Cities struggle with safety challenges according to WalletHub's latest rankings

The personal finance website WalletHub has released a study ranking the safety of 182 U.S. cities based on several metrics. The analysis considered factors beyond crime rates, including natural disaster risk and financial stability. It evaluated 41 dimensions across three categories: home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety.

Brian N. Williams from the University of Virginia highlighted police shortages as a critical factor affecting city safety: "Police shortages can have a profound negative effect on safety. Shortages lead to overworking officers who are already overworked."

According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, "Fort Lauderdale, FL, Detroit, MI, and Memphis, TN rank low across several safety and financial metrics, making them the least safe urban areas in 2024." These cities were identified as having high rates of violent crime alongside significant financial challenges.

Memphis tops the list with a safety score of 34.81 out of 100. Despite a strong law enforcement presence, it faces high traffic fatalities and bankruptcy rates. Detroit follows with rampant violent crime and severe financial issues despite its potential for real estate investment due to low housing prices.

Fort Lauderdale ranks third due to high violent crime rates and pedestrian fatalities. It is also vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes.

Other cities in the top ten include Baton Rouge (ranked last for home and community safety), New Orleans (high in violent crime but noted for its cultural appeal), Baltimore (notorious for its crime rate), Cleveland (facing multiple risks including extreme weather), Oakland (struggling with homelessness and vehicle fatalities), Philadelphia (dealing with drug deaths and lack of paramedics), and San Bernardino (affected by wildfires and earthquakes).

Despite their current rankings, some cities like Detroit show signs of recovery through investment opportunities spurred by affordable housing markets.