Introduction
How to keep ex-inmates out of prison is a golden question that all 50 states have been juggling to answer for decades. The yet untamed rate of recidivism, which refers to an individual’s return to criminal activity after a release, is costing the U.S. taxpayers at least a trillion dollars every year, equivalent to about 5% of the country’s GDP. Although the national incarceration rate has been on a downtrend since 2010, and most states are downsizing their prisons, more than half of ex-inmates end up relapsing within three years of their release.
Congress hasn’t taken a backseat to fighting recidivism. To curtail prison population growth and combat one of the most repeated crimes — drugs, lawmakers in 2010 enacted a law that eliminates the minimum prison term for first-time drug offenders. Eight years later, another law was passed to optimize federal rehabilitative programs and other activities designed to help prepare prisoners for a post-jail life. Then Congress in 2020 decided to help fund any level of government entities or nonprofits providing services to those who are prone to recidivate due to mental illness or substance-use disorders.
Despite the high-level efforts to reduce the recidivism rate and thus depopulate the prisons, the cost of running local jails has been on a steady rise. Meanwhile, a statistical study shows more Americans believe the criminal justice system needs to prioritize punishing criminals rather than invest more money into rehabilitative programs.
# | State | Recidivism Rate | Prison Population | Parole Population | Probation Population |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | South Carolina | 21% | 16,157 | 4,980 | 31,975 |
2 | Oklahoma | 22.6% | 22,462 | 1,780 | 41,562 |
3 | Virginia | 23.3% | 31,838 | 1,860 | 63,111 |
4 | Nevada | 24.6% | 11,422 | 6,492 | 13,260 |
5 | Minnesota | 25% | 8,148 | 7,381 | 100,076 |
6 | Florida | 25.4% | 81,027 | 4,345 | 205,033 |
7 | Maine | 26.3% | 1,714 | 20 | 6,742 |
8 | Michigan | 26.6% | 33,617 | 14,479 | 150,338 |
9 | Alabama | 28.7% | 25,328 | 10,266 | 50,997 |
10 | West Virginia | 29.3% | 6,044 | 4,287 | 6,593 |
11 | Louisiana | 29.6% | 26,964 | 29,321 | 35,025 |
12 | Nebraska | 30.2% | 5,306 | 958 | 14,894 |
13 | New Jersey | 30.4% | 12,830 | 14,967 | 131,347 |
14 | Washington | 30.7% | 15,724 | 12,222 | 76,672 |
15 | Ohio | 32.7% | 45,036 | 21,113 | 232,741 |
16 | Massachusetts | 33% | 6,762 | 1,441 | 52,228 |
17 | Wyoming | 33.8% | 2,087 | 934 | 5,383 |
18 | Kansas | 34.7% | 8,779 | 5,438 | 16,455 |
19 | Arizona | 36.3% | 37,731 | 7,536 | 76,844 |
20 | Idaho | 36.3% | 8,171 | 5,267 | 34,392 |
21 | Mississippi | 36.8% | 17,577 | 9,866 | 27,294 |
22 | Missouri | 37.2% | 23,062 | 19,251 | 43,871 |
23 | Wisconsin | 38.1% | 20,298 | 21,015 | 42,909 |
24 | Indiana | 38.2% | 23,944 | 6,399 | 111,986 |
25 | Illinois | 38.5% | 29,729 | 27,185 | 88,927 |
26 | Montana | 38.6% | 3,927 | 1,461 | 9,917 |
27 | Iowa | 38.7% | 8,307 | 6,652 | 29,137 |
28 | Maryland | 40.5% | 15,623 | 10,338 | 70,248 |
29 | North Dakota | 41.2% | 1,401 | 906 | 6,096 |
30 | New Hampshire | 41.5% | 2,352 | 2,367 | 3,916 |
31 | New York | 43% | 34,128 | 45,192 | 94,542 |
32 | Vermont | 43.8% | 1,284 | 870 | 3,936 |
33 | South Dakota | 44% | 3,250 | 3,201 | 5,989 |
34 | Colorado | 44.9% | 16,168 | 10,759 | 80,537 |
35 | Kentucky | 46.4% | 18,552 | 15,881 | 46,967 |
36 | Pennsylvania | 47.1% | 39,357 | 109,247 | 178,730 |
37 | Arkansas | 47.5% | 16,094 | 24,698 | 36,719 |
38 | Connecticut | 49% | 9,559 | 4,452 | 38,668 |
39 | New Mexico | 49.1% | 5,500 | 2,805 | 12,090 |
40 | Rhode Island | 50% | 2,227 | 535 | 20,402 |
41 | Delaware | 60.2% | 4,710 | 350 | 14,176 |
42 | Alaska | 61.6% | 4,578 | 1,348 | 2,074 |
What Is Recidivism?
Recidivism is when a person who has committed a criminal offense and has been convicted of repeating a crime or reoffending after already receiving punishment or serving a sentence. The term “recidivism” is primarily used in regard to substance abuse and criminal behavior, but also in medicine where the term “recidivism” is a synonym of the word “relapse”.
Recidivism Rate
Recidivism rates are a useful tool that many nations make use of. The rating enables governments, civil advocacy groups, and others, to calculate the number of convicted individuals who re-offend and re-enter the prison system. This information can be particularly helpful to amend the penal system accordingly and how to rehabilitate inmates better to prevent them from reoffending, even the strengthening of systems outside of prison to help inmates reintegrate into the general population. The recidivism rate can differ substantially depending on what laws the said state implements. For instance, some states, like Arkansas, who count re-arrests within a three-year period in the total states recidivism rate, leads to Arkansas having a higher recidivism rate than other states that do not count re-arrests within a three-year period.
Recidivism Rates in the US
Recidivism rates in the U.S. are some of the highest in the world with almost 44% of criminals released returning to prison within their first year out. Different states in the U.S. have different ways in which they measure recidivism, one being the aforementioned Arkansas. States not only differ in how measurements of recidivism are carried out but also in how the state rehabilitates inmates and how much support they receive while reintegrating society. This plays an important role in lowering recidivism rates. The state of Arizona for example, which has a recidivism rate of 36.3%, has sought to provide people who have been convicted of certain crimes to seek a Certificate of Second Chance that assists and improves the individual’s chances of attaining housing and employment.
Learn for yourself how states compare to one another in terms of their recidivism rate by surveying the data in the charts.
Recidivism Rate by State
Alabama
Recidivism Rate
28.7%
Ranked in the US
#9
25,328
Ranked in the US
#14
Parole Population
10,266
Ranked in the US
#21
Probation Population
50,997
Ranked in the US
#21
The recidivism rates in Alabama are 28.7%, ranking the state ninth in the country. It has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country despite facing an important prison crisis, with a prison homicide rate ten times the national average. Overall the state of Alabama has seen the number of people imprisoned increase by 179% between 1983 to 2015.
Alaska
Recidivism Rate
61.6%
Ranked in the US
#42
4,578
Ranked in the US
#41
Parole Population
1,348
Ranked in the US
#44
Probation Population
2,074
Ranked in the US
#51
The recidivism rates in Alaska are 62.6%, the highest in the United States. It is ranked forty-second out of all the 50 states. The high rate of recidivism has driven state officials to attempt to correct this with legislation, such as Senate Bill 91, and the late 2017 Senate Bill 54, which put pre-trial risk assessments in place.
Arizona
Recidivism Rate
36.3%
Ranked in the US
#19
37,731
Ranked in the US
#7
Parole Population
7,536
Ranked in the US
#23
Probation Population
76,844
Ranked in the US
#15
Recidivism rates in Arizona are 36.3%. The state ranks twentieth out of the other 50 states and Arizona defines recidivism as returning to prison within three years of release. To reduce recidivism rates, state officials have passed legislation such as HB 2067, which allows people who have been convicted of certain criminal offenses to seek a Certificate of Second Chance. It provides them with better employment and housing opportunities.
Arkansas
Recidivism Rate
47.5%
Ranked in the US
#37
16,094
Ranked in the US
#24
Parole Population
24,698
Ranked in the US
#7
Probation Population
36,719
Ranked in the US
#27
Recidivism rates in Arkansas are relatively high at 47.5%, as they count re-arrests within a three-year period, while most other states do not. Arkansas has a relatively high recidivism rate in comparison to other states: it is ranked thirty-seventh. In 2022, the Arkansas Department of Corrections put forward a proposal, “A Roadmap to Reform”, on how to tackle recidivism in the state. It included providing and improving education in state penitentiaries as levels of recidivism decrease with higher levels of education.
Colorado
Recidivism Rate
44.9%
Ranked in the US
#34
16,168
Ranked in the US
#22
Parole Population
10,759
Ranked in the US
#19
Probation Population
80,537
Ranked in the US
#13
Colorado has consistently been ranked as having one of the highest recidivism rates in the US at 44.9% ranking thirty-fourth. Colorado’s government has sought to amend recidivism by providing inmates with paid jobs to prepare them for life outside prison walls.
Connecticut
Recidivism Rate
49%
Ranked in the US
#38
9,559
Ranked in the US
#30
Parole Population
4,452
Ranked in the US
#31
Probation Population
38,668
Ranked in the US
#26
Ranking thirty-eighth compared to the rest of the country, recidivism rates in Connecticut are at 49%.
Delaware
Recidivism Rate
60.2%
Ranked in the US
#41
4,710
Ranked in the US
#40
Parole Population
350
Ranked in the US
#50
Probation Population
14,176
Ranked in the US
#38
Recidivism rates in Delaware are 60.2%, ranking the state forty-first in the country. Efforts have been taken in 2021 and 2022 to reform the criminal justice system within the state, with the hopes of lowering the rate at which criminals return to prison after being released.
Florida
Recidivism Rate
25.4%
Ranked in the US
#6
81,027
Ranked in the US
#3
Parole Population
4,345
Ranked in the US
#32
Probation Population
205,033
Ranked in the US
#5
Recidivism rates in Florida are 25.4%, the state ranks sixth and holds one of the lowest percentages in the United States.
Idaho
Recidivism Rate
36.3%
Ranked in the US
#20
8,171
Ranked in the US
#33
Parole Population
5,267
Ranked in the US
#29
Probation Population
34,392
Ranked in the US
#30
The recidivism rates in Idaho among criminal offenders is lower than average, the state is ranked twentieth with a recidivism rate of 36.3%. Idaho has one of the lowest rates in the country but some of the highest incarceration rates.
Illinois
Recidivism Rate
38.5%
Ranked in the US
#25
29,729
Ranked in the US
#11
Parole Population
27,185
Ranked in the US
#6
Probation Population
88,927
Ranked in the US
#12
The recidivism rates in Illinois are 38.5% ranking the state twenty-fifth in the country. A report published in 2018 showed that recidivism within the state would cost taxpayers more than $13 billion dollars by the year 2023.
Indiana
Recidivism Rate
38.2%
Ranked in the US
#24
23,944
Ranked in the US
#15
Parole Population
6,399
Ranked in the US
#27
Probation Population
111,986
Ranked in the US
#9
Recidivism rates in Indiana are 38.2% ranking the state twenty-fourth. In 2022, the state government proposed legislation that sought to reduce the recidivism rate among juvenile offenders. The legislation aimed at offering juvenile offenders certain types of counseling for mental health and behavioral issues.
Iowa
Recidivism Rate
38.7%
Ranked in the US
#27
8,307
Ranked in the US
#32
Parole Population
6,652
Ranked in the US
#25
Probation Population
29,137
Ranked in the US
#32
Recidivism rates in Iowa are 38.7% and have fallen below the national average as of 2021, in part thanks to the Recidivism Reduction Act. The state ranks twenty-seventh.
Kansas
Recidivism Rate
34.7%
Ranked in the US
#18
8,779
Ranked in the US
#31
Parole Population
5,438
Ranked in the US
#28
Probation Population
16,455
Ranked in the US
#36
Recidivism rates in Kansas are 34.7%, ranking the state eighteenth in comparison to the rest of the country. To fight recidivism, the state formed a specific commission in 2020 whose goal was to review criminal sentences in order to ensure that they were proportionate to the crime committed. In 2016, the state government enacted a law that helped to reduce the recidivism rate among juvenile offenders.
Kentucky
Recidivism Rate
46.4%
Ranked in the US
#35
18,552
Ranked in the US
#20
Parole Population
15,881
Ranked in the US
#13
Probation Population
46,967
Ranked in the US
#22
Higher than average, recidivism rates in Kentucky are 46.4% ranking the state thirty-fifth in the country. In 2011, the state government enacted reforms to its criminal justice system in hopes of cutting both the recidivism rates and the costs associated with it.
Louisiana
Recidivism Rate
29.6%
Ranked in the US
#11
26,964
Ranked in the US
#13
Parole Population
29,321
Ranked in the US
#5
Probation Population
35,025
Ranked in the US
#29
Recidivism rates in Louisiana are remarkably low at 29.6%, placing the state eleventh out of 50.
Maine
Recidivism Rate
26.3%
Ranked in the US
#7
1,714
Ranked in the US
#48
Parole Population
20
Ranked in the US
#51
Probation Population
6,742
Ranked in the US
#43
Maine has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country with a recidivism rate of 26.3%, the state ranks seventh.
Maryland
Recidivism Rate
40.5%
Ranked in the US
#28
15,623
Ranked in the US
#26
Parole Population
10,338
Ranked in the US
#20
Probation Population
70,248
Ranked in the US
#17
Recidivism rates in Maryland are relatively low, it has a rate of 40.5% and ranks twenty-eighth in the country. In 2022, a bill sponsored by the state government was intended to reduce recidivism rates in Baltimore, Maryland, by funneling defendants into an opportunity for job training in certain instances, such as a condition of their parole.
Massachusetts
Recidivism Rate
33%
Ranked in the US
#16
6,762
Ranked in the US
#35
Parole Population
1,441
Ranked in the US
#43
Probation Population
52,228
Ranked in the US
#20
Ranked sixteenth in the country, recidivism rates in Massachusetts at 33% are among one of the lowest along the East Coast. The state sees 33% of individuals going back to criminal activity. In 2018, the state government passed a criminal justice reform bill, which was designed to eliminate certain types of mandatory minimum sentencing, heavily restrict the implementation of solitary confinement, and reduce the state's recidivism rate.
Michigan
Recidivism Rate
26.6%
Ranked in the US
#8
33,617
Ranked in the US
#9
Parole Population
14,479
Ranked in the US
#15
Probation Population
150,338
Ranked in the US
#7
Recidivism rates in Michigan are one of the lowest at 26.6%, ranking the state eighth in the country.
Minnesota
Recidivism Rate
25%
Ranked in the US
#5
8,148
Ranked in the US
#34
Parole Population
7,381
Ranked in the US
#24
Probation Population
100,076
Ranked in the US
#10
Ranking fifth in the country, recidivism rates in Minnesota at 25% are one of the lowest recidivism rates across the entire United States. In 2021, state officials issued an executive order that was aimed at reducing the recidivism rate in the state.
Mississippi
Recidivism Rate
36.8%
Ranked in the US
#21
17,577
Ranked in the US
#21
Parole Population
9,866
Ranked in the US
#22
Probation Population
27,294
Ranked in the US
#33
Recidivism rates in Mississippi are 36.8%, ranking the state twenty-first in the U.S. The state legislature signed a bill in 2022 with the intent of repealing a law that formed a non-profit organization called the Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation (MPIC). The organization was created to reduce the recidivism rate among prisoners, but it was managed so poorly that it had a less than 1% participation rate and failed to collect data to demonstrate the organization's effect on recidivism.
Missouri
Recidivism Rate
37.2%
Ranked in the US
#22
23,062
Ranked in the US
#16
Parole Population
19,251
Ranked in the US
#12
Probation Population
43,871
Ranked in the US
#23
Recidivism rates in Missouri are 37.2% and ranking the state twenty-second in the country. A unique way that the state is attempting to reduce recidivism within the state is by enacting legislation that will create nurseries within the Missouri Department of Corrections. These nurseries would allow mothers to be with their children born behind bars for a maximum of eighteen months.
Montana
Recidivism Rate
38.6%
Ranked in the US
#26
3,927
Ranked in the US
#43
Parole Population
1,461
Ranked in the US
#42
Probation Population
9,917
Ranked in the US
#42
In spite of having one of the smallest prison populations in the country, recidivism rates in Montana are relatively high at 38.6%, ranking the state twenty-sixth in the country.
Nebraska
Recidivism Rate
30.2%
Ranked in the US
#12
5,306
Ranked in the US
#39
Parole Population
958
Ranked in the US
#45
Probation Population
14,894
Ranked in the US
#37
The recidivism rate in Nebraska is 30.2% ranking the state twelfth. To reduce recidivism rates, government officials passed a bill in 2022 to test whether or not its rehabilitation programs would be effective.
Nevada
Recidivism Rate
24.6%
Ranked in the US
#4
11,422
Ranked in the US
#29
Parole Population
6,492
Ranked in the US
#26
Probation Population
13,260
Ranked in the US
#39
Recidivism rates in Nevada are one of the lowest in the country at 24.6% and the state is ranked fourth out of the other 50 states.
New Hampshire
Recidivism Rate
41.5%
Ranked in the US
#30
2,352
Ranked in the US
#45
Parole Population
2,367
Ranked in the US
#38
Probation Population
3,916
Ranked in the US
#50
While New Hampshire has the smallest probation population in the country, its recidivism rates are 41.5% which is above the national average. The state ranks thirtieth.
New Jersey
Recidivism Rate
30.4%
Ranked in the US
#13
12,830
Ranked in the US
#27
Parole Population
14,967
Ranked in the US
#14
Probation Population
131,347
Ranked in the US
#8
Although New Jersey has a prison population that is higher than average, recidivism rates in the state at 30.4% are the thirteenth lowest in the country.
New Mexico
Recidivism Rate
49.1%
Ranked in the US
#39
5,500
Ranked in the US
#37
Parole Population
2,805
Ranked in the US
#37
Probation Population
12,090
Ranked in the US
#41
Recidivism rates in New Mexico are at 49.1%, ranking the state thirty-ninth in the U.S.
New York
Recidivism Rate
43%
Ranked in the US
#31
34,128
Ranked in the US
#8
Parole Population
45,192
Ranked in the US
#4
Probation Population
94,542
Ranked in the US
#11
Recidivism rates in New York are at 43%, ranking the state thirty-first in the country 31. In 2021, the state government signed a series of new legislation in an attempt to apply reforms to New York state's criminal justice system. One piece of that legislation, which gives prisoners certificates for good behavior when they're granted an early discharge, is aimed at reducing the state's high recidivism rate.
North Dakota
Recidivism Rate
41.2%
Ranked in the US
#29
1,401
Ranked in the US
#49
Parole Population
906
Ranked in the US
#47
Probation Population
6,096
Ranked in the US
#45
In addition to having the second-lowest prison population of any state, recidivism rates in North Dakota are at 41.2%, ranking the state twenty-ninth in the country. North Dakota also has some of the lowest probation and parole rates in the United States.
Ohio
Recidivism Rate
32.7%
Ranked in the US
#15
45,036
Ranked in the US
#5
Parole Population
21,113
Ranked in the US
#9
Probation Population
232,741
Ranked in the US
#3
Ranked fifteenth in the country, recidivism rates in Ohio are at 32.7%. A bill was introduced in 2022 to help mitigate the chances that released criminals who served their jail sentences would become repeat offenders. One of the bill's top priorities is the rehabilitation of prisoners.
Oklahoma
Recidivism Rate
22.6%
Ranked in the US
#2
22,462
Ranked in the US
#18
Parole Population
1,780
Ranked in the US
#40
Probation Population
41,562
Ranked in the US
#25
Recidivism rates in Oklahoma are the second lowest in the United States at 22.6%. In 2022, the state government implemented a prison reform bill that explicitly targets recidivism within the state and seeks to reduce the rate at which criminals become second-time offenders.
Pennsylvania
Recidivism Rate
47.1%
Ranked in the US
#36
39,357
Ranked in the US
#6
Parole Population
109,247
Ranked in the US
#1
Probation Population
178,730
Ranked in the US
#6
Along with having the highest overall population of people on parole, recidivism rates in Pennsylvania are at 47.1%, one of the nation’s highest rates. The state ranks thirty-sixth in the country. The state government has attempted to counter recidivism by instituting the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive (RRRI), which incentivizes good behavior in exchange for early release and completing programs that aid inmates in transitioning back into society.
Rhode Island
Recidivism Rate
50%
Ranked in the US
#40
2,227
Ranked in the US
#46
Parole Population
535
Ranked in the US
#49
Probation Population
20,402
Ranked in the US
#34
With a recidivism rate in Rhode Island of 50%, the state has one of the highest recidivism rates in the United States. Rhode Island is ranked fortieth compared to other states. In 2017, the state government signed into law the Justice Reinvestment Act, which aims, in part, to reduce recidivism by providing routes for rehabilitation.
South Carolina
Recidivism Rate
21%
Ranked in the US
#1
16,157
Ranked in the US
#23
Parole Population
4,980
Ranked in the US
#30
Probation Population
31,975
Ranked in the US
#31
Recidivism rates in South Carolina are at 21% which is the lowest of any state within the U.S.
South Dakota
Recidivism Rate
44%
Ranked in the US
#33
3,250
Ranked in the US
#44
Parole Population
3,201
Ranked in the US
#35
Probation Population
5,989
Ranked in the US
#46
Recidivism rates in South Dakota are at 44%, ranking the state thirty-third in the country.
Vermont
Recidivism Rate
43.8%
Ranked in the US
#32
1,284
Ranked in the US
#50
Parole Population
870
Ranked in the US
#48
Probation Population
3,936
Ranked in the US
#49
Recidivism rates in Vermont are at 43.8%, ranking the state thirty-second in the U.S.
Virginia
Recidivism Rate
23.3%
Ranked in the US
#3
31,838
Ranked in the US
#10
Parole Population
1,860
Ranked in the US
#39
Probation Population
63,111
Ranked in the US
#18
Recidivism rates in Virginia are at 23.3% which is the third lowest in the U.S. In 2022, the state government made an amendment to a previously passed law that would have dramatically reduced prison sentences for inmates who demonstrated good behavior.
Washington
Recidivism Rate
30.7%
Ranked in the US
#14
15,724
Ranked in the US
#25
Parole Population
12,222
Ranked in the US
#17
Probation Population
76,672
Ranked in the US
#16
Recidivism rates in Washington are at 30.7% and ranking the state fourteenth in the country. A 2021 state bill, intended to expand Washington state's graduated reentry program, would grant inmates the opportunity to finish the final segment of the reentry program at home under electronic surveillance.
West Virginia
Recidivism Rate
29.3%
Ranked in the US
#10
6,044
Ranked in the US
#36
Parole Population
4,287
Ranked in the US
#33
Probation Population
6,593
Ranked in the US
#44
Recidivism rates in West Virginia are at 29.3%, ranking the state tenth in the country. In 2013, the state of West Virginia passed the Justice Reinvestment Act which requires the state to annually invest in different rehabilitation services for inmates to reduce the state's level of recidivism.
Wisconsin
Recidivism Rate
38.1%
Ranked in the US
#23
20,298
Ranked in the US
#19
Parole Population
21,015
Ranked in the US
#10
Probation Population
42,909
Ranked in the US
#24
The recidivism rates in Wisconsin are at 38.1%, ranking the state twenty-third compared to the other states.
Wyoming
Recidivism Rate
33.8%
Ranked in the US
#17
2,087
Ranked in the US
#47
Parole Population
934
Ranked in the US
#46
Probation Population
5,383
Ranked in the US
#48
Recidivism rates in Wyoming are at 33.8% ranking the state seventeenth in the country. In 2019, the state governor signed the Justice Reinvestment Legislation to decrease the rates of recidivism in the state by at least 25% as soon as 2024.