Most Dangerous States

Map

Table

Introduction

The United States has seen a steady increase in violence over the past few years, with some states being particularly dangerous. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of homicides increased by 50% between 2019 and 2020 only, with 24,576 people in the United States killed in 2020.

The causes behind the high levels of violence vary from state to state but are often linked to poverty levels, drug abuse, weak gun control laws, and inadequate access to mental health services. In areas with higher poverty levels or a lack of education, violent crime is often more common due to a lack of economic opportunity and resources available for individuals to turn their lives around and escape from crime-ridden cycles. Additionally, drug use can be another major factor that contributes to homicides as communities often struggle with gang violence or domestic disputes associated with drug abuse issues. The availability of guns also plays a role in homicide rates as it gives people easier access to commit crimes if they choose to do so. Lastly, mental health services are also an important factor in tackling violent crime as many perpetrators are known to suffer from certain psychological disorders or mental illnesses that can lead them into committing heinous acts such as murder.

The consequences are devastating not just on a personal level but on a larger economic level as well. In addition to lives lost due to homicide, many people experience mental health issues associated with living in such dangerous environments that can last for years after a violent event has occurred. Beyond this, businesses may choose not to invest in high-crime communities due to their perceived risk factor and thus deprive those areas of potential sources of growth or employment opportunities. In addition, local governments must expend resources on policing and other law enforcement initiatives to reduce crime.

In order to combat rising homicide rates, state governments have taken initiatives such as passing laws that limit gun possession or require background checks for gun purchases. They implemented public safety initiatives in neighborhoods with high rates of crime, invested in education programs for young people that provide meaningful career pathways outside of crime or gangs, and created youth development programs that focus on mentoring and positive behavior models. In terms of employment and health, state governments have expanded job training programs, particularly in impoverished areas, and increased resources for mental health services. Finally, other government measures focus on conducting community policing initiatives that emphasize de-escalation tactics over arrest whenever possible and providing support services like housing assistance to recently released prisoners so they can reintegrate into society more easily after serving their sentences.

#StateNumber of HomicidesHomicide RateGun DeathsGun Death Rate
1California3,4988.8 per 100k3,4498.5 per 100k
2Texas2,99310.3 per 100k4,16414.2 per 100k
3Florida2,0879.7 per 100k3,04113.7 per 100k
4North Carolina1,19211.4 per 100k1,69916 per 100k
5Illinois1,1378.9 per 100k1,74514.1 per 100k
6Missouri1,10818 per 100k1,42623.9 per 100k
7Ohio1,0899.2 per 100k1,76415.2 per 100k
8New York1,0875.4 per 100k1,0525.3 per 100k
9Michigan1,06710.6 per 100k1,45414.6 per 100k
10Louisiana1,06522.9 per 100k1,18326.3 per 100k
11Tennessee97014 per 100k1,47321.3 per 100k
12South Carolina89117.4 per 100k1,13122 per 100k
13Virginia86310 per 100k1,17413.4 per 100k
14Georgia8347.8 per 100k1,89717.7 per 100k
15Arizona80511.3 per 100k1,26516.7 per 100k
16Maryland73811.9 per 100k80313.5 per 100k
17Indiana6569.7 per 100k1,15917.3 per 100k
18Wisconsin4998.5 per 100k71712.2 per 100k
19New Jersey4975.4 per 100k4435 per 100k
20Colorado4888.5 per 100k92215.4 per 100k
21Arkansas48416.1 per 100k67322.6 per 100k
22Washington4726.1 per 100k86410.9 per 100k
23Oklahoma47111.9 per 100k82620.7 per 100k
24Kentucky46410.3 per 100k90220.1 per 100k
25Pennsylvania4333.3 per 100k1,75213.6 per 100k
26Mississippi35011.8 per 100k81828.6 per 100k
27District of Columbia33949.2 per 100k
28Alabama3256.5 per 100k1,14123.6 per 100k
29Minnesota3235.7 per 100k5138.9 per 100k
30Nevada3089.9 per 100k54717 per 100k
31Massachusetts2303.3 per 100k2683.7 per 100k
32Connecticut2206.1 per 100k2196 per 100k
33New Mexico1939.1 per 100k47922.7 per 100k
34Oregon1884.4 per 100k59213 per 100k
35Iowa1725.4 per 100k35111.2 per 100k
36West Virginia1629 per 100k32518.1 per 100k
37Utah1474.5 per 100k42913.6 per 100k
38Kansas1434.9 per 100k49416.9 per 100k
39Nebraska1276.5 per 100k19710.1 per 100k
40Delaware989.9 per 100k13514.4 per 100k
41Montana968.9 per 100k23820.9 per 100k
42Alaska9012.3 per 100k17523.5 per 100k
43Idaho683.7 per 100k32117.6 per 100k
44Hawaii654.5 per 100k503.4 per 100k
45South Dakota627 per 100k12013.6 per 100k
46North Dakota597.6 per 100k10013.8 per 100k
47Rhode Island464.2 per 100k545.1 per 100k
48Maine392.9 per 100k15310.4 per 100k
49Wyoming274.7 per 100k15425.9 per 100k
50Vermont243.7 per 100k7611.6 per 100k
51New Hampshire201.5 per 100k1288.9 per 100k

Most Dangerous States in the US

The most dangerous state is California with 3,498 homicides. Coming in the second position is Texas with 2,993 homicides. The third most dangerous state in the U.S. is Florida with 2,087 homicides. Ranking fourth in the country is North Carolina with 1,192 homicides. With 1,137 homicides, Illinois is the fifth most dangerous state in the U.S. Missouri ranks sixth in the country with 1,108 homicides. Ohio comes in seventh with 1,089 homicides. New York ranks eighth and Michigan ninth with 1,087 and 1,067 homicides respectively. Louisiana is the tenth most dangerous state with 1,065 homicides.

The 10 most dangerous states are:

California – 3,498 homicides
Texas – 2,993 homicides
Florida – 2,087 homicides
North Carolina – 1,192 homicides
Illinois – 1,137 homicides
Missouri – 1,108 homicides
Ohio – 1,089 homicides
New York – 1,087 homicides
Michigan – 1,067 homicides
Louisiana – 1,065 homicides

The Most Dangerous State in the US

California is currently the most dangerous state in the US with an average of 3,498 homicide incidents.  Poverty is one of the main drivers of crime in California; 4.5 million Californians live below the poverty line and about 3 million people lack access to basic healthcare. Additionally, gang activity and drug use have been identified as major contributors to high homicide rates in California cities such as Oakland and Los Angeles. Gang-related violence accounts for a significant portion of homicides in California and has been linked to increases in drug trafficking and the sale of illegal firearms. In addition to these factors, California’s gun laws are relatively lax compared to other states which contribute to higher homicide rates within the state. To make California safer, the state has taken various initiatives such as implementing a $500 million investment plan aimed at reducing poverty among its population. This program seeks to increase access to financial assistance and job training opportunities so that people have a better chance at finding meaningful employment that pays a living wage.

Number of Homicides by State

Alabama

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Number of Homicides

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325

Ranked in the US

#28

6.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#32

1,141

Ranked in the US

#16

23.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#5

Alabama is the twenty-eighth most dangerous state in the United States with 325 homicides. Moreover, Alabama has a homicide rate of 6.5 per 100,000 people. Crime has been rising steadily in Alabama since 2014, with homicides increasing by 59% while violent crimes increased by 16%. This increase in criminality paints a grim picture for Alabamans who must now face an unprecedented level of insecurity on their streets and in their homes every day.

Number of Homicides

Homicide Rate

Gun Deaths

Gun Death Rate

Alaska

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90

Ranked in the US

#42

12.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#7

175

Ranked in the US

#41

23.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#6

Number of Homicides

Homicide Rate

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Arizona

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805

Ranked in the US

#15

11.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#12

1,265

Ranked in the US

#12

16.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#20

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Arkansas

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484

Ranked in the US

#21

16.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#5

673

Ranked in the US

#26

22.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#8

Number of Homicides

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California

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3,498

Ranked in the US

#1

8.8 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#26

3,449

Ranked in the US

#2

8.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#44

Number of Homicides

Homicide Rate

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Gun Death Rate

Colorado

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488

Ranked in the US

#20

8.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#27

922

Ranked in the US

#19

15.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#22

Number of Homicides

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Connecticut

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220

Ranked in the US

#32

6.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#34

219

Ranked in the US

#39

6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#45

Number of Homicides

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Delaware

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98

Ranked in the US

#40

9.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#17

135

Ranked in the US

#44

14.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#25

Number of Homicides

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District of Columbia

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339

Ranked in the US

#27

49.2 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#1

Number of Homicides

Homicide Rate

Florida

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2,087

Ranked in the US

#3

9.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#19

3,041

Ranked in the US

#3

13.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#29

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Georgia

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834

Ranked in the US

#14

7.8 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#29

1,897

Ranked in the US

#4

17.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#15

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Hawaii

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65

Ranked in the US

#44

4.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#42

Ranked in the US

#50

3.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#50

Number of Homicides

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Idaho

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68

Ranked in the US

#43

3.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#46

321

Ranked in the US

#36

17.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#16

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Illinois

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1,137

Ranked in the US

#5

8.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#24

1,745

Ranked in the US

#7

14.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#27

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Indiana

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656

Ranked in the US

#17

9.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#20

1,159

Ranked in the US

#15

17.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#17

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Homicide Rate

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Gun Death Rate

Iowa

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172

Ranked in the US

#35

5.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#37

351

Ranked in the US

#34

11.2 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#38

Number of Homicides

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Gun Death Rate

Kansas

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143

Ranked in the US

#38

4.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#40

494

Ranked in the US

#30

16.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#19

Number of Homicides

Homicide Rate

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Kentucky

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464

Ranked in the US

#24

10.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#14

902

Ranked in the US

#20

20.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#13

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Louisiana

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1,065

Ranked in the US

#10

22.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#2

1,183

Ranked in the US

#13

26.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#2

Number of Homicides

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Maine

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39

Ranked in the US

#48

2.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#50

153

Ranked in the US

#43

10.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#40

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Maryland

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738

Ranked in the US

#16

11.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#8

803

Ranked in the US

#24

13.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#33

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Massachusetts

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230

Ranked in the US

#31

3.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#48

268

Ranked in the US

#37

3.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#49

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Michigan

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1,067

Ranked in the US

#9

10.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#13

1,454

Ranked in the US

#10

14.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#24

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Minnesota

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323

Ranked in the US

#29

5.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#36

513

Ranked in the US

#29

8.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#42

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Mississippi

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350

Ranked in the US

#26

11.8 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#10

818

Ranked in the US

#23

28.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#1

Mississippi is the twenty-sixth most dangerous state in the United States with 350 homicides. Mississippi had also one of the highest homicide rates in the nation at 11.8 per 100,000 people. Moreover, several cities within Mississippi have been identified as some of the most dangerous cities in the United States; including Jackson and Gulfport which rank on this list due to their disproportionately high levels of crime.

Number of Homicides

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Missouri

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1,108

Ranked in the US

#6

18 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#3

1,426

Ranked in the US

#11

23.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#4

Missouri is the sixth most dangerous state in the United States, with a total of 1,108 homicides. When compared to other states, Missouri has one of the highest rates of violent crime and firearm-related fatalities per capita. Moreover, their per capita murder rate is also higher than the national average, signaling a worrying trend in public safety concerns. Other factors associated with high levels of violence include poverty and overpopulation in certain areas of the state; both of which are prevalent issues in Missouri.

Number of Homicides

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Montana

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96

Ranked in the US

#41

8.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#25

238

Ranked in the US

#38

20.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#11

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Nebraska

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127

Ranked in the US

#39

6.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#33

197

Ranked in the US

#40

10.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#41

Number of Homicides

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Nevada

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308

Ranked in the US

#30

9.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#18

547

Ranked in the US

#28

17 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#18

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New Hampshire

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20

Ranked in the US

#51

1.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#51

128

Ranked in the US

#45

8.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#43

Number of Homicides

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New Jersey

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497

Ranked in the US

#19

5.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#38

443

Ranked in the US

#32

5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#48

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New Mexico

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193

Ranked in the US

#33

9.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#22

479

Ranked in the US

#31

22.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#7

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New York

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1,087

Ranked in the US

#8

5.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#39

1,052

Ranked in the US

#18

5.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#46

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North Carolina

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1,192

Ranked in the US

#4

11.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#11

1,699

Ranked in the US

#8

16 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#21

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North Dakota

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59

Ranked in the US

#46

7.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#30

100

Ranked in the US

#47

13.8 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#28

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Ohio

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1,089

Ranked in the US

#7

9.2 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#21

1,764

Ranked in the US

#5

15.2 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#23

Number of Homicides

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Oklahoma

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471

Ranked in the US

#23

11.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#9

826

Ranked in the US

#22

20.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#12

Number of Homicides

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Oregon

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188

Ranked in the US

#34

4.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#44

592

Ranked in the US

#27

13 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#35

Number of Homicides

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Pennsylvania

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433

Ranked in the US

#25

3.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#49

1,752

Ranked in the US

#6

13.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#30

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Rhode Island

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46

Ranked in the US

#47

4.2 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#45

Ranked in the US

#49

5.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#47

Number of Homicides

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South Carolina

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891

Ranked in the US

#12

17.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#4

1,131

Ranked in the US

#17

22 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#9

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South Dakota

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62

Ranked in the US

#45

7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#31

120

Ranked in the US

#46

13.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#31

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Tennessee

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970

Ranked in the US

#11

14 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#6

1,473

Ranked in the US

#9

21.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#10

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Texas

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2,993

Ranked in the US

#2

10.3 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#15

4,164

Ranked in the US

#1

14.2 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#26

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Utah

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147

Ranked in the US

#37

4.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#43

429

Ranked in the US

#33

13.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#32

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Vermont

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24

Ranked in the US

#50

3.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#47

Ranked in the US

#48

11.6 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#37

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Virginia

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863

Ranked in the US

#13

10 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#16

1,174

Ranked in the US

#14

13.4 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#34

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Washington

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472

Ranked in the US

#22

6.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#35

864

Ranked in the US

#21

10.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#39

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West Virginia

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162

Ranked in the US

#36

9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#23

325

Ranked in the US

#35

18.1 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#14

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Wisconsin

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499

Ranked in the US

#18

8.5 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#28

717

Ranked in the US

#25

12.2 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#36

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Wyoming

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27

Ranked in the US

#49

4.7 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#41

154

Ranked in the US

#42

25.9 per 100k

Ranked in the US

#3

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FAQs

What is the most dangerous state in the United States?

The most dangerous state is California with 3,498 homicides.

What are the top 5 most dangerous states?

The top 5 most dangerous states are:

1. California – 3,498 homicides
2. Texas – 2,993 homicides
3. Florida – 2,087 homicides
4. North Carolina – 1,192 homicides
5. Illinois – 1,137 homicides

What is the safest U.S. state?

The safest state in the United States is New Hampshire with only 20 homicides.