For the 34th year in a row, Louisiana has been ranked as one of the most dangerous states in the United States. This prompts a question: Is there a correlation between sudden temperature changes and an increase in violent crime rates?
Using data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) crime data explorer, a breakdown identified the most dangerous states for families based on rates of violent crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (arson, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft).
The list of the most dangerous states includes diverse regions across the country, but Southern states are disproportionately represented.
According to the FBIβs National Incident-Based Reporting System for 2022, Louisiana recorded:
- 15,764 violent crime incidents and 18,585 offenses.
- 88,540 property crime incidents and 88,540 offenses.
This raises another question: Are sudden spikes in temperature driving violent crime rates in American cities?
A study published by the Journal of Criminal Justice found that “upward swings in temperature are related to rates of violence, including homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault,” while frigid temperatures suppress crime in the 28 cities studied, one of which is New Orleans.
Professor Kevin Wolff, the author of the study, noted, “Temperature might increase aggression among individuals; heat makes people angry.”
The study found that warmer winter weather is associated with larger increases in robbery. Specifically, when temperatures fluctuate, a phenomenon called βweather whiplash,β it can disrupt human activities after weeks of cold temperatures.
Several studies support that volatile temperatures and worsening climate conditions have caused displacement of people and shortages of food and water, leading to spikes in conflict and even war.
The studyβs results support arguments for reducing carbon emissions and other mitigation policies.
Based on FBI crime data, the following states were listed as the most dangerous to raise a family:
- New Mexico was named the state with the highest violent crime rate at 780 per 100,000 people and the second highest homicide rate of 12 per 100,000, making it the most deadly state.
- Washington is the second most dangerous state, with a combined crime rate of 3,763 per 100,000. While Washingtonβs violent crime rate is 1.3% better than the national average, the state has the worst property crime rate in the U.S. and is highly susceptible to burglaries.
- Colorado ranks third, with a combined crime rate of 3,617 per 100,000, and a violent crime rate that is 29% higher than the national average.
- Louisiana is in fourth place, with a combined total crime rate of 3,389 per 100,000, which is 67% higher than the national average.
- Oregon follows in fifth place, with total property crime rates 52% above the national average.
- Arkansas and Tennessee rank sixth and seventh with total crime rates of 3,075 and 2,893, respectively.
Other states in the top ten include:
- California, with 500 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
- Missouri, with a combined crime rate of 2,820 per 100,000.
- Nevada, with a total property crime rate of 2,381 and a violent crime rate of 452 per 100,000 people.
βThe study serves as a valuable tool for identifying more dangerous states. For those already residing in these areas, such as New Mexico, Washington, and Colorado, it acts as a warning, prompting residents to check local neighborhood crime rates to ensure they live in the safest locations available,β stated a spokesperson from Omega Law Group (OLG).
On the safer end of the scale, the study ranked the safest states to raise a family:
- New Hampshire is the ultimate haven for families seeking to avoid dangerous crimes, followed by Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, West Virginia, New Jersey, Iowa, Connecticut, and Kentucky.
The diverse cities, from most dangerous to least dangerous across the United States, reveal how climate volatility can influence social behaviors on multiple levels.
βThe latest FBI crime data revealed a national total of over 7.7 million violent and property crimes in 2022. This shocking figure underscores the national challenges the U.S. faces regarding crime rates and highlights the importance of utilizing regional crime data to identify safer locations,β says a spokesperson from OLG.
Importantly, understanding the impact of unexpected temperature spikes on robberies, homicides, and food scarcity could help inform violence prevention tactics and reshape future climate policies
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
