Summer’s final stretch means Americans are still out and about—traveling, attending festivals, and soaking up the last warm evenings before cooler weather rolls in. With so many people on foot, pedestrian safety remains more important than ever.
A new study analyzed the top 36 metro cities to rank the safest and most dangerous cities for pedestrians in 2026.
Charlotte, NC, ranks 7th most dangerous U.S. city for pedestrians in 2026, with 2.53 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents and a Walk Score of only 26.
A clear geographic pattern emerges at the bottom of the rankings: all 10 cities are located in the South or Southwest. The Southwest alone claims half the list, pointing to the continued pedestrian safety challenges facing these largely car-dependent parts of the country.
Albuquerque once again ranks as the most dangerous city for pedestrians. Although its fatality rate improved from 4.68 to 4.41 deaths per 100,000 people, it remains nearly five times higher than Milwaukee’s nation-leading low. Arizona is once again represented by Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson in the bottom 10, with all three cities recording higher fatality rates than last year.
Walkability remains another common concern. Walk Score measures how easily people can reach errands and amenities on foot, with lower scores signaling greater car dependence. Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Nashville receive the lowest Walk Scores in the bottom 10, further illustrating how limited walkability and higher pedestrian risk often appear together.
| Rank | City | Number of Pedestrian Deaths per 100,000 People | Walk Score | Total Safety Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Memphis | 2.39 | 35 | 35 |
| 27 | Fort Worth | 2.45 | 35 | 34 |
| 28 | Nashville | 2.39 | 29 | 31 |
| 29 | Charlotte | 2.53 | 26 | 27 |
| 30 | Las Vegas | 3.46 | 42 | 25 |
| 31 | Tucson | 3.60 | 43 | 23 |
| 32 | Phoenix | 3.60 | 41 | 22 |
| 33 | Mesa | 3.60 | 38 | 20 |
| 34 | Jacksonville | 3.05 | 26 | 20 |
| 35 | Albuquerque | 4.41 | 43 | 12 |
