Safety across the United States is as varied as its landscapes. From bustling cities to quiet countryside, every state faces its own unique challenges. So, how do they stack up? The experts at WalletHub crunched the numbers to find out. They looked at 52 key safety factors – from road conditions to emergency preparedness – across all 50 states, sorting them into categories like personal safety and financial security. The result? A fascinating ranking of the most dangerous (and safest) states in 2024.
Click through this gallery to discover every state ranked, from safest to most dangerous...
Vermont isn’t just a picturesque escape with its rolling green mountains and charming villages – it’s also the safest state in the US. Nearly 77% of parents feel secure in their neighborhoods, thanks to low crime rates and active community watch groups. Financially, Vermont shines with an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.1%, minimal identity theft complaints, and some of the healthiest mortgages in the nation. Even on the roads, Vermont leads the way, with top-tier road quality and low traffic fatalities.
New Hampshire ranks as the second-safest state in the US, thanks to its exceptionally low crime rates. It has the fewest mass shootings, aggravated assaults and thefts per capita, as well as the second-fewest murders. Over 78% of residents feel they live in safe neighborhoods, and its schools rank among the safest too. Financially, New Hampshire excels with a 2.9% unemployment rate, the nation’s lowest poverty rate, and an average credit score of 748, reflecting strong economic stability.
Maine earns its spot as the third-safest state in the US. Financially, it’s a rock star, with a 2.7% unemployment rate, impressive job security, and one of the fastest job growth rates in the country. Residents enjoy stability with minimal bankruptcies and low rates of identity theft, while crime remains rare – with some of the nation’s lowest rates for aggravated assaults, thefts, and mass shootings. Adding to its safety credentials, Maine is well-equipped with the fifth-most firefighters and seventh-most EMTs per capita, plus a low risk of natural disasters.
Massachusetts, where historic charm meets modern innovation, ranks as the fourth safest state in the US. Low rates of violent and property crime provide a secure environment, while The Bay State also boasts the nation’s lowest percentage of uninsured residents. On the roads, Massachusetts stands out with the second-lowest fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Combined with proactive disaster preparedness, this is a state that offers peace of mind alongside its rich history and culture.
Utah, known for its breathtaking national parks and welcoming communities, ranks as the fifth safest state in the US. With low rates of violent and property crime, the state also shines financially – boasting low unemployment and a high median household income. Utah’s commitment to safety extends to its workforce, with low rates of workplace injuries and proactive disaster preparedness.
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Hawaii isn’t just a tropical paradise – it’s also the sixth safest state in the US. With low rates of assaults and thefts, it offers peace of mind to residents and tourists alike. Financially, the Aloha State has the nation’s highest percentage of adults with rainy-day funds, low unemployment, and minimal uninsured residents. Add to that its strong natural disaster preparedness and impressively safe roads, and you’ve got a destination where security meets serenity.
Connecticut, with its charming coastal towns and timeless New England appeal, ranks as the seventh safest state in the US. It’s a standout for personal safety, ranking third in the nation for the fewest assaults per capita. Financial security is another strong point, with Connecticut placing third for the percentage of adults who have rainy-day funds. Combining security, stability, and a high quality of life, Connecticut proves to be as safe as it is picturesque.
Minnesota, famous for its many lakes and cold winters, is also recognized for its strong safety record. The state ranks third in the US for the fewest deaths per 100 million vehicle miles and fifth for the lowest fatal occupational injuries. With a low percentage of uninsured residents and high scores in personal safety, financial security, and emergency preparedness, Minnesota shows a clear commitment to keeping its residents safe.
Tiny but mighty, Rhode Island takes its place as one of the safest states in the US, boasting the lowest rate of traffic fatalities in the nation and the fewest fatal occupational injuries. Adding to its appeal, Rhode Island ranks fourth for the fewest assaults per capita, reflecting its low crime rates. With high marks in personal safety, a low bullying rate, and strong emergency preparedness, this small state proves big when it comes to protecting its people.
Wyoming combines its rugged natural charm with a serious focus on safety. With the most law enforcement employees per capita in the country, it’s clear that keeping communities secure is a top priority. While the state grapples with higher rates of workplace fatalities, its close-knit communities foster a sense of protection and resilience.
Idaho quietly shines as one of the safer states in the US, with a strong focus on both personal and financial security. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and small-town charm, Idaho ranks high in emergency preparedness, has a low unemployment rate, relatively low crime rates, and a commitment to protecting its communities – making it an appealing place to live and visit.
Indiana seems to be a reliable choice for those seeking security with a sense of community. The state ranks highest in the category of workplace safety, and its strong focus on emergency preparedness means residents are ready to tackle whatever comes their way.
Iowa presents a mixed safety profile, balancing strengths with significant challenges. Known for its vast farmland and welcoming communities, the state ranks high in emergency preparedness, but faces hurdles too, with the highest bullying rate in the nation and the highest in total loss from climate disasters per capita, highlighting the impact of severe weather on its residents.
Arizona offers a dynamic blend of stunning desert landscapes and urban energy, but its safety metrics reveal one area in need of serious improvement. The state struggles with high traffic fatalities, ranking 48 out of 50 in the category of road safety.
Virginia, steeped in colonial history and framed by picturesque mountain ranges, boasts strong safety credentials. Ranking fourth in the nation for the lowest bullying incidence rate, the state demonstrates its commitment to fostering safe spaces, especially for young people. Pair that with top-notch emergency preparedness, and it’s clear Virginia doesn’t leave safety to chance.
Maryland, famous for its Chesapeake Bay and iconic blue crabs, earns joint fifth place in the States for lowest fatal occupational injuries, and its well-resourced infrastructure combined with solid emergency preparedness, ensures its residents are equipped to weather life’s uncertainties.
New Jersey, known for its iconic beaches, bustling boardwalks, and easy access to New York City, ties with Wyoming for the most law enforcement employees per capita – a clear sign of its commitment to keeping communities secure. It also ties for fourth place in lowest fatal occupational injuries, has a low percentage of uninsured residents, and strong emergency preparedness.
Washington, home to Seattle and the majestic Mount Rainier, ranks last for number of law enforcement employees per capita, relying on innovative policies and community initiatives to help maintain public safety. However, its strong emergency preparedness ensures that residents are well-equipped to handle crises, from natural disasters to public health emergencies.
Delaware, with its coastal charm and appeal as a tax-free shopping haven, offers a mixed safety profile. The state ranks best in the country for its low bullying incidence rate, and a large percentage of its residents have saved for rainy-day funds. However, it ranks lower than average for both road and workplace safety, meaning there are still areas for growth.
Kentucky blends small-town charm with a focus on readiness, excelling in emergency preparedness to tackle crises head-on. While challenges like a higher unemployment rate persist, the state’s close-knit communities create a foundation for growth and security.
Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes come with strong emergency preparedness, keeping residents ready for natural disasters like wildfires. Despite having fewer law enforcement personnel, the state’s focus on environmental and community resilience keeps it in the middle of the pack.
North Carolina combines Southern charm with forward-thinking safety measures. Known for its emergency preparedness and thriving economy, the state is a secure, opportunity-rich place to live, even as it works to improve workplace safety.
New York pairs its bustling energy with a strong police presence, ranking fourth for the most law enforcement employees per capita. Despite its fast pace, the state’s robust emergency systems and focus on public security keep residents feeling protected.
Known for its stunning wildlife and the Northern Lights, Alaska’s rugged beauty comes with challenges, including one of the highest assault rates per capita. Emergency preparedness is a key strength – the state rates second in this category overall – helping residents face harsh weather and natural hazards.
Michigan is a state of contrasts, with a thriving auto industry and strong emergency preparedness balancing areas for improvement like its higher unemployment rate. Personal safety – it ranks 38 out of 50 in this category – is another weak point, especially in urban areas like Detroit.
North Dakota, known for its oil industry and picturesque Badlands, actually ranks very highly in several areas of safety, coming in at an impressive ninth in personal and residential safety, and 10th in financial safety. However, the state faces significant challenges in workplace safety, where it ranks joint last along with Wyoming.
Pennsylvania offers a fairly average safety profile, with most of its rankings sitting comfortably in the middle of the pack. It ranks 23rd in personal and residential safety, 22nd in financial safety, and 25th in road safety, reflecting a balanced but unremarkable focus on security.
South Dakota stands out for its economic stability, tying for the lowest unemployment rate in the nation – something that is reflected in the state's ranking for financial safety, where it comes in at fifth best in the US overall. However, South Dakota does still face some challenges, particularly related to total loss from climate-related disasters, where it ranks among the highest in the nation.
West Virginia offers a mix of strengths and challenges when it comes to safety. The state performs well in emergency preparedness, ranking 19th, and holds a respectable position in road safety, coming in at 22nd. However, its rankings in financial safety (39th), and workplace safety (45th) highlight areas needing improvement.
Illinois, home to Chicago’s skyline and farmland stretches, performs well in personal safety, landing 21st, and maintains solid scores in road and workplace safety, both ranked 23rd. However, it faces challenges in financial security, where it ranks 46th, and has the second highest unemployment rate in the entire country, topped only by Nevada.
Ohio’s safety profile reflects steady, middle-of-the-road performance across most metrics. The state ranks 17th in road safety, demonstrating reliable traffic management and infrastructure. While its rankings in personal safety (31st), financial safety (30th), and workplace safety (31st) don’t stand out, Ohio provides a fairly stable environment for its residents.
New Mexico faces significant challenges in safety, reflected in the fact that it is the 18th most dangerous state in the nation. The state ranks 49th in road safety, thanks to high traffic fatalities, and struggles with personal safety, coming in at 41st. It also has one of the highest assault rates per capita, tied at 47th in the nation. On the positive side, New Mexico is stronger in workplace safety and emergency preparedness, ranking 14th in both categories.
Known as the Cornhusker State, Nebraska is celebrated for its sprawling plains and friendly Midwestern charm. When it comes to safety, Nebraska does well in road safety, ranking ninth, and financial safety, where it places 12th. However, Nebraska faces challenges in workplace safety, coming in low at 39th, and its emergency preparedness ranking of 42nd highlights areas for improvement.
There's no place like home? With its golden fields and small-town charm, Kansas excels in road safety, ranking 12th, and shows strength in financial safety at 17th. While it performs well in personal safety (28th), challenges remain in workplace safety (34th), and emergency preparedness (45th).
Known for its vibrant entertainment hubs like Las Vegas, Nevada faces some serious challenges. The state ranks last not only in personal safety but also in the financial safety category, and struggles with road safety too, coming in at 42nd. However, it excels in emergency preparedness, ranking fifth, showcasing its ability to handle crises effectively.
California, with its sprawling coastline and bustling cities, ranks as the 14th least safe state overall, reflecting challenges across several safety metrics. It struggles with personal safety (48th), financial safety (45th), and road safety (47th), highlighting concerns around crime, economic security, and traffic fatalities. However, the state performs better in emergency preparedness, ranking 18th – a good thing, considering it faces significant risk from earthquakes.
Montana ranks as the 13th most dangerous state, with some strengths but more weaknesses. It performs well in financial safety, ranking seventh, but struggles in most other areas, with rankings of 37th in personal safety, 36th in workplace safety, and 32nd in emergency preparedness. While its middle-of-the-pack 29th place in road safety isn't too bad, Montana’s overall safety challenges highlight the need for improvements to provide a more secure environment in the Big Sky State.
Missouri, known for its iconic Gateway Arch, struggles with road safety, ranking 43rd, and falls short in emergency preparedness, coming in at 41st. While its personal safety (26th) and financial safety (27th) rankings are passable, they fail to offset its shortcomings. Missouri’s overall performance paints a picture of a state that needs stronger focus on crisis management and public safety.
Tennessee, famed for its music heritage, doesn't perform well when it comes to safety. The state ties for the most assaults per capita, despite having the fifth highest number of law enforcement employees in the nation. It also has one of the lowest percentages of adults with rainy-day funds, and road safety and emergency preparedness (both ranked at 37th) show additional challenges. One bright spot is workplace safety, where the state ranks 12th.
We're into the top 10 most dangerous states in the US now, and the first entry is South Carolina, which ranks last in traffic safety, and has the highest fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel in the nation, indicating alarming risks on its roads. It also ranks poorly in personal safety (42nd), highlighting the state's elevated crime rates.
Georgia’s vibrant cities and Southern charm are clouded by significant safety concerns. The state ranks 48th in financial safety, indicating widespread economic insecurity, and struggles with road safety, landing at 39th. Its 36th-place ranking in emergency preparedness further underscores a lack of readiness to handle crises effectively. While it performs slightly better in workplace safety (25th), this moderate achievement is not enough to offset its broader issues.
Colorado’s stunning landscapes and outdoor lifestyle don’t translate into strong safety rankings, as the state sits among the lowest for overall safety. It ranks 44th in personal safety, and its 43rd-place ranking in workplace safety adds to the challenges. While the state performs decently in financial safety (16th), and has a moderate emergency preparedness ranking (28th), its weaknesses in key areas drag it down, leaving Colorado as the eighth least-safe state.
Alabama ranks as the seventh least-safe state. It performs poorly in financial safety (42nd), workplace safety (37th), and emergency preparedness (43rd), highlighting systemic issues in protecting residents and managing crises.
Oklahoma’s safety challenges place it as the sixth most dangerous state in the nation, with troubling rankings across key areas. The state struggles to protect its residents, landing 34th in financial safety, 38th in road safety, and 35th in workplace safety. Even more concerning is its 44th-place ranking in emergency preparedness, showing a lack of readiness to handle crises.
Florida, famous for its sunshine and beaches, ranks as the fifth least-safe state, and has the second highest share of the uninsured population in the US. Its performance in key safety metrics is equally troubling, with rankings of 44th in financial safety, 41st in road safety, and 43rd in workplace safety. Compounding these issues, Florida lands at 47th in emergency preparedness, reflecting a critical lack of readiness to handle crises, including frequent climate disasters like hurricanes.
Arkansas struggles across several key safety metrics. The state ties for 47th in most assaults per capita, reflecting alarming levels of violence, and ranks 45th in personal safety. It also performs poorly in road safety (45th), and workplace safety (46th), leaving residents at significant risk. Additionally, Arkansas is among the states with the lowest percentage of adults with rainy-day funds, highlighting financial vulnerability.
Known for its barbecue, cowboy culture, and sprawling landscapes, Texas ranks as the third most dangerous state, grappling with major safety concerns. The state has the highest uninsured population in the nation, struggles in road safety (ranked 44th), also showing weakness in financial safety (38th) and emergency preparedness (48th). While its 39th-place ranking in personal safety and 32nd in workplace safety are slightly better, they fail to counterbalance its glaring vulnerabilities.
Mississippi faces critical safety issues across nearly every category. The state has the highest traffic fatality rate in the nation, landing 50th in road safety, and ranks 49th in workplace safety, leaving workers vulnerable. Its 47th-place ranking in financial safety and 50th in emergency preparedness underscore further systemic challenges, and while its 16th-place in personal safety is a rare bright spot, it doesn't help the state's overall ranking of the second most dangerous state in the US.
Louisiana holds the title of the most dangerous state in America, and its rankings across almost all categories in WalletHub's analysis make for pretty grim reading. The state ranks 49th in both financial safety and emergency preparedness, ties for the highest rate of assaults per capita, and comes in at 40th for both personal and workplace safety. Even with a slightly less dire 33rd-place ranking in road safety, Louisiana’s overall performance signals an urgent need for action to address its deep-seated safety challenges.