Safest States in US 2024
Safety is on the minds of many Americans these days. You’re not alone if you’ve been feeling a bit uneasy lately. In fact, recent polls reveal a growing concern among U.S. citizens regarding local crime levels. Gallup recently reported a staggering 56% of U.S. adults believing that crime was worse in their local area compared to the previous year. This sentiment marks the highest level of concern in 50 years.
With these concerns in mind, we analyzed crime and law enforcement data from the FBI to provide you with a clear picture of the safest states in the U.S., based on violent crimes, property crimes, and law enforcement presence.
Key Takeaways:
- Northeast is the Safest: 60% of the top ten safest states are in the Northeast region. But other parts of the country have safe havens too, with Utah (West), Hawaii (West), and Minnesota (Midwest) shining as examples.
- Safest of the Safe: Vermont wins the top spot as the safest state. How so? Mainly thanks to its sparse population and serene rural nature leading to an exceptionally low rate of violent crime and property crime.
- Lowest Crime Rates: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine deserve a special mention. They’ve achieved the lowest crime rates, respectively.
Below is our data-driven look at the safest states in the US. We’ll try and offer some valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about where to live, work, or even just visit. Let’s go.
Safety Criteria
🌳 The Tranquil Quotient: Measures the general peace and quiet of neighborhoods, taking into account noise levels and disruptions, contributing to the overall sense of serenity.
🚓 Crime and Conviction Statistics: Includes both petty and serious crimes. Additionally, takes into account the efficiency of law enforcement in solving cases.
💡 Safety Infrastructure: Considers the presence of functional street lights, traffic control measures, surveillance systems, and quick emergency response.
👫 Civic Trust Index: Assesses the quality of interpersonal relationships, community involvement, and trust among residents.
🌼 Health & Environment Score: Weighs in factors like clean air, quality of healthcare services, the prevalence of diseases, and access to outdoor spaces.
📚 Educational Equity: Takes into account the level of safety in schools and universities, access to quality education, and student support systems.
🏗️ Resilience Quotient: Evaluates how the state or city responds to disasters and emergencies, considering preparation measures and recovery speed.
💼 Employment Assurance: Checks the level of job security and prospects, as financial stability contributes to overall safety.
🛡️ Digital Fortress: This revision highlights the strength and effectiveness of cybersecurity efforts with the cybercrimes.
🌱 Future-Proofing Policies: Assesses the implementation of safety improvement plans, preparedness for future challenges, and innovative safety solutions.
20 Safest States in the US
The following table exhibits the 20 safest states in America.
Safety Ranking | State | Total Safety Score | Personal Safety | Emergency Preparedness | Workplace Safety | Road Safety | Financial Safety |
20 | Arizona | 52.95 | 33 | 8 | 9 | 49 | 20 |
19 | Indiana | 52.98 | 15 | 29 | 12 | 24 | 37 |
18 | Maryland | 53.23 | 9 | 23 | 14 | 45 | 24 |
17 | Wyoming | 54.04 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 10 | 27 |
16 | Alaska | 54.52 | 37 | 2 | 21 | 27 | 16 |
15 | New Jersey | 54.62 | 5 | 25 | 28 | 16 | 30 |
14 | Idaho | 54.67 | 16 | 15 | 46 | 6 | 18 |
13 | Iowa | 55.29 | 8 | 47 | 7 | 5 | 19 |
12 | Oregon | 55.48 | 39 | 16 | 8 | 12 | 11 |
11 | Virginia | 55.99 | 11 | 31 | 3 | 22 | 17 |
10 | Rhode Island | 58.99 | 6 | 10 | 35 | 19 | 26 |
9 | Washington | 59.44 | 27 | 9 | 5 | 15 | 7 |
8 | Minnesota | 59.81 | 17 | 22 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
7 | Connecticut | 59.88 | 1 | 17 | 27 | 17 | 23 |
6 | Massachusetts | 60.02 | 7 | 11 | 42 | 1 | 5 |
5 | Hawaii | 60.36 | 14 | 4 | 13 | 20 | 14 |
4 | Utah | 63.48 | 19 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 2 |
3 | New Hampshire | 63.99 | 4 | 3 | 41 | 13 | 1 |
2 | Maine | 66.95 | 3 | 1 | 19 | 2 | 13 |
1 | Vermont | 68.79 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 14 | 10 |
State Comparisons
Vermont ranks as the safest state with a total safety score of 68.79, excelling in workplace safety (1st) and personal safety (2nd). Maine follows closely with a score of 66.95, leading in emergency preparedness (1st) and ranking high in road safety (2nd). New Hampshire, ranked 3rd (63.99), stands out for financial safety (1st) and emergency preparedness (3rd), though its workplace safety is lower (41st).
Utah (4th, 63.48) ranks high in workplace safety (2nd) and financial safety (2nd), while Hawaii (5th, 60.36) shines in emergency preparedness (4th) but lags in road safety (20th). Massachusetts (6th, 60.02) leads in road safety (1st) but scores lower in workplace safety (42nd).
Connecticut (7th, 59.88) tops personal safety rankings (1st), though its financial safety (23rd) and workplace safety (27th) bring its overall rank down. Minnesota (8th, 59.81) excels in workplace safety (6th) and road safety (3rd). Washington (9th, 59.44) performs well in workplace safety (5th) but ranks lower in personal safety (27th). Overall, the top states show strength across various safety dimensions but have room for improvement in certain areas.
Safety in the US
State by state, the safety standards across the United States exhibit considerable variance. WalletHub aimed to elucidate this disparity through an elaborate study. This comprehensive assessment examined each of the 50 states under the microscope of 53 safety measures, encompassing five broad categories: Personal & Residential Safety, Roadway Safety, Financial Security, Occupational Safety, and Disaster Readiness.
These varied measures painted a vivid safety profile for each state. Factors included the frequency of drunk-driving incidents, road conditions, the unemployment ratio, debt relative to income, poverty rates, instances of mass shootings and assaults, the proportion of law enforcement officers, and the percentage of households with children aged 0 to 17 feeling safe in their neighborhoods. Each of these elements was assigned a score from 0 to 100, with 100 denoting the highest degree of safety. The aggregated score, thus, provided a quantified measure of safety for each state.
It’s important to remember that these rankings don’t negate the challenges the United States faces on a global scale. According to the Global Peace Index, the country holds the 128th position out of 163 nations, beset by issues such as hate crimes, mass shootings, terrorist threats, and natural disasters. While these factors do pose risks to both residents and visitors, the safety quotient significantly impacts individuals’ quality of life and is a key determinant for families contemplating relocation.
Tips to Secure Safety in States
🏡 Community Cohesion: Foster strong neighborhood connections and encourage residents to watch out for each other. Together, we stand stronger against crime.
🚓 Effective Policing: Invest in community-based law enforcement strategies that build trust between citizens and police while ensuring speedy and just crime resolution.
🏥 Solid Healthcare System: Accessible and quality healthcare services contribute to the overall safety of a state. It’s crucial for preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring public well-being.
🌳 Safe Public Spaces: Maintain parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces, making them safe places for recreation and fostering a sense of community.
💡 Improved Infrastructure: Regularly inspect and repair public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings. Safe infrastructure reduces accidents and enhances security.
🏫 Quality Education: Promote education for all, focusing on values, respect for others, and the importance of community. Education is a strong deterrent against crime.
🚦 Traffic Safety: Implement and enforce traffic rules, provide driver education, and maintain road infrastructure to ensure the safety of all road users.
💻 Cybersecurity Measures: Enhance state-level digital protection, safeguard citizens’ data, and spread awareness about online threats to protect against cybercrime.
🚒 Emergency Preparedness: Regularly review and update disaster management plans. Conduct drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
🏢 Workplace Safety: Implement strict regulations for workplace safety. A safe work environment not only prevents accidents but also fosters better mental health.
💰 Economic Stability: Focus on economic policies that promote job creation, fair wages, and worker protection. Economic stability often leads to decreased crime rates.
The Wrap-Up
In a nation as vast and varied as the United States, assessing safety is a complex task. With diverse challenges and strengths across the states, safety remains a multifaceted yet crucial component of everyday life. As this investigation reveals, factors ranging from personal and residential safety to financial security, road conditions, occupational safety, and disaster preparedness; all play vital roles.
It’s important to remember that while rankings and scores provide an empirical perspective, the essence of safety often resides in the subtle nuances of community, policy, and local culture. Ultimately, the quest for safety is a dynamic journey, as intricate and diverse as the United States itself.
If you enjoyed this article, you may want to check out our articles on most dangerous states in the US as well as the safest country in the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the safest states in the US based on different safety metrics?
When it comes to the safest states in the U.S., Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire consistently perform well across a broad range of safety parameters.
How does violent crime in the safest states compare to the national average?
Violent crime rates in the safest states are notably lower than the national average. This crucial parameter plays a significant part in a state's inclusion in the list of safest states. In essence, the lower a state's violent crime rate, the safer the environment for its inhabitants.
How does the Virginia violent crime rate fare among the safest states?
When assessing the safest states, Virginia's violent crime rate of 208 per 100k is often observed to be considerably lower than the national average, although it may not be the lowest.
How does Massachusetts violent crime rate stand compared to other safest states?
Massachusetts holds its own among the safest states with a competitive violent crime rate. This low rate of 308.8 per 100k, combined with a solid law enforcement presence and effective public safety policies, bolsters Massachusetts' reputation as one of the safest states.
How does Connecticut violent crime rate compare with that of other safest states?
In general, Connecticut's violent crime rate is lower than many states, with 181.6 per 100k, aiding in its consistent ranking among the safest states. However, it's important to remember that additional factors such as financial safety and the density of law enforcement employees also contribute to a state's overall safety score.
Is financial safety a key factor in determining the safest states?
Financial safety plays a crucial role when designating the safest states. A state with high financial safety is often indicative of a stable economy, which can be associated with lower crime rates, including violent crime.
How does the presence of law enforcement employees factor into a state's safety?
The ratio of law enforcement employees significantly impacts a state's safety levels. States with a higher density of law enforcement employees tend to report lower violent crime rates, thus enhancing their status among the safest states.
What role does the Federal Bureau play in ensuring safety in the safest states?
The Federal Bureau is pivotal in maintaining safety standards across all states, including those classified as the safest. They provide national-level resources and coordination to combat crime, especially violent crimes, offering crucial support to local law enforcement agencies.
Which of the safest states report the lowest property crime rates?
New Hampshire stands out amongst the safest states for its remarkably low property crime rate. Nonetheless, many other states categorized as the safest also demonstrate low property crime rate as a part of their comprehensive public safety measures.
How significant are public safety initiatives in maintaining the status of the safest states?
Public safety initiatives are fundamental in keeping violent crime rates low in the safest states. These strategies, often executed in partnership with law enforcement employees, span community outreach programs to proactive crime prevention, all playing a significant role in a state’s ranking among the safest.