The 9 Most Dangerous Cities in Connecticut

It’s not very often that you find the words dangerous and Connecticut in the same sentence. However, just like any other state, there are dangerous places to avoid in Connecticut. It’s true. And the following cities are among the most dangerous places in Connecticut. Don’t be too alarmed, though. On average, the most dangerous cities in Connecticut are still safer than 10% of all U.S. cities. At the end of the day, just about anywhere in Connecticut is a good place to call home. But there’s no denying the facts. The most dangerous cities in Connecticut have higher crime rates than the rest of the state.

9. Plainville

Despite being one of the most dangerous cities in CT, this town is most known for its annual balloon festival. It's free and full of fun. And though violent crime is low, residents still face a 1 in 37 chance of being the victim of property crime.

8. Meriden

This town may not be soapy clean, but it is the hometown of the creator of Dove soap. It also has one of the most beautiful churches in Connecticut. Property crime rates are higher here. And in a one year time span, there were eight murders for every 100,000 people.

7. Waterbury

The fifth largest city in Connecticut, Waterbury is mostly known for its production of brass. For those who love Italian food, it's also home to an old-school Italian place with its own wine cellar. Residents have a 1 in 22 chance of being the victim of a crime.

6. East Hartford

With views like this, it's a shame East Hartford is on this list. It's also got one of the best places in Connecticut for pie, Granny's Pie Factory. With high rates of theft and burglary, residents have a 1 in 29 chance of being the victim of a crime.

5. West Haven

Historically, this was the meeting place for raiding parties during the American Revolution. Looks like it still hosts some rebels, and you can dine at a beachfront seafood restaurant in West Haven, too. Between 2011-2013, violent crime rose by 19%, and property crime by 20%.

4. New London

Ocean Beach Park is a popular spot in New London, but the city does experience more burglaries than most. Violent crime also plagues the city. Residents face a 1 in 93 chance of being the victim of a violent crime.

3. Bridgeport

This is where we start getting national recognition. Bridgeport isn't just one of the most dangerous cities in Connecticut, but it's the 88th most dangerous city in the U.S. What's more, in 2012, Bridgeport had the second highest number of murders per person. Interestingly, it's also reputed for being one of the most haunted towns in Connecticut.

2. Hartford

Connecticut's capital, though quite pretty and full of things to do, is actually the 45th most dangerous city in the U.S. Residents have a 1 in 85 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 18 chance of becoming the victim of a crime in general.

1. New Haven

Home to Yale, the campus itself is pretty gated. However, the city of New Haven is the 36th most dangerous city in the U.S., and the most dangerous city in Connecticut. New Haven ranks #1 in both violent and property crimes and residents have a 1 in 80 chance of being the victim of a violent crime.

So, what do you think? Did you know these cities were among the most dangerous places in Connecticut? Do any of these stats surprise you? Tell us!

Now that we've examined the most dangerous cities in Connecticut, let's take a look at the safest places to live in Connecticut.