Looking for info on the most dangerous college towns. Can anyone help?

I'm starting the process of researching colleges but part of that is also ensuring I can live and learn in a safe environment. Has anybody got any info on what are considered the most dangerous college towns?

When considering the safety of a potential college town, it can be useful to consult crime data. However, it's also important to take these statistics with a grain of salt as they can often be influenced by factors such as the school's reporting methods and the size of the student body. Using data compiled by the FBI, colleges are required to release "Clery Reports" each year, detailing any crimes that have occurred on campus or within nearby areas. You can check out Clery Reports for schools you're interested in to get an idea of campus safety.

That said, while I won't specifically name particular towns as being 'the most dangerous', there are some college towns that consistently appear in online lists and discussions due to higher crime rates. A few sources cite neighborhoods around the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN, areas near University of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV, and greater area around the University of New Orleans in LA as places where a student might want to be more cautious.

However, it's essential to keep in mind that security measures also matter. Universities often have comprehensive security systems in place: from campus police to blue lights, security escorts, and extensive safety protocols. Additionally, a sense of safety tends to be highly personal and subjective. What one person feels is safe or unsafe can depend on a lot of factors, from their previous living environment, to their knowledge and comfort level with the area, among other things.

So don't let crime data be your only guiding force. Visit campuses, if possible, and ask current students about their safety experiences. There's a lot that goes in to making a place feel like home, and safety is just one of those aspects.