Safest State in America: Our Top Five Picks

Richard Grey - September 1, 2024

When it comes to choosing a place to live, safety often tops the list of priorities. The concept of the “safest place” is usually associated with low crime rates, effective law enforcement, and a strong sense of community.

How do we measure safety, though? It’s not just about avoiding crime—it also involves factors like road safety, emergency preparedness, and overall quality of life.

In this blog post, we’re scouring deep into the data to bring you our top five picks for the safest states in America. We’ve scoured FBI crime reports, reviewed state safety indexes, and considered a range of factors, from violent crime rates to natural disaster resilience. 

You might be surprised by some of the findings, like the fact that violent crime in the US dropped by 6% in 2023, with a 13% decrease in murders—the largest one-year decline on record.

So, which states made the cut? Let’s find out.

Why Safety Matters

Safety is what keeps a community strong. When people feel secure, the whole place can really come to life.

When there’s less worry about crime, it’s easier for people to connect with each other. Trust builds up, and that sense of togetherness grows. It’s like the community starts to look out for each other, and everyone benefits. If you’re trying to get to know your neighbors or stay in the loop about your area, a people search tool can be a handy way to keep connected.

Safety isn’t just about feeling good. It’s also great for the economy. Businesses love setting up in areas with low crime because it’s—you guessed it—good for business. That means more jobs and a stronger local economy. When a place is known for being safe, it’s more likely to draw in tourists, which helps boost the state’s income.

Plus, safer communities usually have higher property values, better schools, and easier access to healthcare. All of this adds up to a better quality of life for everyone living there.

Safety Isn’t Just About Numbers

Sure, crime rates matter, but there’s more to safety than just the numbers. Things like healthcare, how connected the community is, and how ready everyone is for emergencies are just as important. If a state has top-notch healthcare, it can jump into action during emergencies and lessen the impact of things like accidents or natural disasters.

Keeping a state safe isn’t just up to the police or government. It’s something everyone needs to pitch in on. If you’re worried about safety where you live, checking local arrest records can give you a better idea of what’s going on and help you stay in the know.

Of course, effective law enforcement plays a big part in keeping us safe. They’re there to respond to emergencies, prevent crime, and make sure the laws are followed. They do their best work when government policies back them up with the right resources for crime prevention, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Let’s not forget the power of the community. When people get involved in their neighborhoods, they help create a culture of awareness and support. 

Communities that are prepared for the unexpected—whether through practice drills or strong communication networks—can handle crises better. Simple things, like joining a neighborhood watch, reporting anything suspicious, or just keeping an eye out for each other, can make a big difference in keeping crime down.

Factors Considered to Pick the Safest States in the US

When we set out to find the safest states in America, we zeroed in on two main things: crime rates and safety indexes.

Crime Rates

Crime rates are one of the easiest ways to measure how safe a place is. We looked at both violent crimes—like homicides, assaults, and robberies—and property crimes, such as burglaries, larceny, and car theft.

We used data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, crime reports from each state, and updated rankings from the US News. These sources gave us a clear picture of how states compare to each other.

Violent crimes tend to worry people the most since they directly affect personal safety. Property crimes also give us a clue about how safe a community feels overall. By looking at both types of crime, we aimed to give a balanced view of safety across the country.

Safety Indexes

While crime rates are important, they don’t tell the whole story. Safety indexes take into account other factors, like road safety, how fast emergency services respond, and the risk of natural disasters.

For example, states that deal with hurricanes, wildfires, or earthquakes might score lower on the safety index, even if their crime rates are low.

We also looked at healthcare quality. In an emergency, having great hospitals and quick response times makes a big difference. That’s why healthcare plays a key role in how safe people feel in their state.

Top Five Safest States in America

By looking at crime rates and other key safety factors, we’ve put together a well-rounded list of the top five safest states in the US. Here’s how they stack up:

New Hampshire

New Hampshire takes the top spot as the safest state in America, and it’s easy to see why. The Granite State ranks #1 in public safety, #2 in best states overall, and #1 in crime and corrections. With a super low violent crime rate of just 126 per 100,000 residents, New Hampshire is a clear leader in safety.

What’s even more impressive is the state’s low murder rate—one of the lowest in the country. Property crime rates are also low, making it a secure place to live. Strong law enforcement, effective crime prevention, and a high quality of life all contribute to New Hampshire’s top-notch safety.

One cool thing about New Hampshire is its community-focused approach to law enforcement. Programs that encourage teamwork between residents and police have built a trusting and safe environment.

Maine

Maine comes in right behind New Hampshire, with an even lower violent crime rate of 103 per 100,000 residents. The Pine Tree State ranks #2 in public safety, #28 in best states overall, and #2 in crime and corrections. These rankings show how committed Maine is to keeping crime rates low and ensuring residents feel safe.

Maine’s low property crime rates boost its reputation as a safe state. The state’s small, close-knit communities play a big part in this, with neighbors watching out for each other and a strong culture of mutual respect.

A unique thing about Maine is how prepared it is for harsh winters. The state’s infrastructure is ready to handle snowstorms, and the residents are known for their resilience in dealing with tough weather.

Idaho

Idaho ranks #3 in public safety, #5 in best states overall, and #12 in crime and corrections. It’s known for having the lowest property crime rate in the nation, which makes Idaho a standout in overall safety. However, its violent crime rate is a bit higher at 241 per 100,000 residents.

Even with the higher violent crime rate, Idaho’s overall safety is strong. The state’s communities take a proactive approach to safety, with plenty of programs focused on crime prevention and youth engagement. Idaho’s emphasis on family and community values adds to its secure environment.

Another highlight of Idaho is its road safety. The state has run successful traffic safety campaigns that have cut down on accidents and fatalities, making it safer for both living and traveling.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island ranks #4 in public safety, #26 in best states overall, and #7 in crime and corrections. The state’s violent crime rate is 172 per 100,000 residents, putting it among the safer states in the U.S.

Rhode Island’s safety is backed by strong law enforcement and effective community programs. The state also scores well in crime and corrections, showing its dedication to keeping the public safe.

A standout feature of Rhode Island is its focus on mental health support. The state has rolled out several initiatives to improve mental health services, which help lower crime rates and boost overall community well-being.

Connecticut

Rounding out our top five is Connecticut, which ranks #5 in public safety, #20 in best states overall, and #6 in crime and corrections. Connecticut has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer states in the country.

Connecticut’s public safety success comes from its well-funded law enforcement and comprehensive community safety programs. The state’s focus on education and youth development also helps prevent crime and creates a safer environment.

A unique part of Connecticut’s safety is its preparedness for natural disasters. The state has invested in infrastructure and emergency response systems to handle events like hurricanes and blizzards, keeping residents well-protected.

The Blueprint for a Safer Tomorrow

Choosing where to live is a big deal, and safety is a huge part of that decision. We all want to be in a community that truly values security and works to keep it. When everyone pitches in to look after their surroundings, we don’t just make states safer—we build stronger, more resilient communities.

Let’s aim for a future where safety isn’t a question but a given, and every state feels like a place you can really call home.