347th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 521.2 — 374th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,784
45. Osage City, Kansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -354.9
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 9 — 1,020th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 19 — 1,102nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 322.0 — 799th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 676.9 — 227th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,808
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44. Brinkley, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -354.9
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 19 — 1,130th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 29 — 736th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 750.7 — 201st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,105.6 — 67th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,742
43. Red Oak, Iowa
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -356.5
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 14 — 1,408th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 33 — 643rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 267.7 — 991st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 624.2 — 267th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,362
42. Millstadt, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -361.5
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 2 — 213th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 16 — 1,253rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 52.1 — 403rd lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 413.5 — 560th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,892
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41. Brusly, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -363.7
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 1 — 90th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 11 — 1,212th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 38.2 — 304th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 401.9 — 590th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,741
40. Westville, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -367.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 7 — 826th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 18 — 1,153rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 239.9 — 1,126th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 607.3 — 281st highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,219
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39. Susanville, California
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -367.6
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 140 — 62nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 196 — 19th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 949.8 — 124th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,317.4 — 41st highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 15,064
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38. Page, Arizona
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -375.1
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 97 — 127th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 126 — 63rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,285.4 — 48th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,660.5 — 18th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 7,531
37. Wilburton, Oklahoma
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -387.6
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 4 — 448th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 14 — 1,389th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 159.2 — 1,267th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 546.9 — 348th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,619
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36. Riverton, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -415.6
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 13 — 1,346th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 27 — 809th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 379.0 — 639th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 794.6 — 168th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,474
35. Piggott, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -419.1
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 2 — 213th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 17 — 1,191st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 57.2 — 450th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 476.3 — 432nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,603
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34. Lafayette, Tennessee
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -419.3
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 12 — 1,265th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 34 — 632nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 221.1 — 1,233rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 640.4 — 252nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,171
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33. Beardstown, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -420.0
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 22 — 996th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 45 — 446th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 409.5 — 571st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 829.5 — 142nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,682
32. Los Fresnos, Texas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -423.5
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 19 — 1,130th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 53 — 354th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 239.6 — 1,129th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 663.2 — 236th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 7,738
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31. Marksville, Louisiana
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -423.6
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 95 — 130th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 119 — 72nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,792.8 — 15th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 2,216.4 — 8th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,432
30. Cut Bank, Montana
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -437.0
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 23 — 965th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 36 — 603rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 748.0 — 203rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,185.0 — 52nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,058
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29. Mascotte, Florida
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -448.8
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 24 — 925th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 49 — 397th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 371.1 — 664th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 819.8 — 149th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,743
28. Ozark, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -448.8
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 13 — 1,346th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 29 — 736th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 362.8 — 683rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 811.6 — 154th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,610
27. Muskegon Heights, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -449.0
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 184 — 33rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 232 — 10th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,715.8 — 20th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 2,164.8 — 9th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 10,748
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26. Windsor, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -454.3
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 3 — 323rd lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 18 — 1,153rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 89.5 — 720th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 543.8 — 354th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,457
.jpg%20 "New Horry County Courthouse and county office complex, Conway, South Carolina (18 November 2006) by Pollinator")
25. Loris, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -456.3
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 22 — 996th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 34 — 632nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 784.6 — 186th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,240.9 — 46th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,673
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24. Georgetown, Illinois
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -466.0
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 4 — 448th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 19 — 1,102nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 126.8 — 1,020th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 592.8 — 297th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 7,469
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23. Emeryville, California
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -472.9
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 107 — 106th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 166 — 32nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 867.9 — 151st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,340.9 — 39th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 11,899
22. Nags Head, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -474.1
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 4 — 448th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 18 — 1,153rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 133.4 — 1,071st lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 607.5 — 280th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,923
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.jpg "Atlanta July 2018 03 (E Main Street).jpg by Michael Barera")
21. Atlanta, Texas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -488.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 18 — 1,180th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 45 — 446th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 330.2 — 779th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 818.6 — 150th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,495
20. Mount Morris, Michigan
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -492.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 11 — 1,203rd lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 25 — 858th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 389.8 — 607th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 882.1 — 125th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,881
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19. Cheraw, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -494.6
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 33 — 672nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 61 — 286th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 596.9 — 328th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,091.4 — 69th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,657
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18. Abbeville, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -495.9
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 22 — 996th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 47 — 418th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 440.9 — 514th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 936.8 — 105th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,045
17. Pecos, Texas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -505.5
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 41 — 511th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 93 — 122nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 384.4 — 625th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 889.9 — 124th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 10,108
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16. Laurel, Delaware
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -507.2
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 39 — 550th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 62 — 280th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 880.2 — 148th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,387.3 — 36th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 4,179
15. Kenai, Alaska
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -510.1
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 35 — 628th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 75 — 190th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 443.9 — 508th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 954.0 — 101st highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 7,742
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14. Hamburg, Arkansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -527.5
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 4 — 448th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 18 — 1,153rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 155.4 — 1,237th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 682.9 — 225th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,683
13. Cache, Oklahoma
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -532.9
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 3 — 323rd lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 18 — 1,153rd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 106.8 — 858th lowest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 639.7 — 253rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,842
12. Allendale, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -543.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 59 — 302nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 76 — 186th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 2,055.7 — 11th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 2,599.2 — 4th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,009
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11. Red Springs, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -550.9
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 33 — 672nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 52 — 370th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,005.5 — 112th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,556.4 — 21st highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,378
10. Concordia, Kansas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -552.7
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 13 — 1,346th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 40 — 532nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 262.9 — 1,014th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 815.7 — 152nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,070
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9. Early, Texas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -557.6
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 10 — 1,108th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 27 — 809th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 312.0 — 833rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 869.6 — 128th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,986
8. Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -578.3
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 30 — 750th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 61 — 286th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 553.6 — 372nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,131.9 — 63rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 5,647
7. Bethel, Alaska
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -586.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 93 — 141st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 130 — 56th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,400.2 — 37th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,986.6 — 12th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 6,472
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6. Osceola, Wisconsin
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -640.7
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 5 — 577th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 21 — 1,005th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 195.6 — 1,404th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 836.3 — 137th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,511
5. Snyder, Texas
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -688.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 82 — 185th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 160 — 36th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 745.2 — 204th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,433.6 — 34th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 11,323
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4. Weed, California
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -938.5
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 9 — 1,020th lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 34 — 632nd highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 333.5 — 771st highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,272.0 — 43rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,669
3. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -942.4
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 6 — 701st lowest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 30 — 710th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 234.1 — 1,152nd highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 1,176.5 — 53rd highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 2,565
2. Bishopville, South Carolina
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -1,591.8
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 40 — 531st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 86 — 139th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 1,346.3 — 40th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 2,938.2 — the highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,103
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1. Kotzebue, Alaska
> 1-yr. change in violent crimes per 100K people: -1,676.2
> Violent crimes reported in 2020: 22 — 996th highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes reported in 2019: 77 — 181st highest of 2,893 towns (tied)
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2020: 677.1 — 250th highest of 2,893 towns
> Violent crimes per 100K people in 2019: 2,353.3 — 7th highest of 2,893 towns
> Population: 3,287
Methodology
To determine the towns where crime is falling, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the change in violent crime rate per 100,000 people from the FBI’s 2019 and 2020 Uniform Crime Reports. Violent crime includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rаpe, robbery, and aggravated assault.
We defined towns based on population thresholds — having at least 2,500 people and less than 25,000 people — using five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. Limited data was available in the 2020 UCR for areas in Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, though towns in these states were not excluded from analysis. Because some state and local agencies changed reporting practices between 2019 and 2020, the figures in these areas are not comparable, and these areas were excluded.
Population figures are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. However, these estimates were not used to calculate crime rates. Crime rates per 100,000 people were calculated using population figures provided by the FBI in the 2020 and 2019 UCR.
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