Multiple Sources · 50 states
Safest States in America
Safety is one of the most important factors people consider when choosing where to live, work, or raise a family. The safest states in America have violent crime rates well below the national average, typically sharing characteristics like strong economies, low unemployment, higher educational attainment, and smaller urban centers. Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire consistently rank among the safest, benefiting from tight-knit communities, low population density, and relatively equal income distribution. Rural states tend to have lower violent crime rates, though property crime can still be a concern. Understanding crime patterns helps families make relocation decisions, businesses assess risk, and policymakers target prevention resources.
Key Findings
- 1Vermont leads with a violent crime rate per 100,000 of 187.1, followed by Mississippi (193.5) and Alaska (208.2).
- 2The gap between #1 Vermont and #50 Arkansas (729.6) is 54250.0 percentage points.
- 3The national median across all states is 436.4 (Texas at the midpoint).
- 4The top 10 states are: Vermont, Mississippi, Alaska, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Kentucky.
Full Ranking: Safest States in America
Source: Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
| # | State | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate | Safety Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | 415.2 | 1,620.5 | C |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 322.3 | 1,533.5 | B |
| 3 | West Virginia | 483.9 | 1,573 | C |
| 4 | Washington | 401.8 | 2,055 | C |
| 5 | Virginia | 523.7 | 1,967.4 | C |
| 6 | Vermont | 187.1 | 1,199.2 | B |
| 7 | Utah | 403.5 | 1,872.7 | C |
| 8 | Texas | 436.4 | 2,021.6 | C |
| 9 | Tennessee | 359.7 | 1,955.6 | C |
| 10 | South Dakota | 276.5 | 1,795.8 | B |
| 11 | South Carolina | 262.7 | 1,719 | B |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 562.4 | 1,832.2 | C |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 544.3 | 1,758.4 | C |
| 14 | Oregon | 335.4 | 1,807.1 | C |
| 15 | Oklahoma | 378.3 | 2,125.4 | C |
| 16 | Ohio | 483.3 | 2,042.3 | C |
| 17 | North Dakota | 211.1 | 1,760.5 | B |
| 18 | North Carolina | 533.3 | 1,910.1 | C |
| 19 | New York | 373.3 | 1,958.2 | C |
| 20 | New Mexico | 648.5 | 2,107.1 | C |
| 21 | New Jersey | 535.6 | 1,825.5 | C |
| 22 | New Hampshire | 530.5 | 2,071.4 | C |
| 23 | Nevada | 411.6 | 2,049.7 | C |
| 24 | Nebraska | 240.4 | 1,849.7 | B |
| 25 | Montana | 442.4 | 1,427.4 | C |
| 26 | Missouri | 527.6 | 2,148.6 | C |
| 27 | Mississippi | 193.5 | 1,636.2 | B |
| 28 | Minnesota | 242.6 | 1,519.9 | B |
| 29 | Michigan | 419.1 | 1,792.2 | C |
| 30 | Massachusetts | 350.5 | 1,981 | C |
| 31 | Maryland | 592 | 1,917.5 | C |
| 32 | Maine | 609.2 | 1,370.6 | C |
| 33 | Louisiana | 542.8 | 2,067.2 | C |
| 34 | Kentucky | 334.8 | 1,743.5 | C |
| 35 | Kansas | 497.1 | 2,132.5 | C |
| 36 | Iowa | 389.1 | 1,440.7 | C |
| 37 | Indiana | 674.4 | 1,606.8 | C |
| 38 | Illinois | 381.3 | 1,929.7 | C |
| 39 | Idaho | 392.8 | 1,921 | C |
| 40 | Hawaii | 534.8 | 1,346.7 | C |
| 41 | Georgia | 547.1 | 1,601.1 | C |
| 42 | Florida | 499.7 | 1,998.3 | C |
| 43 | District of Columbia | 460.2 | 2,317.9 | C |
| 44 | Connecticut | 363.6 | 1,811.7 | C |
| 45 | Colorado | 538.8 | 2,074.6 | C |
| 46 | California | 469.5 | 2,011.4 | C |
| 47 | Arkansas | 729.6 | 1,616.1 | C |
| 48 | Arizona | 535.4 | 1,972.6 | C |
| 49 | Alaska | 208.2 | 1,404.5 | B |
| 50 | Alabama | 359.7 | 1,951.5 | C |
Methodology
Rankings are based on American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-Year estimates from the US Census Bureau. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are included. The ACS surveys approximately 3.5 million households annually and provides detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data. 5-Year estimates offer the most reliable data for state-level comparisons by averaging responses over a 60-month period. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Vermont has the highest violent crime rate per 100,000 at 187.1, according to Census ACS 2023 data. Mississippi and Alaska round out the top three.
Arkansas has the lowest violent crime rate per 100,000 at 729.6. Indiana is second-lowest at 674.4.
The median across all 50 states is 436.4. Note that the national median and the state-level median are calculated differently — the state median represents the midpoint when all states are ranked.
This data comes from the American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-Year estimates published by the US Census Bureau. The ACS surveys approximately 3.5 million households annually and provides the most comprehensive demographic data available between decennial censuses.
Rankings are based on the latest available Census ACS data (currently 2023 5-Year estimates). The Census Bureau releases new ACS data annually, typically in September. Our data was last updated on April 12, 2026.
Rankings are based on American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-Year estimates from the US Census Bureau. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are included. The ACS surveys approximately 3.5 million households annually and provides detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data. 5-Year estimates offer the most reliable data for state-level comparisons by averaging responses over a 60-month period. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.