The Silver State consistently ranks as one of the Top 10 most dangerous places in the country, capturing second place in recent years, based on FBI and National Crime Survey statistics.

A violent crime happens in Nevada every 25 minutes and 55 seconds, according to a recent report by the Nevada Department of Public Safety. The report also states that violent crimes (including murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and human trafficking) increased in Nevada by 13 percent from the previous year.

The following list reflects crime statistics for the most dangerous cities in Nevada. To compile this list, we cross-referenced three sources: City-data.com, The FBI’s most recent violent crime statistics, and real estate site Neighborhood Scout, which claims to have the most time-sensitive statistics available.

1. Carlin
Carlin, NV 89822, USA
Flickr / Ken Lund
According to City-data.com, the crime index for Carlin is 369.4, which is 166.8 higher than the U.S. average. Of the population of 2,457, the FBI recorded 16 violent crimes in 2014, making it a dangerous place to avoid in Nevada. Read more about Carlin, Nevada.
2. Elko
Elko, NV 89801, USA
Wikimedia / Famartin
According to City-data.com, the crime index for Elko is 230.5, which is 27.9 higher than the U.S. average. Of the population of 19,748, the FBI recorded 89 violent crimes in 2014. The Neighborhood Scout Crime Index for Elko is 10 out of 100 (with 100 being the safest). The site says your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Elko are 1 in 294. Learn more about Elko, Nevada.
3. Fallon
Fallon, NV 89406, USA
Flickr / Ken Lund
Third on the list of the most dangerous places in Nevada is Fallon. According to City-data.com, the crime index for Fallon is 237, which is 34.4 higher than the U.S. average. Of the population of 8,411, the FBI recorded 23 violent crimes in 2014. The Neighborhood Scout Crime Index for Fallon is 3 out of 100 (with 100 being the safest), according to Neighborhood Scout. The site says your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Fallon is 1 in 261. Fallon's particularly low crime index is attributed to its high rate of property crime.
4. Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Flickr / eugene_o
According to City-data.com, the crime index for Las Vegas is 398.4, which is 195.8 higher than the U.S. average. Of the population of 1,500,455, the FBI recorded 11,374 violent crimes in 2014. The Neighborhood Scout Crime Index for Las Vegas is 13 out of 100 (with 100 being the safest). The site says your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Las Vegas are 1 in 118. Of course, Las Vegas is known for having endless entertainment opportunities. When you're here, check out some of the cool restaurant options, like Mastro's Ocean Club.
5. Laughlin
Laughlin, NV 89029, USA
Flickr / Ken Lund
The Neighborhood Scout Crime Index for Laughlin is 10 out of 100 (with 100 being the safest), according to Neighborhood Scout. The site says your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Laughlin are 1 in 54. There are plenty of different natural areas to explore here, though. Find out all about Laughlin Lagoon.

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6. Lovelock
Lovelock, NV 89419, USA
Flickr / Jacob Davies
According to City-data.com, the crime index for Lovelock is 607.7, which is 405.1 higher than the U.S. average. Of the population of 1,898, the FBI recorded 19 violent crimes in 2014. Although it might be considered a dangerous city in Nevada, it also has many redeeming qualities. See more about Lovelock, Nevada.
7. North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas, NV, USA
Flickr / time anchor
Of the North Las Vegas population of 225,632, the FBI recorded 1,806 violent crimes in 2014. Read more about North Las Vegas.
8. Reno
Reno, NV, USA
Flickr / Ken Lund
According to City-data.com, the crime index for Reno is 253.6, which is 51 higher than the U.S. average. Of the population of 232,561, the FBI recorded 1,154 violent crimes in 2014. The Neighborhood Scout Crime Index for Reno is 16 out of 100 (with 100 being the safest), according to Neighborhood Scout. The site says your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Reno are 1 in 203. Learn more about Reno, Nevada.
9. Sparks
Sparks, NV, USA
Flickr / Michael Dorausch
Of Sparks' population of 92,768, the FBI recorded 271 violent crimes in 2014. Learn more about Sparks, Nevada.
10. West Wendover
West Wendover, NV 89883, USA
Flickr / Jasperdo
Rounding out the list of the most dangerous places in Nevada is West Wendover. According to City-data.com, the crime index for West Wendover is 402.8, which is 200.2 higher than the U.S. average. Of the population of 4,540, the FBI recorded 23 violent crimes in 2014. Check out more about West Wendover.

Note: This list is intended for informational purposes only. If your hometown is listed as one of the most dangerous places in Nevada, don’t barricade yourself inside a windowless building or hightail it out of town. Most of this data is a few years old and the criteria for data collection varies. The cities selected for this article are listed in alphabetical order, not by rank.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Most Dangerous Cities in Nevada

Danielle Schwartz | July 18, 2022

What are the safest towns in Nevada?

One of the safest towns in Nevada is Dyer.

Once you've learned all about the places you might not want to settle down in our state, it's important to make sure you know where the safest towns in Nevada are if you're looking for a place to travel or move. If you really want a tiny town, Dyer, Nevada has the lowest crime rate and only 300 fellow residents. Looking to get a new home that's just a little bit bigger? Yerington has a little over 3,200 people and it's also highly unlikely that you will end up being the victim of crime.

What are the smallest towns in Nevada?

Some of the smallest towns in Nevada include:

  • Gabbs
  • Baker
  • Goldfield
  • Goodsprings
  • Dyer

 

Need a break from big city life? Take a nice weekend getaway to one of the smallest towns in Nevada for some charming fun. The tiniest one of all is Gabbs. With only 269 people, the residents surely all know each other. As a visitor, you'll definitely stand out here, and you'll have more to do than you might think. If you're into nature, make your way to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park for some fascinating ancient discoveries. Hoping to experience some historical fun? Goodsprings is an old silver mining town, and much of it has been preserved and restored to its original glory.

What are the most scenic towns in Nevada?

One of the most picturesque, scenic towns in Nevada is Winnemucca.

Want to take a cool trip to some of the prettiest places in the state? Check out any of the most scenic towns in Nevada for some truly gorgeous sights. Lovelock is a sweet and romantic place where couples can add their own locks to a long chain of other ones. If you are more interested in history, head to Winnemucca in Humboldt County, where you'll find the Heritage Museum and the Buckaroo Hall of Fame.

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