Memphis

     Memphis is known for many things and in our day and age crime is one of them. The crime rate is around 98 per 1,000 residents and has continued to grow over the years. In 2022 it was ranked as the most dangerous city in the United States. In 2023 alone it was reported that the murder rate increased by more than 30%. One crazy fact that I found was that when the murder rate in the United States went down it actually increased for Memphis. Property crime is also very likely in Memphis with the number coming in around 73 reported property crimes per 1,000 residents. The reason for this high crime rate is many reasons but the biggest being the poverty rate. Limited sources of education and employment play a huge role in the ongoing violence. Gang activity is also very high and with all of this combined it's no wonder that they are considered the most dangerous city in the United States. Downtown Memphis fears that with the increasing crime rate, businesses will begin to shut down and residents will eventually vacate the area. Covid also played a big role in this issue with the closure of businesses leading to a higher poverty rate. There are many concerns for the economy in Memphis, while they look for answers they are left with more and more crime as each day goes by. There have been many attempts to make the crime and poverty rate decrease but nothing that was groundbreaking. Many of these crimes are committed by people 18 years or younger, and it's reported that 20% of them have been charged with a crime previously. In efforts to reduce the crime, locals have tried to come up with plans in order to help out. A local police officer has set up an after-school program in order to try and speak to the individuals who are responsible for these crimes.