When it comes to safety, not all states are equal. A new report from WalletHub ranks the safest and most dangerous states in America, based on key factors such as crime rates, financial stability, and emergency preparedness.
Interestingly, one region dominates the top 10 safest states, while another consistently ranks among the most dangerous. Let’s take a closer look at where your state stands.
How Were the Rankings Determined?
WalletHub analyzed 52 key safety indicators to determine which states are the safest. These factors include:
- Personal and Residential Safety – Crime rates, law enforcement presence, and neighborhood security.
- Financial Safety – Job market strength, economic stability, and fraud rates.
- Road Safety – Traffic fatalities, DUI rates, and infrastructure quality.
- Workplace Safety – On-the-job injury rates and labor laws.
- Emergency Preparedness – Readiness for natural disasters and public health crises.
In addition to statistics, the safest states often have more active community involvement, such as neighborhood watch programs and higher numbers of emergency responders like firefighters and EMTs.
The Top 10 Safest States in America
According to WalletHub, the safest states in the U.S. are:
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- Wyoming
Key Takeaways:
- New England is the safest region in the U.S., with Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts all ranking in the top four.
- States with lower crime rates, strong economies, and active emergency services tend to rank higher.
- Utah and Hawaii break the trend, ranking high due to financial safety, road safety, and low crime rates.
The 10 Most Dangerous States in America
On the other end of the spectrum, these states ranked as the most dangerous in the country:
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Oklahoma
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Georgia
- South Carolina
Key Takeaways:
- The South is the most dangerous region, with the majority of its states ranking near the bottom.
- High violent crime rates, economic instability, and poor emergency preparedness contribute to lower rankings.
- Colorado stands out as a surprising addition, ranking lower due to higher crime rates and road safety concerns.
Why Is New England the Safest Region?
New England states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine consistently rank high due to:
- Low crime rates – These states have some of the lowest violent crime and property crime rates in the nation.
- Strong community involvement – Residents actively participate in safety programs and policy-making.
- High number of emergency responders – More firefighters, EMTs, and healthcare workers per capita.
- Financial security – Strong economies and lower unemployment rates make these states financially safer.
Why Is the South Considered More Dangerous?
The Southern states that ranked low in safety tend to share some common risk factors:
- Higher crime rates – Many Southern states experience higher violent and property crime rates.
- Severe weather risks – Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding are more common, requiring better emergency preparedness.
- Lower access to healthcare – Some states struggle with healthcare shortages, impacting public safety.
- Economic instability – Higher poverty rates and lower wages contribute to financial insecurity.