Top 10 Safest States in America 2026

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When families consider where to plant roots or retirees scout their next chapter, safety isn’t just another checkbox—it’s often the deciding factor. Recent FBI data reveals some encouraging news: violent crime dropped 4.5% nationally in 2024, with murders down nearly 15%. But these national averages hide dramatic regional differences that can make or break your sense of security.

Some states have crime rates three times lower than others. The gap between America’s safest and most dangerous states has never been wider, with the safest states reporting violent crime rates below 110 incidents per 100,000 residents while the most dangerous exceed 700. Understanding where your state falls on this spectrum matters more than ever in 2026.

Top 10 Safest States in America 2026

Based on the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data and comprehensive safety analysis from multiple sources, here are America’s ten safest states:

1. Vermont — The Safety Champion

Vermont claims the top spot for overall safety in 2026, combining exceptionally low crime rates with strong community cohesion. The Green Mountain State’s homicide rate stands at just 2.3 per 100,000 residents—barely a fifth of the national average. Nearly 75% of Vermont parents report feeling their children live in safe neighborhoods, the fourth-highest percentage nationally.

What makes Vermont special isn’t just the low numbers. It’s the state’s commitment to maintaining tight-knit communities where neighbors still know each other. The extortion and blackmail rate of 2.6 per 100,000 ranks among America’s lowest, while kidnapping incidents remain remarkably rare at 11.8 per 100,000.

2. New Hampshire — Live Free and Safe

New Hampshire earns its “Live Free or Die” motto with a violent crime rate of just 110.1 per 100,000—the second-lowest in America. Between June 2023 and June 2025, the Granite State reported the fewest mass shootings in the nation and maintained the lowest murder rate.

The state ranks second for fewest aggravated assaults and thefts per capita. Most crime in New Hampshire involves property offenses like burglary and larceny rather than violent confrontations. Parents here consistently report high confidence in school safety.

3. Maine — America’s Safest Haven

Maine’s violent crime rate of 100.1 per 100,000 residents makes it statistically the safest state in America for avoiding violent crime specifically. That’s less than one-third the national average of 359.1 incidents per 100,000.

Strong community policing, low population density, and robust socioeconomic conditions combine to create Maine’s safety advantage. The state’s property crime rate of just 980.4 per 100,000 also ranks among the nation’s lowest, making it safe on multiple fronts.

4. Massachusetts — Safety Through Prosperity

Massachusetts ranks as the second-safest state overall despite its higher population density. The Bay State’s overall crime rate of 1,426.8 per 100,000 runs 32.7% lower than the national average. It ranks fourth nationally for fewest thefts and murders per capita.

The state’s homicide rate of just 2.2 per 100,000 ties with Idaho for the nation’s second-lowest. Massachusetts recorded the eighth-lowest number of mass shootings between June 2023 and June 2025, while maintaining exceptionally low rates of sexual crimes and drug-related arrests.

5. Rhode Island — Small State, Big Safety

Don’t let its size fool you—Rhode Island punches above its weight in public safety. With a robbery rate of just 25.4 per 100,000 and a homicide rate of 3.7, the Ocean State demonstrates that effective crime prevention works regardless of geography.

Rhode Island appears in the top five for both lowest violent and property crime rates. Its violent crime rate of 153.6 per 100,000 runs well below the Northeast regional average of 292.4.

6. Connecticut — Consistent Safety Leader

Connecticut maintains a violent crime rate of 136.0 per 100,000, making it the sixth-safest state overall. The state’s property crime rate of 500 per 100,000 reflects its strong economy and social services.

High school graduation rates exceeding 90% correlate with an 18% decrease in larcenies over recent years. Better education creates more stable employment, which research shows reduces property crime by roughly 5% for every 1% drop in unemployment.

7. New Jersey — Garden State, Safe State

New Jersey earned an overall safety score of 80 out of 100 in comprehensive 2024 analysis, the highest in America. The state leads with the nation’s lowest assault offense rate at 430 per 100,000, while its homicide rate of 3.6 ranks among the best.

New Jersey’s sex offense rate of 25.2 per 100,000 is the nation’s lowest. Even in densely populated areas, crime rates continue dropping thanks to robust law enforcement funding and community programs.

8. Idaho — Western Safety Standout

Idaho breaks the Northeast’s monopoly on safety, ranking fourth overall despite being in the higher-crime Western region. The Gem State’s robbery rate of just 8.3 per 100,000 is exceptionally low, reflecting effective crime prevention.

Idaho also claims the nation’s lowest larceny-theft rate at roughly 600 per 100,000—less than half the national average. Property crime rates here run dramatically lower than neighboring Western states.

9. Utah — Faith and Family Values Meet Safety

Utah rounds out the top five for overall safety, benefiting from strong community bonds and low population density in many areas. The Beehive State combines effective law enforcement with social cohesion that naturally deters crime.

Utah’s safety profile shows particular strength in property crime prevention, with rates well below the Western regional average of 2,200 per 100,000.

10. Wyoming — Least Crowded, Least Crime

Wyoming’s violent crime rate of 203.4 per 100,000 is the fifth-lowest nationally. The state’s extremely low population density and strong community ties create an environment where crime struggles to take root.

Property crime remains relatively rare in Wyoming compared to its Western neighbors, though the state’s sparse population can mean longer law enforcement response times in rural areas.

Complete State Safety Rankings 2026

This comprehensive table ranks all 50 states by their violent crime rates per 100,000 residents, based on 2024 FBI data. States are scored from safest (1) to most dangerous (50).

Rank State Violent Crime Rate (per 100K) Property Crime Rate (per 100K) Overall Safety Grade
1 Maine 100.1 980.4 A+
2 New Hampshire 110.1 875.2 A+
3 Vermont 120.5 1,042.3 A+
4 Connecticut 136.0 500.0 A
5 Rhode Island 153.6 1,150.8 A
6 Wyoming 203.4 1,245.6 A
7 Massachusetts 220.8 400.0 A
8 New Jersey 235.7 1,089.5 A-
9 Idaho 242.3 600.0 A-
10 Utah 260.5 1,876.3 B+
11 Virginia 185.4 1,534.2 B+
12 Hawaii 267.9 2,010.5 B+
13 Minnesota 277.5 1,687.4 B
14 New York 287.3 1,234.7 B
15 North Dakota 298.6 1,523.8 B
16 Wisconsin 305.2 1,456.9 B
17 Iowa 312.4 1,398.5 B-
18 Kentucky 325.8 1,789.3 B-
19 Pennsylvania 331.2 1,223.6 B-
20 Nebraska 338.7 1,654.7 C+
21 West Virginia 346.5 1,432.1 C+
22 Mississippi 354.9 1,300.0 C+
23 Ohio 368.2 1,834.5 C
24 Illinois 375.6 1,800.0 C
25 Indiana 382.4 1,945.2 C
26 Kansas 389.7 2,145.3 C
27 Montana 398.5 1,856.7 C-
28 South Dakota 412.3 1,623.4 C-
29 North Carolina 425.8 2,034.6 C-
30 Georgia 441.2 2,156.8 D+
31 Delaware 456.7 1,987.5 D+
32 Alabama 472.3 2,234.7 D+
33 Texas 485.9 2,100.0 D
34 Missouri 488.0 2,187.4 D
35 South Carolina 491.0 2,345.6 D
36 Colorado 492.0 2,592.8 D
37 California 499.0 2,234.5 D-
38 Louisiana 519.8 2,296.4 D-
39 Oklahoma 534.6 2,187.9 D-
40 Arizona 547.2 2,145.3 F+
41 Nevada 563.8 2,234.1 F+
42 Maryland 578.4 1,876.5 F
43 Arkansas 579.4 2,456.7 F
44 Tennessee 592.3 2,134.8 F
45 Michigan 598.7 1,734.2 F
46 Washington 612.5 2,466.5 F-
47 Oregon 634.2 2,388.0 F-
48 New Mexico 717.1 2,751.1 F-
49 Alaska 724.1 2,345.7 F-
50 District of Columbia* 1,234.0 3,567.2 F-
*Washington D.C. is included for comparison but excluded from state rankings. Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, 2024 data.

Violent Crime Breakdown by State

Violent crime encompasses four main categories according to FBI definitions: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Here’s how the numbers break down in 2026:

Murder Rates: The Ultimate Safety Metric

Louisiana leads the nation with a devastating homicide rate of 14.4 murders per 100,000 residents—more than six times higher than states like Maine (2.3), Massachusetts (2.2), and Vermont (2.3). This gap illustrates how dramatically murder rates vary by state.

The Southern states dominate the highest murder rates. Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas all show murder rates well above the national average, driven by historical crime patterns, economic challenges, and in some cases limited resources for social services.

Meanwhile, the safest states maintain homicide rates below 3.0 per 100,000. New Hampshire recorded the lowest murder and non-negligent manslaughter rates between June 2023 and June 2025, proving that effective prevention is possible.

Assault and Battery: The Most Common Violent Crime

Aggravated assault comprises 70-80% of all violent crimes across most states. New Jersey leads with the nation’s lowest assault offense rate at just 430 per 100,000, while Alaska battles rates above 500 per 100,000.

The disparity reflects different approaches to conflict resolution, alcohol availability, economic stress levels, and law enforcement presence. States with strong community policing programs consistently show lower assault rates.

Robbery Patterns Across America

Idaho’s robbery rate of 8.3 per 100,000 sets the gold standard for property-related violent crime prevention. Rhode Island follows with 25.4 robberies per 100,000, while Massachusetts maintains a low rate of 37.7.

Urban centers typically see higher robbery rates due to population density and target concentration. However, states like New Jersey prove that even densely populated areas can maintain relatively low robbery rates through effective policing.

Property Crime: Theft, Burglary, and Auto Theft

Property crime affects far more Americans than violent crime, with 6.4 million incidents reported in 2023 alone, representing over $27 billion in stolen goods. The good news? Property crime decreased 9% nationally between 2023 and 2024.

Larceny-Theft: America’s Most Common Crime

Larceny accounts for 72.3% of all property crimes—that’s 4.5 million incidents in 2023. Idaho boasts the nation’s lowest larceny rate at roughly 600 per 100,000, less than half the national average.

On the opposite end, New Mexico struggles with larceny rates approaching 2,000 per 100,000 residents. Washington D.C. tops all states and territories with the highest larceny rate, driven by urban density and economic disparities.

Package theft has emerged as a growing concern within the larceny category. Urban areas nationwide report increasing incidents of porch piracy, particularly affecting both residential and commercial deliveries.

Burglary: The Most Personal Property Crime

Burglary dropped an astonishing 59% over the past decade (2013-2023), yet 839,563 burglaries still occurred in 2023. The crime remains particularly frightening because it’s inherently invasive and can lead to violent confrontation.

New Mexico holds the unfortunate distinction of highest burglary rate in the nation. The state’s 18.2% poverty rate—second-highest nationally—correlates directly with burglary statistics. Albuquerque alone recorded over 10,000 larcenies in 2024.

Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine maintain burglary rates well below 300 per 100,000 thanks to stronger economic conditions, better social services, and effective community watch programs.

Motor Vehicle Theft: The Fastest-Rising Property Crime

Unlike other property crimes, motor vehicle theft increased 52% over the past decade, though it showed promising signs in 2024 with a 19.5% national decrease. Modern keyless vehicles’ vulnerability partially explains the earlier surge.

Washington state battles the nation’s highest motor vehicle theft rate, while Colorado runs a close second at 2,500 per 100,000. The rapid population growth in cities like Denver—adding 20,000 residents annually from 2020-2024—has strained police resources and created anonymous urban areas vulnerable to organized theft rings.

Idaho and Maine again lead for safety, with vehicle theft rates dramatically lower than the Western regional average.

Regional Safety Patterns: Geography Matters

Crime doesn’t distribute randomly across America. Clear geographic patterns emerge that help explain why some regions consistently outperform others on safety metrics.

The Northeast: America’s Safety Belt

The Northeast region claims the nation’s lowest violent crime rate at 292.4 per 100,000 residents—22.1% below the national average of 359.1. Property crime rates run 16.9% lower than average.

This regional advantage isn’t coincidental. Northeastern states benefit from stronger social safety nets, better healthcare access, higher education levels, and generally more stable economic conditions. States like Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all rank in the top tier nationally.

Even the Northeast’s exceptions prove the rule. New York, despite being America’s fourth most populous state, maintains a violent crime rate of 287.3—still below the national average.

The South: Wrestling with Historical Challenges

Southern states face more significant safety challenges, leading the nation in homicide rates. Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina all show violent crime rates well above average.

Economic challenges play a role. States with poverty rates above 15% consistently show higher violent crime rates. Louisiana’s 14.4 murder rate per 100,000 correlates with limited resources for social services, mental health support, and economic opportunity in many communities.

However, the South isn’t uniformly dangerous. Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia all maintain relatively moderate crime rates compared to their regional neighbors.

The West: High Crime Despite Natural Beauty

Western states report the highest regional violent crime rate at 413.5 per 100,000 residents, driven largely by New Mexico (717.1), Alaska (724.1), and Colorado (492.0).

Alaska’s extreme geographic isolation creates unique law enforcement challenges. Response times can span hours, and some communities have limited or no permanent police presence. This isolation, combined with substance abuse issues and harsh winters, contributes to the state’s highest-in-the-nation violent crime rate.

The West does have bright spots. Idaho stands out as remarkably safe, while Utah maintains crime rates well below the regional average.

The Midwest: Mixed Results

Midwestern states show the most variation in safety metrics. North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska maintain low crime rates comparable to Northeastern states.

However, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan struggle with higher rates due to urban challenges in cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit. The region’s violent crime average falls close to the national mean.

Why Does the Northeast Dominate Safety Rankings?

The Northeast’s safety advantage stems from multiple reinforcing factors that create a culture of security:

Economic Stability Reduces Crime Pressure

Research from the University of Chicago found that a 1% decline in unemployment leads to a 1-5% decrease in property crime. Massachusetts’ poverty rate of just 9.4% correlates with its exceptionally low crime rates.

Connecticut demonstrates this principle clearly. With high school graduation rates above 90%, the state has seen an 18% decrease in larcenies as improved education creates stable employment opportunities.

Conversely, New Mexico’s 18.2% poverty rate—paired with limited job opportunities—creates economic desperation that drives crime. The correlation isn’t perfect, but it’s consistent: wealthier states with better social services typically show lower crime rates.

Population Density Done Right

Critics often blame high crime on population density, but the Northeast proves this isn’t destiny. New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all maintain high population density while posting exceptionally low crime rates.

The key difference? These states invest heavily in law enforcement, social programs, infrastructure, and community development. Density alone doesn’t cause crime—neglected density does.

Strong Social Safety Nets

Northeastern states typically offer more robust social services, including mental health support, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and job training programs. These investments pay dividends in crime prevention.

Massachusetts’ initiatives to address homelessness have reduced thefts related to encampments by 30% since 2022. Vermont’s community-based mental health programs correlate with its low violent crime rates.

Community Policing Models

Maine’s success with community policing—where officers build relationships with residents rather than simply responding to calls—has become a model for other states. This approach increases trust, improves crime reporting, and helps prevent incidents before they occur.

Education as Crime Prevention

The correlation between education and safety runs deep. States with higher education levels consistently show lower crime rates. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire all rank in the top ten nationally for educational attainment and the top ten for safety.

Better education creates economic opportunity, which reduces the desperation that drives much property crime. It also builds critical thinking skills and conflict resolution abilities that help prevent violence.

States Facing Significant Safety Challenges

While some states excel at safety, others struggle with elevated crime across multiple categories. Understanding these challenges provides important context for anyone considering relocation or policy reform.

Alaska: Isolation’s Price

Alaska’s violent crime rate of 724.1 per 100,000 makes it statistically America’s most dangerous state. The state’s unique challenges include extreme geographic isolation, harsh climate, substance abuse issues, and limited law enforcement in rural areas.

Some Alaskan communities have no permanent police presence. Response times can span hours or even days. This creates an environment where domestic violence, assault, and other crimes can occur with limited intervention.

New Mexico: The Double Burden

New Mexico earns the unfortunate distinction of ranking worst or near-worst in both violent crime (717.1) and property crime (2,751.1). The state leads nationally in burglary and larceny rates.

Contributing factors include the second-highest poverty rate in America at 18.2%, limited law enforcement resources in rural areas, and drug-related crime. Opioid addiction particularly drives property crime as individuals support their habits through theft.

Tennessee: Urban Crime Hotspots

Tennessee’s violent crime rate of 592.3 per 100,000 reflects concentrated problems in Memphis and other urban areas. The state has experienced a 23% surge in burglaries and a 13% increase in vehicle theft, making commercial security systems essential for businesses.

Memphis regularly appears in the top three nationally for motor vehicle theft and larceny-theft, reflecting comprehensive socioeconomic challenges that drive multiple forms of criminal activity.

Arkansas: Regional Crime Spillover

Arkansas experiences 579.4 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, with aggravated assault being the most common offense. The state faces significant challenges related to property crime, including burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Arkansas’ position bordering higher-crime states creates spillover effects, while economic challenges in rural areas contribute to elevated crime rates.

Louisiana: Murder Capital

Louisiana’s murder rate of 14.4 per 100,000 people significantly exceeds the national average, making it America’s deadliest state. Economic challenges, historical crime patterns, and regional circumstances affect crime rates throughout Louisiana.

New Orleans continues recovering from Hurricane Katrina’s impacts, with thousands of vacant homes becoming burglary targets. In 2024 alone, over 5,000 burglaries were reported in the city.

Methodology & Data Sources

This analysis combines multiple authoritative sources to provide the most accurate picture of state safety in 2026:

Primary Data Sources

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program: The federal bureau’s comprehensive database provides standardized crime statistics measured per 100,000 residents for all states. We utilized the most recent 2024 data released in August 2025, covering over 14 million criminal offenses reported by more than 16,000 law enforcement agencies representing 95.6% of the U.S. population.

National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS): The FBI’s newer, more comprehensive reporting system collects data on single incidents instead of aggregated summaries, allowing for more specific crime information analysis.

WalletHub Safety Analysis 2025: This comprehensive study analyzed all 50 states using 52 key indicators across five safety categories: personal/residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness.

Measurement Standards

All crime rates are expressed as incidents per 100,000 residents to enable fair comparisons between states of different populations. For example, a violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 in a population of 100,000 means 300 incidents annually, or 0.3% of the total population.

Violent crime includes four offense types:

  • Murder and non-negligent manslaughter
  • Rape (using the 2013 revised definition)
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated assault

Property crime includes three main categories:

  • Burglary (13.0% of property crimes)
  • Larceny-theft (72.3% of property crimes)
  • Motor vehicle theft (14.7% of property crimes)

Data Limitations & Considerations

Crime statistics represent reported crimes only. The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that only about 41% of violent crimes and 32% of property crimes get reported to law enforcement.

Reporting rates vary significantly by crime type. In 2022, 80.9% of motor vehicle thefts were reported (easiest to report for insurance purposes), while only 21.4% of rapes/sexual assaults were reported to police.

Not all jurisdictions report data consistently. Florida, for example, provided limited data for 2024, which may affect state-by-state comparisons. The FBI addresses these gaps through statistical estimation methods.

Update Frequency

This data was compiled using the latest available information as of January 2026:

  • FBI UCR data: 2024 (released August 2025)
  • WalletHub analysis: 2025 edition
  • Supplementary sources: Various 2024-2025 studies

Last updated: January 31, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest state to live in America?

Maine has the lowest violent crime rate at 100.1 per 100,000 residents—less than one-third the national average. However, Vermont ranks highest for overall safety when combining violent crime, property crime, and other safety factors. New Hampshire comes in second or third depending on the methodology. All three states are in the Northeast.

What is the most dangerous state in America?

Alaska has the highest violent crime rate at 724.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, followed closely by New Mexico at 717.1. New Mexico also has the highest property crime rate at 2,751.1 per 100,000, making it particularly challenging for overall safety.

Why does the Northeast have such low crime rates?

The Northeast benefits from several reinforcing factors: stronger social safety nets, better healthcare access, higher education levels, stable economic conditions, lower poverty rates, effective community policing, and robust funding for social services and law enforcement. These factors combine to create a culture of safety.

Which state has the lowest murder rate?

New Hampshire and Massachusetts tie for the lowest homicide rates at approximately 2.2 murders per 100,000 residents. Vermont and Maine follow closely at 2.3 per 100,000. For comparison, Louisiana’s murder rate of 14.4 per 100,000 is more than six times higher.

Are crime rates going up or down in America?

Crime rates have been trending downward for decades. National violent crime decreased 4.5% in 2024 compared to 2023, with murders down 14.9%. Property crime decreased 9.0% between 2023 and 2024. Both violent and property crime rates are at their lowest points since 1976, the earliest year of available FBI data.

Which states have seen the biggest crime decreases?

Between 2004 and 2024, Florida, Connecticut, and Illinois saw violent crime decline by over 45%. Property crime decreased in all 50 states over the past 20 years, with burglary dropping an astonishing 59% nationally between 2013 and 2023.

Which states have seen crime increase?

Only three states saw violent crime increases between 2004 and 2024: North Dakota (up 221.3%), South Dakota (up 111.3%), and Vermont (up 95.6%). However, all three started with some of the nation’s lowest violent crime rates in 2004, so despite increases, they remain among the safest states.

Is it safe to live in a densely populated state?

Yes. New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all have high population density yet maintain exceptionally low crime rates. Density itself doesn’t cause crime—neglected density combined with economic challenges does. Well-funded infrastructure, social services, and law enforcement can maintain safety even in dense urban areas.

What role does poverty play in crime rates?

Significant. States with poverty rates above 15% consistently show higher violent crime rates. Research shows a 1% reduction in unemployment correlates with a 5% decrease in property crime. Massachusetts (9.4% poverty) and Connecticut (strong social services) both demonstrate how economic stability supports public safety.

Which region of America is safest?

The Northeast region has the lowest violent crime rate at 292.4 per 100,000 residents (22.1% below the national average) and property crime rates 16.9% lower than average. The Western states report the highest regional violent crime rate at 413.5 per 100,000.

How reliable are state crime statistics?

FBI crime statistics represent the most reliable national crime data available, with 95.6% population coverage from over 16,000 law enforcement agencies. However, they only capture reported crimes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates roughly 41% of violent crimes and 32% of property crimes go unreported.

What’s the safest big city in America?

Among cities with 250,000+ residents, Irvine, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, rank as the safest with violent crime rates of 83.97 and 92.28 per 100,000 respectively—well below the national average of 361. Gilbert, Arizona, Plano, Texas, and Honolulu, Hawaii, also rank among the safest large cities.

Should I avoid moving to high-crime states?

Not necessarily. Crime rates vary dramatically within states. Many cities in high-crime states have crime rates well below their state average. Research specific cities and neighborhoods rather than judging entire states. Urban areas in any state typically have higher crime than rural areas, regardless of statewide averages.

How often is this crime data updated?

The FBI releases comprehensive annual crime data with approximately a one-year lag. The 2024 crime statistics were released in August 2025. Individual states may release preliminary data more frequently, but the national UCR Program provides the most comprehensive annual snapshot.

What can states do to reduce crime?

Evidence-based strategies include: reducing poverty and unemployment through economic development, investing in education (especially high school graduation), expanding mental health and addiction treatment services, implementing community policing programs, providing adequate law enforcement funding, creating job training programs, and building strong social safety nets. States that excel in these areas consistently show lower crime rates.

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