In 2002 Gary had the highest rate of homicide in the country at 57.7 per 100,000 people.
Followed by: Compton, New Orleans (dixie baby), DC (Virginia being right across the potomac) and Detroit.
More importantly Boston was 87, below Providence. See for your self. Also, notice smalltown dixie peppered throughout that list.
http://www.morganquitno.com/cit02r.pdf