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.
# | State | Number of Homicides | Homicide Rate | Gun Deaths | Gun Death Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | California | 3,498 | 8.8 per 100k | 3,449 | 8.5 per 100k |
2 | Texas | 2,993 | 10.3 per 100k | 4,164 | 14.2 per 100k |
3 | Florida | 2,087 | 9.7 per 100k | 3,041 | 13.7 per 100k |
4 | North Carolina | 1,192 | 11.4 per 100k | 1,699 | 16 per 100k |
5 | Illinois | 1,137 | 8.9 per 100k | 1,745 | 14.1 per 100k |
6 | Missouri | 1,108 | 18 per 100k | 1,426 | 23.9 per 100k |
7 | Ohio | 1,089 | 9.2 per 100k | 1,764 | 15.2 per 100k |
8 | New York | 1,087 | 5.4 per 100k | 1,052 | 5.3 per 100k |
9 | Michigan | 1,067 | 10.6 per 100k | 1,454 | 14.6 per 100k |
10 | Louisiana | 1,065 | 22.9 per 100k | 1,183 | 26.3 per 100k |
11 | Tennessee | 970 | 14 per 100k | 1,473 | 21.3 per 100k |
12 | South Carolina | 891 | 17.4 per 100k | 1,131 | 22 per 100k |
13 | Virginia | 863 | 10 per 100k | 1,174 | 13.4 per 100k |
14 | Georgia | 834 | 7.8 per 100k | 1,897 | 17.7 per 100k |
15 | Arizona | 805 | 11.3 per 100k | 1,265 | 16.7 per 100k |
16 | Maryland | 738 | 11.9 per 100k | 803 | 13.5 per 100k |
17 | Indiana | 656 | 9.7 per 100k | 1,159 | 17.3 per 100k |
18 | Wisconsin | 499 | 8.5 per 100k | 717 | 12.2 per 100k |
19 | New Jersey | 497 | 5.4 per 100k | 443 | 5 per 100k |
20 | Colorado | 488 | 8.5 per 100k | 922 | 15.4 per 100k |
21 | Arkansas | 484 | 16.1 per 100k | 673 | 22.6 per 100k |
22 | Washington | 472 | 6.1 per 100k | 864 | 10.9 per 100k |
23 | Oklahoma | 471 | 11.9 per 100k | 826 | 20.7 per 100k |
24 | Kentucky | 464 | 10.3 per 100k | 902 | 20.1 per 100k |
25 | Pennsylvania | 433 | 3.3 per 100k | 1,752 | 13.6 per 100k |
26 | Mississippi | 350 | 11.8 per 100k | 818 | 28.6 per 100k |
27 | District of Columbia | 339 | 49.2 per 100k | ||
28 | Alabama | 325 | 6.5 per 100k | 1,141 | 23.6 per 100k |
29 | Minnesota | 323 | 5.7 per 100k | 513 | 8.9 per 100k |
30 | Nevada | 308 | 9.9 per 100k | 547 | 17 per 100k |
31 | Massachusetts | 230 | 3.3 per 100k | 268 | 3.7 per 100k |
32 | Connecticut | 220 | 6.1 per 100k | 219 | 6 per 100k |
33 | New Mexico | 193 | 9.1 per 100k | 479 | 22.7 per 100k |
34 | Oregon | 188 | 4.4 per 100k | 592 | 13 per 100k |
35 | Iowa | 172 | 5.4 per 100k | 351 | 11.2 per 100k |
36 | West Virginia | 162 | 9 per 100k | 325 | 18.1 per 100k |
37 | Utah | 147 | 4.5 per 100k | 429 | 13.6 per 100k |
38 | Kansas | 143 | 4.9 per 100k | 494 | 16.9 per 100k |
39 | Nebraska | 127 | 6.5 per 100k | 197 | 10.1 per 100k |
40 | Delaware | 98 | 9.9 per 100k | 135 | 14.4 per 100k |
41 | Montana | 96 | 8.9 per 100k | 238 | 20.9 per 100k |
42 | Alaska | 90 | 12.3 per 100k | 175 | 23.5 per 100k |
43 | Idaho | 68 | 3.7 per 100k | 321 | 17.6 per 100k |
44 | Hawaii | 65 | 4.5 per 100k | 50 | 3.4 per 100k |
45 | South Dakota | 62 | 7 per 100k | 120 | 13.6 per 100k |
46 | North Dakota | 59 | 7.6 per 100k | 100 | 13.8 per 100k |
47 | Rhode Island | 46 | 4.2 per 100k | 54 | 5.1 per 100k |
48 | Maine | 39 | 2.9 per 100k | 153 | 10.4 per 100k |
49 | Wyoming | 27 | 4.7 per 100k | 154 | 25.9 per 100k |
50 | Vermont | 24 | 3.7 per 100k | 76 | 11.6 per 100k |
51 | New Hampshire | 20 | 1.5 per 100k | 128 | 8.9 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
Number of Homicides
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.
Alaska
Number of Homicides
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
Arizona
Number of Homicides
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
Arkansas
Number of Homicides
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
California
Number of Homicides
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
Colorado
Number of Homicides
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
Connecticut
Number of Homicides
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
Delaware
Number of Homicides
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
District of Columbia
Number of Homicides
339
Ranked in the US
#27
49.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#1
Florida
Number of Homicides
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
Georgia
Number of Homicides
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
Hawaii
Number of Homicides
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
Idaho
Number of Homicides
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
Illinois
Number of Homicides
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
Indiana
Number of Homicides
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
Iowa
Number of Homicides
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
Kansas
Number of Homicides
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
Kentucky
Number of Homicides
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
Louisiana
Number of Homicides
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
Maine
Number of Homicides
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
Maryland
Number of Homicides
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
Massachusetts
Number of Homicides
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
Michigan
Number of Homicides
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
Minnesota
Number of Homicides
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
Mississippi
Number of Homicides
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.
Missouri
Number of Homicides
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.
Montana
Number of Homicides
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
Nebraska
Number of Homicides
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
Nevada
Number of Homicides
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
New Hampshire
Number of Homicides
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
New Jersey
Number of Homicides
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
New Mexico
Number of Homicides
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
New York
Number of Homicides
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
North Carolina
Number of Homicides
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
North Dakota
Number of Homicides
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
Ohio
Number of Homicides
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
Oklahoma
Number of Homicides
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
Oregon
Number of Homicides
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
Pennsylvania
Number of Homicides
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
Rhode Island
Number of Homicides
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
South Carolina
Number of Homicides
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
South Dakota
Number of Homicides
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
Tennessee
Number of Homicides
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
Texas
Number of Homicides
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
Utah
Number of Homicides
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
Vermont
Number of Homicides
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
Virginia
Number of Homicides
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
Washington
Number of Homicides
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
West Virginia
Number of Homicides
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
Wisconsin
Number of Homicides
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
Wyoming
Number of Homicides
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
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.