Baltimore Ranks Among Nation’s Least Safe Cities in New 2025 Report

A new report names Baltimore one of America’s least safe cities. The study was released this week by the personal-finance website WalletHub. It analyzed safety data from over 180 U.S. cities.

Baltimore landed at number 178 out of 182 cities studied. Only four other major cities were considered less safe. The findings highlight significant challenges in both physical and financial security for residents.

How the 2025 Safest Cities Study Was Conducted

WalletHub’s analysis used 41 different safety indicators. These metrics covered three primary areas. They examined home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial security.

The data set was comprehensive. It included rates of assaults and traffic fatalities. It also factored in unemployment rates and the percentage of uninsured residents. According to WalletHub, this multifaceted approach provides a complete picture of what safety means today.

Top and Bottom Performers in National Safety Rankings

Warwick, Rhode Island, claimed the top spot as America’s safest city. It was followed by Overland Park, Kansas, and Burlington, Vermont. These cities excelled across multiple safety categories.

The report found the least safe city to be New Orleans, Louisiana. It was preceded by Memphis, Tennessee, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Baltimore’s ranking places it firmly in the bottom tier nationally.

The 2025 safety report underscores a pressing need for comprehensive safety strategies in Baltimore. The city’s low ranking reflects deep-seated challenges that impact residents’ daily lives. Addressing these issues will be crucial for improving Baltimore’s standing in future safety evaluations.

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What is considered the safest city in America?

Warwick, Rhode Island, was ranked the safest city in the 2025 report. It scored well for low assault and theft rates. The city also has a high rate of insured residents.

Which city was ranked as the least safe?

New Orleans, Louisiana, was found to be the least safe city in the study. It ranked 182nd out of the 182 cities analyzed. Memphis and Baton Rouge were just above it.

What factors were used to determine safety?

The study used 41 key metrics across three categories. These included crime rates, traffic fatalities, and natural disaster risk. Financial factors like unemployment and insurance rates were also included.

How can a city improve its safety ranking?

Cities can improve by addressing both crime and financial insecurity. Reducing assaults and thefts is critical. Boosting economic stability and health insurance coverage also helps.

Why is financial security part of a safety study?

WalletHub argues that true safety includes financial well-being. Unemployment and a lack of health insurance pose significant risks. Protecting people from these hazards is part of overall safety.

Trusted Sources

WalletHub