The Most Dangerous U.S. Cities To Keep Cash

You might not need cash for as many things these days, but there are still reasons to carry a small bit of change on your person when you’re out and about.

Some small, locally owned businesses will only accept cash, or they’ll charge a service fee for using a card. Certain farmers markets, smaller paid parking lots and events vendors usually require cash, too.

While there are advantages to having some cash in your wallet or purse, it’s not always the safest option. A recent study from The Stock Dork analyzed top U.S. cities to figure out which ones were the most dangerous to keep cash in.

Keep reading for a closer look at the results and some tips for keeping your money safe.

• Population: 808,437
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 5,059.49
• Inflation rates: 3.60%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 89%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 11%

San Francisco has around 67 crimes — including violent and property crimes — per 1,000 residents. This is one of the highest crime rates in the country. The chance of becoming a victim of property or violent crime, which includes robbery, is one in 15.

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• Population: 316,081
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 4,125.26
• Inflation rates: 3.91%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 95%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 5%

Orlando has an estimated 49 crimes per 1,000 residents. This is one of the highest crime rates in the country. The chance of being involved in a property or violent crime is one in 21.

• Population: 1,024,000
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,968.46
• Inflation rates: 2.85%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 91%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 9%

In Tucson, the crime rate is 42 per 1,000 residents. People’s chances of becoming a victim of crime is one in 24.

• Population: 635,067
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,824.56
• Inflation rates: 3.26%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 96%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 4%

Portland’s crime rate is 72 per 1,000 residents, putting it near the top of other U.S. cities, regardless of size. The chance of becoming a victim of a property or violent crime is one in 14.

• Population: 749,256
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,673.45
• Inflation rates: 3.61%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 96%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 4%

In Seattle, the crime rate is 66 per 1,000 residents. The chance of being targeted for a violent or property crime is one in 15.

• Population: 1,513,974
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,622.65
• Inflation rates: 3.81%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 92%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 8%

The crime rate in San Antonio is 60 per 1,000 residents. Residents’ chance of becoming the victim of a crime is one in 17.

• Population: 671,803
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,528.96
• Inflation rates: 3.26%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 96%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 4%

In Washington, D.C., the crime rate is 60 per 1,000 people. The chance of being involved with a property or violent crime is one in 17.

• Population: 499,127
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,387.19
• Inflation rates: 3.58%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 97%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 3%

Atlanta’s crime rate is 48 in 1,000 people. This means the chance of being the victim of a violent or property crime is one in 21.

• Population: 425,096
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,173.49
• Inflation rates: 3.26%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 92%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 8%

In Minneapolis, the crime rate is 66 per 1,000 people. The chance of being involved in a crime is one in 15.

• Population: 449,514
• Larceny/theft rates per 100,000 people: 3,090.87
• Inflation rates: 3.91%
• % of businesses accepting electronic payments: 95%
• % of businesses accepting cash only: 5%

While the chance of being involved in a crime is lower than in other cities on this list, Miami’s crime rate is still about 30 per 1,000 residents. That’s a one in 34 chance.

These data points are meant to give you a better overview of the crime rate as pertains to your personal property — including your cash — in each of these cities.

Keep in mind that within each city is going to be neighborhoods that are safer and, in some cases, more dangerous than the norm. Your experiences may also differ based on your circumstances, habits and the like.

If you want to keep your money safe while out and about, practice smart tactics like:

• Keep it in a secured pocket — ideally one that zips or snaps closed — that you can easily reach and monitor.
• Only carry a small sum on you just in case something does happen.
• Use a concealed money belt or dummy wallet.
• Carry small bills.

Please note: Ranking and data points sourced via The Stock Dork. All other data comes from Neighborhood Scout’s crime statistics.