Compton, California, 14th Most Dangerous City in America

Known around the world for violent crimes, gangsta rap, and gang banging, the city of Compton is making progress in its efforts to rebirth a new Compton. Contrary to popular opinion, majority of Compton's residents are good hardworking law-abiding people.

Last year Compton was rated as the most dangerous city with a population of 75,000 to 99,999, and 4th most dangerous overall.

In 2007, the city of Compton comes in at number fourteen.

As a native and resident of Compton, it saddens me that my city once again made the most dangerous cities in America list. However, I am elated that Compton did rank lower on the list.

While Compton is considered the 14th most dangerous city, Compton also made the Best Cities to Start and Grow a Business list. Named an "Entrepreneurial Hot Spot" Compton is now a designated Enterprise Zone. This new distinction is attracting many private sector companies to establish businesses in Compton. New businesses in Compton receive significant tax incentives and lower interest rates; while the city of Compton has an opportunity to raise the standard of living for Compton residents through the surge in the local economy.

The recent opening of Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Shoe Pavilion has created over 1200 jobs thus far. What this means in a nutshell is that we can expect crime rates in Compton to go down even more.

Socio-economic conditions are a primary factor in Compton's crime rate. It's estimated that 28% of Compton's population live below the poverty line. In desperate times, people often take desperate measures. By revitalizing the community and its local economy, the city will continue to realize significant decreases in poverty, unemployment, and crime. Hopefully next year Compton won't even make the most dangerous cities in America list.

In addition to addressing Compton's economic needs, an effort to reach out to Compton's youth is critical. Other than Pop Warner football and cheerleading there aren't too many programs or activities for youth to participate in.

A lack of fun free and/or affordable resources leaves Compton's children vulnerable to the streets. If the youth have more places to go and more things to do that nurture their interests while stimulating their minds the city will see lower crime rates. It is absolutely imperative that the city of Compton finds ways to engage children, teenagers, and young adults.

There are numerous vacant buildings throughout Compton that have been vacant for years. I long to see these buildings used as youth empowerment centers.
As the song says: "I believe the children are the future." The future of Compton depends heavily on its youth.