In this article, we will take a look at the 16 most corrupt cities in the US.
Corruption is a global issue, and the United States is no exception, with varying degrees of corruption across its states. Understanding the extent of corruption in each state is essential for effective intervention and reform. In an ideal world, corruption would be nonexistent, and governments at all levels would prioritize the well-being of their citizens. However, the reality is that corruption is pervasive worldwide, including within the United States.
Corruption is the abuse of political power by government officials for personal gain, often through bribery or other unethical means. In the United States, significant peaks in corruption occurred during the Jacksonian era and the Gilded Age. However, levels of corruption declined following the reforms implemented during the Progressive Era. In 2022, the United States scored 69 out of 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption. This score places the US 24th out of 180 countries, indicating relatively low levels of corruption compared to many other nations.
Corruption in the United States
Despite the US ranking 25th on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), suggesting it is among the least corrupt nations, corruption and scandals still occur. Certain states in the U.S. exhibit higher levels of corruption than others, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and reform. Best Life’s comprehensive analysis assessed corruption levels across states using several factors: public corruption convictions per 10,000 residents, reported violations by medical providers, anti-corruption measures for public officials (measured by the S.W.A.M.P. Index), and the State Integrity Score. These metrics were carefully weighted to calculate a Corruption Index Score, with 100 indicating the highest level of corruption and 0 the lowest.
From 1976 to 2010, New York had the highest number of public officials convicted on federal corruption charges, with 2,522 convictions. Other states with high numbers of convictions included California, Illinois, Florida, and Pennsylvania. However, these states also have large populations, which affects the raw numbers. When adjusting for population size, Louisiana emerges as the most corrupt state, followed closely by Mississippi. New York drops to 11th place, and California falls to 34th. Conversely, Washington and Oregon are among the least corrupt states.
The Impact of Politics on Corruption
Politics is an effective way of ensuring power and resources are shared equally among all individuals from different backgrounds within a specified jurisdiction. However, people have used political activities and offices to advance their gains and neglect the need to be accountable and responsible to the public. The emergence of political elites has created room for corruption to flourish in public and private offices because people no longer respect the need to develop national programs that will benefit citizens. They have diverted the resources of the public to achieve their gains without considering the impacts of their actions on other citizens. Politics has allowed corrupt officers to win elections and take powerful positions in government. Therefore, citizens continue to suffer because their interests are not addressed by those they expect would alleviate their problems.
Widespread poverty and illiteracy have significantly contributed to endemic corruption in modern societies. Efforts to educate people, particularly in rural areas, aim to increase awareness of their rights and freedoms to combat corruption. However, these initiatives often fall short, as poverty drives individuals to seek quick and easy solutions to meet their basic needs. Desperation caused by poverty leads people to engage in corrupt practices to ensure they have food on their tables. As a result, corruption flourishes because many people are unaware of their rights, and those who are aware lack the resources to exercise them.
The Aftermath of Corruption: Consequences and Challenges
Corruption severely hinders the development of effective political systems in a country. This vice fosters patronage, posing a serious threat to democratic processes. Nations plagued by corruption often face civil disobedience and political instability, which impede development projects. The introduction of multi-party democratic systems is frequently obstructed by corruption, undermining the legitimacy of political parties and candidates. Consequently, civil disobedience and a lack of trust in political institutions drive citizens to protest and demand the removal of corrupt leaders from power.
Corruption undermines unity and cooperation in society by fostering a sense of inequality and entitlement among certain individuals. The unequal distribution of national resources and restricted access to public services lead to widespread frustration and apathy among citizens, weakening the social fabric that binds communities together. This exacerbates social inequality and creates pronounced class differences, violating the dignity and rights of individuals. Unchecked corruption further widens the gap between the rich and the poor, resulting in a weakened civil society and diminished social cohesion.
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See also: 20 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia and 25 Most Racist Cities in America Ranked By Hate Crimes Per Capita.
Our Methodology
In this article, we draw insights from the most recent anti-corruption report published by the University of Illinois Chicago. Our analysis spans data gathered over five decades, from 1971 to 2021, focusing on the recorded number of convictions across various cities. You can also explore our article titled 30 Most Corrupt Countries in the World Heading into 2024 for further insights into the nations with the highest likelihood of corruption.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
16 Most Corrupt Cities in the US
16. Sacramento, California
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 674
With a total of 674 corruption convictions from 1976 to 2021, Sacramento, California ranks 16th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US. Sacramento, the capital city of California, is a bustling metropolis located in the heart of the state’s Central Valley. Renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving economy, Sacramento offers a vibrant atmosphere with something for everyone. (See also: Top 20 Most Expensive Cities To Live In California)
15. Fresno, California
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 674
Fresno, California landed in the 15th spot on our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US, with a total of 674 convictions from 1976 until 2021. Founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad, Fresno quickly evolved into an agricultural hub due to the fertile soil of the San Joaquin Valley and the region’s favorable climate. While situated in the heart of California’s most productive agricultural area, Fresno is also a sophisticated city boasting beautiful gardens and parks, a vibrant creative community, and a unique underground attraction unlike any other. As the largest city in the Central Valley, Fresno offers a blend of agricultural prowess and urban sophistication.
14. Boston, Massachusetts
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 752
Ranking 14th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US is Boston, Massachusetts with 752 convictions for the past 25 years. Boston, the capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts stands as the cultural and financial hub of the New England region in the Northeastern United States. Rich in history and tradition, Boston is renowned for its significant contributions to American culture, education, and politics. The city boasts a diverse economy, driven by finance, technology, and higher education, with numerous prestigious universities and research institutions calling Boston home.
13. New Orleans, Louisiana
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 756
A total of 756 convictions of corruption were recorded in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1976 to 2021. Former FBI New Orleans Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Sallet described the level of corruption in Louisiana as extremely unacceptable. He noted that the city of New Orleans has two dedicated corruption squads, a notable distinction given that field offices five times the size of New Orleans do not have such resources. Sallet emphasized the FBI’s strong commitment to eradicating corruption but stressed that it requires a sustained effort and a commitment from the state’s residents, not just from those working within the FBI, to refuse to tolerate corruption.
12. Orlando, Florida
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 780
According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice, compiled by Integrity Florida, Florida led the nation in the number of corruption convictions between 2000 and 2010. The data, which includes only federally initiated cases, reveals that most of these convictions involved local officials, who constitute the largest segment of public officials due to their sheer numbers. Orlando, Florida, with a total of 780 corruption convictions from 1976 to 2021, ranks 12th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US.
11. Houston, Texas
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 873
Texas falls somewhere in the middle regarding corruption rankings among states. It narrowly makes the list of the most corrupt states in terms of perceptions of illegal corruption, which involves private gains for government officials in exchange for providing specific benefits to individuals or groups. However, in terms of perceptions of legal corruption, which involves political gains such as campaign contributions or endorsements in exchange for providing benefits, Texas does not rank among the most or least corrupt states.
10. Brooklyn, New York
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 898
Ranking 10th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US is Brooklyn, New York with a total of 898 convictions in 25 years. Home to approximately 2.6 million residents, Brooklyn stands as an iconic district boasting a vibrant tapestry of bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks that cater to both locals and visitors alike. Brooklyn is steeped in a rich cultural history that contributes to its unique charm. However, it’s important to note that certain areas within the district contend with higher crime rates. (See als0: 30 U.S. Cities With Highest Violent Crime Rates)
9. Cleveland, Ohio
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,043
According to a 2019 report from the University of Illinois, Cleveland recorded 171 federal public corruption convictions between 2010 and 2017. Over the longer period from 1976 to 2017, the city saw a total of 991 convictions for public corruption. However, based on the latest available data, Cleveland ranks 9th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US with 1,043 recorded convictions from 1976 to 2021.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,081
Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia have secured convictions for over 1,000 individuals on a wide range of public corruption charges over the past 40 years. Despite the city’s notorious reputation as one of the most corrupt and contented in the U.S., these statistics do not even place Philly among the nation’s top five. However, government watchdogs and attorneys caution that conviction numbers alone do not fully encapsulate the extent of the issue. According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, encompassing a large area from Philadelphia to Allentown, ranks seventh in the nation for total public corruption convictions over the last four decades.
7. Richmond, Virginia
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,159
Ranking 7th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US is Richmond, Virginia with a total of 1,159 convictions from 1976 to 2021. Richmond stands as one of America’s oldest major cities, preserving its historical architecture and landmarks that tell the story of America’s past. From pivotal roles in the American Revolution and the Civil War to its vibrant arts and cultural scene, Richmond embodies a rich heritage while embracing contemporary life.
6. District of Columbia
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,218
Washington D.C. ranks 6th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US. According to a national survey conducted by The Washington Post, approximately half of all Americans perceive the District government as more corrupt than other large city governments. Additionally, a majority of respondents believe that problems in the city are escalating beyond control.
5. Newark, New Jersey
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,223
Newark, the largest city in the state of New Jersey and the 65th largest city in the United States, also serves as the seat of Essex County. With a total of 1,223 convictions from 1976 to 2021, Newark ranks 5th in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US.
4. Miami, Florida
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,288
Miami may be synonymous with bribery, embezzlement, and fraud, but it doesn’t claim the top spot as the most corrupt city in the country. According to a report released by the University of Illinois at Chicago, Miami ranks as the fourth most corrupt city in the US with 1,288 convictions. The study, conducted by the school’s Department of Police Science, analyzed federal corruption convictions reported by the U.S. Department of Justice from 1976 to 2021 to determine the rankings.
3. Manhattan, New York
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,387
Manhattan, the most densely populated of New York City’s five boroughs, consists primarily of Manhattan Island, bordered by the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers. As one of the world’s premier commercial, financial, and cultural hubs, it stands as the vibrant heart of the Big Apple. With a total of 1,387 corruption convictions from 1976 to 2021, Manhattan landed on the 3rd spot in our list of the 16 most corrupt cities in the US.
2. Los Angeles, California
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,625
With a total of 1,625 corruption convictions from 1976 to 2021, Los Angeles, California secured the 2nd spot in our list of the most corrupt cities in the US. In addition to its reputation for corruption, the city also contends with a high crime rate (See also: 30 Most Crime Ridden Cities in America). According to a 2023 FBI report, Los Angeles has a crime rate that surpasses the national average by 52.4%. Specifically, the city recorded 31,772 violent crimes, equating to 834 per 100,000 individuals, which exceeds the national average by 125.6%.
1. Chicago, Illinois
Number of Convictions From 1976 to 2021: 1,824
Topping our list of the most corrupt cities in the US is Chicago, Illinois with 1,824 convictions from 1976 to 2021. Despite a decline in federal corruption convictions from an average of 61 per year in the 1990s to 28.5 per year between 2010 and 2019, the Northern District of Illinois, encompassing Chicago and its suburbs, continues to be a hotspot for corruption, as highlighted in the recent corruption report by the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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