Nevada has witnessed remarkable urban expansion over the last few decades, welcoming new inhabitants from California. It is home to several prominent landmarks, including the Hoover Dam, Reno, and the world-renowned Las Vegas.
Nevada may have experienced significant growth in recent years, but it still lags behind other states when it comes to safety. In particular, violent crime continues to be a major concern for the residents of Nevada.
Although crime is a reality in many cities, it’s important to note that not every area is plagued by it. In fact, there are several suburbs and neighbourhoods in major cities that are safe, welcoming, and ideal for raising a family or exploring as a tourist.
Regrettably, due to the abundant cash flow in casinos, there are other areas that are vulnerable to robberies and theft.
If you have plans to move or travel to Nevada, then you might want to know which cities in the state are considered to be the most dangerous. Keep reading to find out more!
The Ten Most Hazardous Cities in Nevada
10. Mesquite
Located near the borders of Arizona and Utah, Mesquite is a quaint city with a population of just under 20,000 residents. However, it has made its way to the top of the list of the most dangerous cities in Nevada.
Many visitors from other states flock to this area due to its proximity to both borders, making it a favourite destination for those who wish to cross state lines and engage in gambling activities.
For a town of this size, it’s quite impressive that there are four mid-sized casinos.
Although Mesquite doesn’t have the highest crime rate in the state, it’s worth noting that the non-resident population seems to attract crime.
It is quite impressive how a small town such as this can have such a low overall reported crime rate, with only 12.26 incidents per 1,000 residents.
9. Lovelock
Located along Interstate 80 in the middle of nowhere, Lovelock is a small and charming town.
Located about 1.5 hours northeast of Reno, this town has a notable level of violent crime despite its small size.
The small town boasts a population of approximately 1,800 individuals and has a crime rate of 63.45 crimes per 1,000 people.
One of the primary reasons for the high crime rate in this area is the low household income, which stands at a mere $42,000. This figure is notably the lowest among the other regions on this list, and it has a significant impact on the crime rate in the area.
8. Carlin
Carlin, a small town between Elko and Winnemucca along Interstate 80, is famously known as “Where the Train Stops and the Gold Rush Begins.” With a population of 2,300 residents, Carlin maintains its small-town charm while offering a unique glimpse into the history of the gold rush era.
Despite its small size, Carlin has a concerning crime rate that is more than double the national average of 39.08.
Carlin secured the eighth spot on the list due to the 15 violent crimes that were reported, out of which 14 were identified as aggravated assaults.
It’s impressive to see such a significant metric for a town of this size in northern Nevada.
7. Winnemucca
The town renowned for its Nevada sand dunes and gold mining industry has unfortunately gained notoriety for its unusually high crime rate.
Despite having a modest population of only 7,800, Winnemucca has been grappling with a noticeable increase in property crimes. Interestingly, this statistic is quite surprising given that the median household income in the area stands just above the national average, at $66,800 per year.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in property crime, leading to an overall crime rate of 28.23.
6. Henderson
Henderson, a Las Vegas suburb and the second-largest city in the state, has been experiencing rapid growth with rates consistently above 30% for several years, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the U.S.
Although the suburb is located near Las Vegas and is quite popular, it remains a safe place to live.
Despite being located in Nevada, the violent crime rate in this city is alarmingly high at 10.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This rate is significantly higher than that of other cities in the state.
According to statistics, the crime rate in this area stands at 17.13. This indicates that violent crimes are more prevalent than property crimes, taking into account the total population of 317,000.
5. Sparks
Located just four miles east of Reno, this suburban community faces similar challenges as the top-ranked city on this list.
Sparks, being the fifth largest city in Nevada, has a crime rate that is comparable to the neighboring city of Reno.
Despite the high rate of violent crimes, it is noteworthy that very few murders actually take place within the city limits.
The city of Sparks boasts a population of around 106,000 residents. The median household income is comparable to the national average, coming in at $65,000. In terms of safety, the total crime rate stands at 23.94 crimes per 1,000 citizens, providing a relatively secure living environment for its inhabitants.
4. Elko
Elko, situated in Northern Nevada and positioned between Reno and Salt Lake City along Interstate 80, is home to a population of 25,000. Despite its small size, this city experiences a significant amount of violent crime, which may come as a surprise to many.
Elko sees a higher rate of violent crime, with a 25% increase compared to the national average. Surprisingly, it is on par with Las Vegas, a city that is 75 times larger in size.
Elko has a crime rate of 34.48 per 1,000 people, and the most common crimes in the area are vehicle theft and rape.
3. North Las Vegas
With a population of approximately 250,000, North Las Vegas is the nearest neighbouring city to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the city has a violent crime rate that is twice the national average. Aggravated assault is the leading cause of this high crime rate.
While the crime rate in North Las Vegas is slightly lower than that of Las Vegas, it is still significantly above average.
In recent years, North Las Vegas has seen a significant reduction in crime rates, which has contributed to the growth of new developments in the area.
2. Las Vegas
Nevada’s cities of Las Vegas and Reno have been consistently competing for the title of being the most hazardous.
Although it has been reported to have the highest number of crimes in the state, Sin City has recently fallen to second place.
According to the statistics, the rate of violent crimes in the city is currently at 5.36, which translates to a 1 in 190 likelihood of falling victim to such crimes within the city limits.
In a city with a high population density like Las Vegas, businesses such as casinos, nightclubs, and bars, have a tendency to attract criminal activity, adding to the overall Sin City atmosphere.
1. Discovering the Gems of Reno
Reno, a city located in Northern Nevada near Lake Tahoe, has earned the reputation as the most perilous city in Nevada.
Despite having a smaller population than Las Vegas, Reno has garnered a negative reputation for the occurrence of crimes in recent times.
According to recent reports, the city has a violent crime rate of 5.66, which is higher than that of Las Vegas. Additionally, the overall crime rate is reported to be 27.75 per 1,000 citizens.
Similar to Las Vegas, the corporate world also plays a part in increasing the crime rate.
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