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In recent years, the United States noticed an influx in regards to its crime rate. Crime within the country was increasing, not only in major metropolitan areas, but in rural counties as well. Alarming statistics were being derived in the most unlikeliest of places during this time. Below we will discuss the precise figures regarding the most recent crime rates within the United States.

The Highest Ranking States

Alaska

The state of Alaska has been experiencing a general increase in violent crime over recent years. Alaska currently has a rate of 804.2 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals. Studies by the FBI have shown that although crimes such as robbery and homicide have decreased, crimes such as rape and aggravated assault have seen an increase. In Alaska in particular, an influx of aggravated assaults are said to be to blame for the spike in violent crime. The reasons behind these spikes, however, are more complicated to decipher, although poverty and lack of access to services because of Alaska's remote location have both been blamed.

New Mexico

Like Alaska, violent crime rates in New Mexico are said to be rising. Crime in Albuquerque, the most populated city in the state, is supposed to be the driving force behind this increase. It has been said that an that allowed for cases to move through the courts more quickly may be to blame for this increase. Right now, the crime rate of New Mexico stands at 702.5 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

Nevada

Nevada has the nation's second high violent crime rate, with 678.1 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Unfortunately, in Nevada rape is also another large component of the violent crime rate. Violent crime in Nevada has historically always been higher than the rest of the country.

Is Violent Crime in the United States Going Up or Down?

FBI Statistics

When looking for crime data in the US there are two main sources that are worth tapping. The first is the National Crime Survey and the other is the crime that is reported to the FBI.

According to the FBI, there has been an overall fall in the violent crimes that have been reported in recent years. Violent crimes include murder and rape as well as robbery and aggravated assaults. Property crime figures also show that there was a 7.5 percent fall in the most recent report.

National Crime Survey

The National Crime Survey has also reported that violent crimes have recently fallen. This report says that the violent crimes in the US fell from 79.8 percent to just 20.1 for every 1,000 persons.

Of course, even though these figures tell their story it may be said that many crimes - even a majority of crimes - do not get reported. At least 50 percent of violent crimes and 40 percent of property crimes are not reported to the police. This is because the victims consider the matter to be personal or because the victim feels that the police cannot resolve the matter. It is not always clear whether or not a low crime rate could be due to a low tendency to report crimes (or, likewise, if a high crime rate is due to a common tendency to report crimes).

Find a detailed report of the violent crime rate for all states below. Please note that all data comes from the FBI on Crime in the United States.