Why is this Canada crime rate Vs US crime rate comparison necessary? In any relocation plan you’re making in this life, your safety should come first.
Canada and the United States are two great countries with massive economies. The proximity between both countries means a US citizen can easily relocate to Canada permanently and vice versa.
We’re not using this post to discourage anyone from leaving the United States for Canada and vice versa. We want to compare the crime rates and show you which is safer. So, keep reading for more details.
Canada Crime Rate Vs US
If you have had the privilege to live in Canada and the United States, you’ll know how this comparison would end.
Canada is safer than the United States. It boasts a lower crime rate than the United States of America.
Canada’s Crime Severity Index is low across the country, with large metropolitan cities below the national average.
Here’s how high the crime rate is in America compared to Canada.
In Canada, the police reported 542 homicides, a rate of 1.8 per 100,000 individuals. In the United States of America, the police reported 15,517 homicides, which is 5.5 per 100,000 individuals.
Canada Vs. US Homicide Rate
Canada and The United States have their unique security challenges. Security challenges are worldwide.
So, how does the Homicide rate in Canada compare to the United States of America?
In November 2023, Canadian police’s report showed the country’s homicide rate was at the highest level in over 30 years (since 1992).
The homicide rate is a crucial factor used to determine the rate of violence in society. It increased by eight percent in the country to 2.25 homicides for every 100,000 residents.
The increase is the highest the country has experienced since 1992, as claimed by the agency. In 2022 alone, 874 people were killed across the country.
The rate of youths accused of committing homicide also increased to 1.23 per 100,000 youths.
These numbers look scary, but the surprising thing is that homicide isn’t the most prevalent crime in the country. You can see that only 874 people were killed in 2022, despite reports of homicide levels increasing by eight percent.
Here is a report of homicides in Canada since 2018. You’ll see the number of people that were killed in the country compared to the ones that were killed around the same period in the United States of America.
| Canada Homicide (Number of People Killed Since 2018) | |
| 2018 | 665 |
| 2019 | 689 |
| 2020 | 764 |
| 2021 | 796 |
| 2022 | 874 |
Now, let’s compare homicide in the United States of America.
The homicide rate in the United States in 2018 was 5.0 per 100,000. This indicates the number of killed for every 100,000 residents in the country.
The United States of America’s Homicide rate in 2022 showed the security agency needed to step up. It increased to 6.3 per 100,000 persons.
Here are the people who were killed in the United States of America from 2018 to 2022.
| United States Homicide (Number of People Killed Since 2018) | |
| 2018 | 13,958 |
| 2019 | 16,425 |
| 2020 | 20,958 |
| 2021 | 22,941 |
| 2022 | 20,213 |
In the comparison tables, it’s clear that Canada is safer than the United States of America. However, before we conclude, let’s also remember that there are Canadian states with high crime rates.
So, while planning to relocate to Canada or the United States of America, be conscious of dangerous states. Let’s discuss the most dangerous states in both countries without further ado.
Most Dangerous Provinces In Canada
Canada is one of the top countries worth relocating to. It boasts one of the most attractive economies in the world.
Like the United States and other countries, certain provinces in Canada are grappling with high crime rates.
So, in this section, we will reveal provinces (similar to states in the United States) with high crime rates. These are dangerous places to live.
A Handy Tip: Provinces are similar to states. They have their government, rules, and laws, which are secondary to the federal government. They are identical to states in the US.
Now, let’s discuss the dangerous provinces in Canada.
1: Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has morphed into the most dangerous province in Canada. Its crime rate has been increasing steadily over the years.
The Crime Severity Index (CSI) is a vital tool that helps to shed more light on a region’s crime landscape. CSI considers the seriousness and volume of police-reported crimes.
So, what’s Saskatchewan’s CSI score? First and foremost, its CSI score isn’t the most attractive. It is surprisingly high.
Understanding Canada’s crime national average will give you a clue on how dangerous Saskatchewan is. The national average is 79.45, while Saskatchewan’s CSI score is 148.18.
Now, you can see that the crime rate in the province is double the national average. This shows how dangerous it is.
The Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI) is another crucial metric for measuring a region’s violent crime rate.
So, how does Saskatchewan’s VCSI score compare to Canada’s national average?
Firstly, let’s consider the country’s VCSI national average score.
Canada’s VCSI national average is 89.67. Shockingly, Saskatchewan’s is twice as high. The province’s VCSI is 170.97, making it the most violent province in Canada.
Violent crimes in this province range from all forms of assault to violent crimes.
Is Saskatchewan’s crime rate reducing?
Unfortunately, it is not. As you can see, this region’s crime rate is increasing faster than the national average.
For instance, when Canada’s overall crime rate rose by 5.05%, Saskatchewan’s alone grew by 540%.
On the other hand, when Canada’s violent crime rate’s national average increased by 7.30%, Saskatchewan’s rose by 21.21%, as the CBC reported.
2: Manitoba:
Manitoba should be one of Canada’s most sought-after provinces, given its low cost of living, vast landscape, and cultural heritage. Its cost of living is $1539, (1.1 times lower than the national average).
Unfortunately, Manitoba’s crime rate has been a big let-down for the province. Its CSI is 125.23, which is almost twice the national average.
Winnipeg, the province’s capital, is battling a dangerously high crime rate. It is always in the news now and then for the wrong reasons.
What’s causing the rising crime rates in Manitoba that is supposed to be peaceful and comfortable for its residents? Check out some of the factors fueling the high crime rate in this province:
Drug Abuse:
People take various substances to get high. Then, when they get high, they become useless to themselves and the people around them.
Substance abuse is a serious problem in Manitoba and even Saskatchewan, fueling the crime rate in both provinces. When people abuse these substances, they become extremely violent and dangerous.
Several crimes committed in Manitoba and other provinces in Canada have been related to drug abuse. And the culprit is methamphetamine.
Gang violence:
Gang-related violence is one of the leading causes of violence in Manitoba and several other provinces. In Winnipeg, it’s the primary cause of the city’s high crime rate.
These gang members, or gangsters as they like to call themselves, attack each other. There are cases of attack from rival gangs or coordinated attacks on innocent residents by gang members.
Economic challenges:
When the economy gets tough, people become desperate. They can do anything to raise money and survive. And they won’t even bother about the repercussions.
In Manitoba’s northern region, the economy is unfriendly. People are facing serious economic challenges, a factor fueling the high crime rate in the area.
3: Alberta:
Alberta, Canada’s economic powerhouse, is the third province with the highest crime rate in the country. We cannot pin Alberta’s high crime rate to poverty or economic challenges, as the province boasts a booming economy.
Most of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil comes from Alberta. The province also produces half of the country’s coal.
Alberta boasts a young, vibrant, skilled workforce with a diversified economy. So, the high crime rate witnessed in this region is shocking.
So, what’s Alberta’s CSI, and how does it compare to the national average?
Alberta’s Crime Severity Index is 107.36, higher than the national average. Additionally, there has been a rise in crime in cities like Calgary and Edmonton in recent years.
So, what are the significant causes of Alberta’s high crime rate?
Here are the factors responsible for Alberta’s high crime rate.
Vehicle Thefts:
There is a surge in vehicle theft in Alberta, which is troubling. It’s rising in cities like Calgary.
Economic downturn:
Alberta is Canada’s economic powerhouse. But even stable economies become unstable sometimes.
The global crude oil crisis had a significant impact on Alberta’s economy. People lost their jobs, and the economy became unstable.
An economic disruption of such magnitude can increase the crime rate, though it isn’t the best step for people to take.
Rural crime:
Alberta boasts vast rural areas, which the province can be proud of. It shows its enormous economic potential. But unfortunately, the province leaders won’t be proud of the increase in violent crimes in the rural areas.
There is an increase in property crimes in Alberta’s rural community, with rural residents, including farmers, becoming increasingly concerned about their safety.
4: New Brunswick
New Brunswick is another dangerous province in Canada. It has been experiencing a high crime rate for the last decade.
The CSI isn’t looking good for New Brunswick. In 2021, it was 89.4, then rose to 96.54 in 2022.
What is responsible for the high crime rate in New Brunswick? Check them out below:
Substance abuse:
New Brunswick is battling with a serious drug-related crisis responsible for increasing its crime rates. According to reports, the province is fighting to eliminate a serious opioid crisis.
If nothing is done, the province’s security will only get worse. Please make no mistake: drug-related crimes are one of the most brutal, as offenders don’t even have control over their minds.
Economic factors:
Tourism and fishing are facing serious downturns, putting more pressure on the economy.
Economic stability is one of the worst challenges to have. It can lead to a high crime rate. But that isn’t an excuse for anyone to commit a crime.
Domestic violence:
During the pandemic, domestic violence in New Brunswick surged. Even after the pandemic, there are still reports of domestic violence.
5: Nova Scotia:
You may be wondering what Nova Scotia’s name is doing here. Unlike Saskatchewan and other provinces battling high crime rates, Nova Scotia’s crime rate is reducing.
In 2002, Nova Scotia’s crime rate was 93.91, higher than the national average. In 2022, its CSI dropped to 71.60, below the national average.
So, Nova Scotia is safe for now, thanks to the security agencies and various programs put in place to combat the province’s rising crime rate.
The Most Dangerous States In The US
The United States is a land of opportunities. You can achieve your dream and become anything you want in this country. So then, why would anyone be thinking of leaving the United States of America for Canada?
Firstly, the majority of Canadian provinces are safe. You can see the ones we discussed as dangerous places.
Unfortunately, the crime rate in the United States is higher than Canada’s. But as for job opportunities, the United States is far ahead.
Without further ado, here are dangerous states in America to live in. The crime rates in these states are scary.
1: Alaska:
Will Alaska ever be free from crime? The crime rate is quite embarrassing for a state that leads in zinc production and is a significant producer of gold.
Alaska also produces gemstones, gravel, construction sand, silver, graphite, cobalt, copper, and rare elements. So, it’s a blessed state.
Unfortunately, Alaska is currently the most dangerous state in America. It boasts the highest combined property and violent crime rate of any state in the US.
Now, how dangerous is Alaska?
Firstly, Alaska’s population is 736,081. But its crime rate in 2022 was 32.14 per 1000 people.
Alaska is fighting two major assault crimes: aggravated assault and sexual assault. There were 4,222 aggravated assault reports in 2022 and 1,132 sexual assaults.
Alaska has the highest number of sexual and aggravated assault cases in the country.
The most dangerous cities in Alaska:
Anchorage
Kenai
Wasilla
Ketchikan
Fairbanks
Juneau
North Pole
2: New Mexico:
New Mexico (NM) is turning into something else. Albuquerque, one of the cities in NM, is ranked one of the most dangerous places to live.
How dangerous is New Mexico?
Let’s consider the incidents of violence the state had in 2021. The record shows New Mexico experienced over 12,000 incidents of violent assault.
In the same year, the incidents of property robbery reported in the state were over 2,000.
A Handy Tip: Property theft is a major problem in Canada. Vehicle and burglary crimes are rampant in the state.
A Hand Tip: Albuquerque isn’t the only city with a high crime rate and is considered dangerous. Others include Farmington and Gallup.
The most dangerous cities in New Mexico:
- Gallup
- Belen
- Deming
- Los Lunas
- Roswell
- Clovis
- Artesia
3: Tennessee:
Are you conversant with Tennessee’s crime rate? If yes, you’ll know why we included it. Its crime rate is high.
The Volunteer State’s population is 6,917,000, and the overall crime rate is 31.65 per 1000 individuals.
How dangerous is Tennessee?
In 2021, criminal incidents were reported by over 221,000. Violent crime was 46,428.
What crime is most common in Tennessee? It’s property crimes.
The state’s two most common property crimes are personal and burglary theft.
A Handy Tip: Nashville and Memphis are two major cities in Tennessee that are reportedly experiencing a high crime rate and are dangerous to live in.
The most dangerous cities in Tennessee:
- Berry Hill
- Pigeon Forge
- Memphis
- Ripley
- Athens
- Union City
- Newport
- Millington
- Chattanooga
4: Arkansas:
Arkansas’ population is approximately 3,013,756. But its crime rate is frightening.
In 2020, Arkansas’ violent crime rate was 672.7 per 100,000 people.
What does Arkansas’ crime rate imply? It means if you live here, you have 1 in 148 chances of becoming a violent crime victim.
Is property crime worse in Arkansas? Yes, like in Tennessee, property crime in Arkansas is super high.
Statistically, residents in Arkansas have a 1 in 38 chance of being a theft victim.
What are the two most popular property crimes in Arkansas?
In 2021, approximately 24,000 burglary and vehicle theft cases were reported in the state.
A Handy Tip: Most cities in Arkansas are safe. It’s so unfortunate that the dangerous ones overshadow the safe ones.
In Arkansas, the most dangerous cities or places to live are Little Rock, West Memphis, and Helena.
The most dangerous cities in Arkansas:
- Helena
- Hot Springs
- Little Rock
- Jacksonville
- Forth Smith
- Osceola
- El Dorado
- West Memphis
5: Arizona:
Arizona’s gorgeous national parks can give anyone the all-clear sign to move in. Besides, where there are parks, there is entertainment to keep people happy.
Arizona has some of the most incredible parks in the country, but the crime rate is unbelievable.
Violent crime in Arizona isn’t subsiding, a worry for the state’s leaders and security heads. According to FBI’s Crime Data Explore, violent crime in Arizona rose from 8.6% from 2020 to 2021.
What crimes are common in Arizona?
The two major crimes considered typical in Arizona are assault and robbery. In 2021, there were approximately 32,201 incidents in the state.
Murder was another issue the state had to deal with. It recorded 504 murders during the same period.
What is the chance of being a victim in Arizona?
Considering the rate of violence in the state, you have 1 in 199 chances of becoming a victim in the state.
A Handy Tip: Most cities in Arizona are peaceful. Crime is almost non-existent there. An example is Scottsdale.
So, if you’re moving to Arizona, consider cities with lower crime rates. You can try Scottsdale.
Unfortunately, Phoenix and Tempe are among the most dangerous cities in the state. The high crime rate in these cities requires urgent intervention from the security agencies.
The most dangerous cities in Arizona:
- Tolleson
- Globe
- Phoenix
- Tempe
- Tucson
- Show Low
- Kingman
6: Louisiana:
Louisiana is one of the endowed states in America. It has everything to be one of the choice destinations for many, but dealing with a high crime rate.
Violent and property crime in Louisiana is rampant. Its crime rate is also above the national average.
What crimes are common in Louisiana?
Theft and burglary were the most common crimes in the state in 2021. Both crimes rose to 29.71 per 1000 people, above the national average.
A Handy Tip: Several cities in Louisiana have scary crime rates. For instance, New Orleans’s crime rate in 2022 increased by 150%, higher than the national average.
Other dangerous cities in Louisiana include:
Baton
Rouge
Monroe
Gonzales
Hammond
Bogalusa
Marksville
Shreveport
Alexandria
7: Missouri:
Missouri is one of the heavily endowed states. It boasts fertile land that allows farmers to cultivate various crops.
Being one of the food baskets in the country makes Missouri a vital state that should have no business with crimes. Unfortunately, the high crime rate has been a problem for years now.
High violent crime and murder rates are among the main issues in the state. In 2020, the state reported 723 murders.
With this figure, it’s safe to say Missouri’s murder rate is 11.8 per 100,000 residents.
What are the other prevalent crimes in Missouri?
Rape, robbery, and assault are also rampant in the state, ranking 543 per 100,000 people.
Violent crimes have ravaged some of the cities in Missouri. They now frequently appear in the news for the wrong reasons.
So, if you plan to relocate to Missouri, you should avoid these cities. They are the most dangerous cities in the state.
- Kansas City
- Nevada
- St. Louis
- Joplin
- Kennett
- Branson
- Ferguson
- Bridgeton
- Vinita Park
A Handy Tip: St. Louis’ crime rate in 2020 was 234% higher than the national average.
8: South Carolina:
Before relocating to South Carolina, read this section thoroughly. You’re about to enter a state famous for its high crime rate.
Property and violent crimes are among the highest in the state.
What’s South Carolina’s crime rate?
While the US national average crime rate is 4 per 1000 people, South Carolina’s is 5.4 per 1000. So, the state’s crime rate is higher than the national average.
In 2020, over 22,000 robbery cases were reported. Murder was also a big issue in the state, as there were 549 murders in 2020.
Some cities in South Carolina are not worth relocating to for now. But let’s hope things change in the future.
But, currently, here are the most dangerous cities in South Carolina you need to know:
- Florence
- Marion
- Greenwood
- Orangeburg
- Spartanburg
- Georgetown
- West Columbia
9: South Dakota:
South Dakota’s population is 895,376, but surprisingly, the crime rate is high. In 2023, the violent crime rate in the state was 501 per 100,000 people.
So, what’s the chance of one becoming a victim in South Dakota?
With the crime rate, the chance that you could become a victim should you relocate to South Dakota is 1 in 198.
What crimes are high in South Dakota?
Rape and murder are two common crimes in the state. Unfortunately, both crimes are even higher than the national average.
Assault in 2021 was over 3000 incidents.
A Handy Tip: In the US, South Dakota is the state that has the highest number of drunk-driving-related fatalities. It also boasts the most increased drunk-driving-related arrests.
Quickly, here are cities in South Dakota that are considered highly dangerous:
- Rapid City
- Pierre
- Chamberlain
- Yankton
- Sioux Falls
- Mitchell
- Box Elder
- Aberdeen
- Spearfish
10: Oklahoma:
Oklahoma is one of the most dangerous states in the country, though giant strides have been made to lower the crime rate. The crime rate has dropped to around 4.2%, thanks to the efforts of the state security personnel.
Oklahoma’s ranking is 419.7 per 100,000 people. Furthermore, the state’s homicide rate is 6.7 per 100,000.
The violent crime rate in Oklahoma City shows why the state is among the most dangerous places in the United States. It is 74% higher than the US national average. The property crime rate is 57% above the national average, too.
Here are cities in Oklahoma considered dangerous.
- Shawnee
- Del City
- Tulsa
- Muskogee
11: Michigan:
How dangerous is Michigan? Well, you’re about to find out. In 2020, Michigan was ranked the country’s 10th most violent state.
Violent crime in the state is high and scary. In 2020, over 40,000 violent crimes took place.
Statistically, this works out to 4.73 for every 1,000.
Is violent crime in Michigan reducing? Residents would wish their crime rate would have been reduced by now, but that hasn’t happened.
In 2021, Detroit alone had a whopping 14,509 murders. And even now, property theft and violent crimes haven’t subsided.
Several cities in Michigan are considered dangerous. Check them out below:
- Detroit
- Saginaw
- Pontiac
- Kalamazoo
- Jackson
- Benton Harbor
- Harper woods
- Highland Park
- Muskegon Heights
12: Colorado
Colorado has been experiencing an increase in crime rate for the last decade.
But how dangerous is Colorado? Violent crime in 2023 was 586.2 per 100,000 residents. In 2021, it was 480.4, and 423.1 in 2020.
So, you can see how the state’s crime rate has increased steadily over the years. Some urban centers even have crime rates higher than the national average by over 180%. Two examples of such cities are Aurora and Denver.
FBI report 2023 showed that Colorado had the 4th highest property crime rate.
Check some of the cities in Colorado with high crime rates:
- Grand Junction
- La Junta
- Alamosa
- Pueblo
- Glendale
- Federal Heights
- Colorado Springs
- Canon City
- Sheridan
A Handy Tip: Grand Junction, Colorado’s crime rate is 49 for every 1000 people, despite the city’s population dropping to 70,000.
13: Nevada
Nevada is a popular crime destination and has been that way for donkey years. It is home to Las Vegas, also called “Sin City.”
Nevada remains a popular destination for gamblers. It also boasts a vibrant nightlife.
Gambling and nightlife offer the right atmosphere for crimes. These include assaults and even murder.
A recent FBI report ranks Nevada as America’s #1 most dangerous state. It was ranked for violent crimes like kidnapping, homicide, and human trafficking.
Considering the violence that comes along with gambling, no one would question Nevada’s crime rate.
What’s Nevada’s crime rate, and how does it rank?
The state’s crime rate is 2,731 per 100,000 people. In 2023, 11,719 crimes were reported in the state.
The report also includes homicides, robbery, and aggravated assaults. Homicides reported were 190 robberies in 2014, while aggravated assaults were 8,258.
A Handy Tip: Even though Nevada is a state famous for its thriving gambling industry and nightlife that can encourage violence, some parts of the state are still safe. Examples include Boulder City, Henderson, Carlin, Elko, Winnemucca, and West Wendover
Check out the cities in Nevada considered most dangerous:
- Reno
- Las Vegas
- Schurz
- Owyhee
- Yerington
Conclusion
This Canada crime rate Vs US comparison shows Canada is safer than the United States. Another thing we tried to reveal with this post is to expose you to the most dangerous provinces in Canada and states in the US.
So, before relocating to Canada or the US, read this post. However, you’ll also notice that some cities are safe, even in states with the most crimes.
So, if you’re looking for a detailed Canada Vs US crime rate comparison, this post has the details you need to make an informed decision.
