Hello Folks! If I ask you,” What is an ideal place to live in?”. What comes to your mind? Maybe a bustling or dazzling city, a place surrounded by nature, or perhaps a small quiet town. Well, it can be anything, depending on a person’s preference. Right?
Now, let’s think practically; what is an essential aspect of an ideal place to live in? I would say it’s ‘Safety.’
When a person thinks about buying a home and settling down with his family, he wouldn’t think of the view from the window. What comes to his mind first is the question, “Is this a safe neighborhood.” It is after this that he considers other things. Well, it’s obvious since most people wouldn’t like to live in areas famous for violent crime, mass shootings, terrorist attacks, or frequent natural disasters.
So, in this post, we will determine the 10 safest states in the USA.
Before we look at the safest states in the USA, let me clarify what aspect of safety we are talking about. Like, many other analysts, I have ranked these states among the 50 states in the US based on five key dimensions, which are:
- Residential Safety
- Workplace Safety
- Financial Safety
- Road Safety Issues
- Emergency Preparedness
1. Maine
Maine has been ranked the first and the only state, among all states in the USA, as the safest state in the country, in our list.’ Maine is located in the New England region of the United States of America, lying in the northeastern corner, and is the largest state of that region.
This state has been famous for its pine trees and a tourist spot. Tourism is one of the main factors in Maine’s economy.
What makes me and other people rank it first? It’s because it has the lowest violent crime rate in comparison to all the states in the US. Not only for violent crime per capita, but Maine has also scored well while dealing with other factors like residential safety, personal safety, law enforcement, and road safety issues.
- Population – 1.39 million
- Violent crime rate – 1.1 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 12.4 per 1000 population
Some of the safest cities in Maine are Sabattus, Belfast, Cumberland, and Hampden. Maine is the safest state because of its homogeneous population and lesser population density and because of people’s strong sense of community.
2. Vermont
Vermont has been ranked second safest state.’ Vermont is also located in the New England region and is the only state in the New England region that isn’t bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
Vermont is famous for its beautiful forests and green mountains, scenic hiking trails, and good skiing sites. The state is also known for its attractive wooden covered bridges, and around 100 of them like it.
In comparison to 2020, in 2021, the crime rate slightly increased. However, it is estimated to decrease in the year 2022 and upcoming years. Vermont is the second safest state because of its comparatively low crime rate and has faced fewer robberies than the other states in the US.
- Population – 6.47 lakhs
- Violent crime rate – 2.4 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 16.08 per 1000 population
Some of the safest cities in Vermont are Castleton, Milton, Hinesburg, and Swanton. Gun violence is the most minor concerning issue for this state, and citizens of this state have confidence in law enforcement.
3. New Hampshire
New Hampshire has been ranked as the third safest state.’ Like the above 2 states, New Hampshire is also located in the New England region and bordered by Vermont in the east and Maine in the west.
It is also known for its natural environmental beauty, covered with beautiful rivers, lakes, mountains, and valleys. But because of it, hurricanes, floods, and storms are common in this place.
New Hampshire is third because of its low violent crime and property crime rate. Vermont is also suitable for personal, and residential safety, and financial security. Because of its good ranking in financial safety, jobseekers find it exceptionally safe for living.
- Population – 14 lakhs
- Violent crime rate – 1.4 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 10.3 per 1000 population
Some of the safest cities in New Hampshire are Danville, Brookline, Durham, and New Boston. Around 80% of citizens of New Hampshire are reported to feel safe, which is quite a good sign.
4. New Jersey
Nope, this one isn’t in the New England region. It lies in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern areas of America. Based on the site, it is the fifth smallest state.
It is famous as an ‘industrial center’ and is a leading producer of blueberries, tomatoes, and cranberries. It is also known as ‘Garden State,’ mainly because of its good food and location. Many people confuse it as a part of New York, but it is not so; it is adjacent to it.
The crime rates have made improvements since the previous year. It has scored in the top, based on education, but ranks around 22 for personal bankruptcy filings. Also, it is 28th in law enforcement employees per capita and a good place for discovering new opportunities.
- Population – 9.26 million
- Violent crime rate – 2.02 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 15.7 per 1000 population
Some of the safest cities in New Jersey are River Vale, Chatham, Kinnelon, and Warren Township. Mass shootings and gun violence have been the most significant safety concerns for the residents of New Jersey.
Note: New Jersey with Connecticut and New York is the tri-state area that makes up New York City.
5. Connecticut
Connecticut is also a state located in the New England region. It is named after the Connecticut River and is the southernmost state.
The previous data comes in the list of some of America’s highest per capita income states, level of development, and median household income. Connecticut is famous for its food, tourist attractions, activities, and Yale University.
What makes it our fifth safest state in the USA is its good score in public safety, workplace safety, and low crime rate.
- Population – 3.63 million
- Violent crime rate – 2.0 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 14.9 per 1000 population
Larceny has been the most common crime in Connecticut. While many people are concerned about gun and police violence, around 60% feel that they live in safe neighborhoods. Some of the safest cities in Connecticut are Newtown, New Canaan, Ridgefield, and Westport.
To know more about Connecticut, click here.
6. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is also a state in the New England region and is the smallest state in America by area. Rhode Island is famous for its tourism, jewelry, and natural beauty.
Though Rhode Island has a comparatively low crime rate, it faces consistent economic problems like poverty and unemployment in some areas. It ranks 25 when it comes to personal bankruptcy filings.
- Population – 1.1 million
- Violent crime rate – 2.0 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 13.1 per 1000 population
The safest cities in Rhode Island are Bristol, South Kingstown, Cumberland, Westerly, and Coventry. It also scored well in residential safety, road safety, and emergency preparedness.
Rhode Island’s law enforcement employees
Among all the states mentioned in this post is the state of Virginia., Rhode Island has the highest score when it comes to law enforcement employees. Like other factors, it is also essential in the safest state.
7. Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks seventh in the list and the seventh smallest state in the US. It is also located in the New England region and is the most populous state.
Massachusetts is also known as the landing place of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims and is even sometimes called the Baked Bean state. It is famous for its colleges and universities, including Harvard University.
Massachusetts has the highest score on the list regarding financial and workplace safety. It also has a good road safety, personal and residential safety, and emergency preparedness score. Many students, families, and professionals find it ideal for education, quality healthcare, and a thriving job market.
- Population – 6.98 million
- Violent crime rate – 3.7 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 11.3 per 1000 population
Some of the safest cities in Massachusetts are Franklin, Hopkinton, Milton, and Westford. Residents of Massachusetts are seen to have a level of concern regarding their personal and residential safety. Also, it has been observed that most residents are good at managing personal finances.
8. Wyoming
The eighth state on our list is the state of Wyoming. Wyoming lies in the western part of the United States. Even though it is the tenth largest state by area, it is the least populous and densely populated state. South Dakota borders Wyoming to the east, Idaho to the west, and Colorado to the south.
Wyoming is known for its abundance of stunning national parks, natural beauty, and diverse wildlife for people to enjoy.
This state has a good overall ranking for personal and residential safety. The most prevalent property crime in Wyoming is Larceny, and Aggravated assaults are the most common crime there. The crime rate has significantly dropped since 2019. It has also faced mass shootings in the past, but the number of times is comparatively less than most states in the US.
- Population – 0.58 million
- Violent crime rate – 2.4 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 10.2 per 1000 population
Some of the safest cities in Wyoming are Worland, Torrington, Cody, and Green River. Wyoming is among the least concerned states regarding property crime and gun violence.
9. Idaho
Idaho is the ninth safest state on our list to determine the safest states in the USA. It lies in the Pacific Southwest region of America. Idaho’s capital, as well as the largest city, is Boise.
Idaho is famous for its gems and precious stones, potatoes and trout, and mountainous landscape. It ranks around 28 in poverty, and the poverty of this state is the same as the average poverty rate. Many people are migrating to this state in search of career opportunities because of its low cost of living.
Idaho has quite an excellent law enforcement and residential safety score. The state’s violent crime rate has decreased significantly. The primary reason behind it is the residents of Idaho. The residents of Idaho have a high awareness of protecting themselves and their property safely.
- Population – 1.94 million
- Violent crime rate – 2.5 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 6.2 per 1000 population
Some of the safest cities in Idaho are Weiser, Rexburg, Rathdrum, Preston, and Shelley. Some people may consider Idaho, not one of the safest states, but many consider Weiser one of the safest towns in the US.
10. Virginia
The last on our list is the state of Virginia. Virginia lies in the southeastern region of the US. This state is officially known as the Commonwealth of Virginia. The largest city of Virginia is Virginia Beach, and the capital city is known as Richmond. Many people confuse West Virginia as part of Virginia, but they are different. West Virginia was previously a part of Virginia, but it split after the Civil War.
It has the lowest violent crime rate in comparison to all states in the South Atlantic region. It has a good quality of healthcare and boosts its strong economy.
- Population – 8.68 million
- Violent crime rate – 1.6 per 1000 population
- Property crime rate – 22.6 per 1000 population
Virginia is one of the most-worried states. It ranks 24 in personal bankruptcy filings. Some of the safest cities in Virginia are Broadway, Purcellville, Lexington, and Bridgewater. One can discover many opportunities in Virginia, and it’s an enjoyable place to live.
There is no place in the world that is 100 percent safe or immune to dangers. Some places may be safer than others. What major factor makes a place safe or dangerous to live in? Well, it’s us, the people. We, humans, have the power to change the world, and if we utilize our potential positively, we can face significant threats easily.
I hope this post was informative and valuable. Comment, on which are the safest states in your view, and why.
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Last Updated on by Namrata123
