Safest States in America
The United States is a vast country with immense variation in the safety of its citizens from one state to another. For example, the South has traditionally had higher crime rates than other regions of the country, particularly for violent crimes such as murder and robbery. On the other hand, states like Vermont or Maine consistently have some of the lowest crime rates in America. Moreover, there are also significant discrepancies within states. For instance, many major cities across the nation have above-average crime rates while suburban and rural areas tend to be notably safer; this includes inequality within cities themselves, as affluent neighborhoods often have much lower crime levels than their poorer counterparts. Furthermore, certain types of crime are more common depending on location. All of these factors contribute to a patchwork quilt of safety across America that can vary dramatically depending on where one lives.
| # | State | Homicide Number | Homicide Rate | Lowest Gun Deaths | Lowest Gun Death Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 20 | 1.5 per 100k | 128 | 8.9 per 100k |
| 2 | Vermont | 24 | 3.7 per 100k | 76 | 11.6 per 100k |
| 3 | Wyoming | 27 | 4.7 per 100k | 154 | 25.9 per 100k |
| 4 | Maine | 39 | 2.9 per 100k | 153 | 10.4 per 100k |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 46 | 4.2 per 100k | 54 | 5.1 per 100k |
| 6 | North Dakota | 59 | 7.6 per 100k | 100 | 13.8 per 100k |
| 7 | South Dakota | 62 | 7 per 100k | 120 | 13.6 per 100k |
| 8 | Hawaii | 65 | 4.5 per 100k | 50 | 3.4 per 100k |
| 9 | Idaho | 68 | 3.7 per 100k | 321 | 17.6 per 100k |
| 10 | Alaska | 90 | 12.3 per 100k | 175 | 23.5 per 100k |
| 11 | Montana | 96 | 8.9 per 100k | 238 | 20.9 per 100k |
| 12 | Delaware | 98 | 9.9 per 100k | 135 | 14.4 per 100k |
| 13 | Nebraska | 127 | 6.5 per 100k | 197 | 10.1 per 100k |
| 14 | Kansas | 143 | 4.9 per 100k | 494 | 16.9 per 100k |
| 15 | Utah | 147 | 4.5 per 100k | 429 | 13.6 per 100k |
| 16 | West Virginia | 162 | 9 per 100k | 325 | 18.1 per 100k |
| 17 | Iowa | 172 | 5.4 per 100k | 351 | 11.2 per 100k |
| 18 | Oregon | 188 | 4.4 per 100k | 592 | 13 per 100k |
| 19 | New Mexico | 193 | 9.1 per 100k | 479 | 22.7 per 100k |
| 20 | Connecticut | 220 | 6.1 per 100k | 219 | 6 per 100k |
| 21 | Massachusetts | 230 | 3.3 per 100k | 268 | 3.7 per 100k |
| 22 | Nevada | 308 | 9.9 per 100k | 547 | 17 per 100k |
| 23 | Minnesota | 323 | 5.7 per 100k | 513 | 8.9 per 100k |
| 24 | Alabama | 325 | 6.5 per 100k | 1,141 | 23.6 per 100k |
| 25 | District of Columbia | 339 | 49.2 per 100k | ||
| 26 | Mississippi | 350 | 11.8 per 100k | 818 | 28.6 per 100k |
| 27 | Pennsylvania | 433 | 3.3 per 100k | 1,752 | 13.6 per 100k |
| 28 | Kentucky | 464 | 10.3 per 100k | 902 | 20.1 per 100k |
| 29 | Oklahoma | 471 | 11.9 per 100k | 826 | 20.7 per 100k |
| 30 | Washington | 472 | 6.1 per 100k | 864 | 10.9 per 100k |
| 31 | Arkansas | 484 | 16.1 per 100k | 673 | 22.6 per 100k |
| 32 | Colorado | 488 | 8.5 per 100k | 922 | 15.4 per 100k |
| 33 | New Jersey | 497 | 5.4 per 100k | 443 | 5 per 100k |
| 34 | Wisconsin | 499 | 8.5 per 100k | 717 | 12.2 per 100k |
| 35 | Indiana | 656 | 9.7 per 100k | 1,159 | 17.3 per 100k |
| 36 | Maryland | 738 | 11.9 per 100k | 803 | 13.5 per 100k |
| 37 | Arizona | 805 | 11.3 per 100k | 1,265 | 16.7 per 100k |
| 38 | Georgia | 834 | 7.8 per 100k | 1,897 | 17.7 per 100k |
| 39 | Virginia | 863 | 10 per 100k | 1,174 | 13.4 per 100k |
| 40 | South Carolina | 891 | 17.4 per 100k | 1,131 | 22 per 100k |
| 41 | Tennessee | 970 | 14 per 100k | 1,473 | 21.3 per 100k |
| 42 | Louisiana | 1,065 | 22.9 per 100k | 1,183 | 26.3 per 100k |
| 43 | Michigan | 1,067 | 10.6 per 100k | 1,454 | 14.6 per 100k |
| 44 | New York | 1,087 | 5.4 per 100k | 1,052 | 5.3 per 100k |
| 45 | Ohio | 1,089 | 9.2 per 100k | 1,764 | 15.2 per 100k |
| 46 | Missouri | 1,108 | 18 per 100k | 1,426 | 23.9 per 100k |
| 47 | Illinois | 1,137 | 8.9 per 100k | 1,745 | 14.1 per 100k |
| 48 | North Carolina | 1,192 | 11.4 per 100k | 1,699 | 16 per 100k |
| 49 | Florida | 2,087 | 9.7 per 100k | 3,041 | 13.7 per 100k |
| 50 | Texas | 2,993 | 10.3 per 100k | 4,164 | 14.2 per 100k |
| 51 | California | 3,498 | 8.8 per 100k | 3,449 | 8.5 per 100k |
Safest States in America
The United States is a large and varied country, with some states far safer than others. When it comes to homicides, the 10 safest states in America are New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming, Maine, Rhode Island, North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, Idaho, and Alaska. New Hampshire has the lowest number of homicides out of all 50 states, with just 20 reported homicide incidents. Vermont and Wyoming follow closely behind, in second and third place, with 24 and 27 homicides respectively. Maine comes fourth with 39 reported homicides, Rhode Island fifth with 46 homicides, North Dakota sixth at 59 homicides per year, and South Dakota ranks seventh with a total of 62 homicides. In eighth place comes Hawaii with 65 homicides per year. Idaho is the ninth safest state with 68 homicides per year, while Alaska ranks tenth on the list of safest states in the US, with a total of 90 homicides.
Top 10 Safest States in the US
1. New Hampshire – 20 homicides
2. Vermont – 24 homicides
3. Wyoming – 27 homicides
4. Maine – 39 homicides
5. Rhode Island – 46 homicides
6. North Dakota – 59 homicides
7. South Dakota – 62 homicides
8. Hawaii – 65 homicides
9. Idaho – 68 homicides
10. Alaska – 90 homicides
Safest State in the US
New Hampshire is renowned as the nation’s safest state, where its residents can rest assured knowing they are surrounded by low crime rates and a secure environment. With a population of 1.3 million people, New Hampshire recorded only 20 homicides in 2020, a statistic which has remained comparatively steady since 2017. New Hampshire has implemented numerous strategies throughout recent years to maintain this status, including increasing public accessibility to emergency services and increasing neighborhood watch initiatives across all communities. The state also offers an expansive mental health care system which works towards providing support for those at risk of suffering from substance abuse or violence-related issues. This range of preventative measures allows New Hampshire to remain consistently one of America’s most secure states for residents and visitors alike.
Homicide Number by State
Alabama
Homicide Number
325
Ranked in the US
#24
6.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#19
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,141
Ranked in the US
#35
Lowest Gun Death Rate
23.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#46
Alaska
Homicide Number
90
Ranked in the US
#10
12.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#45
Lowest Gun Deaths
175
Ranked in the US
#10
Lowest Gun Death Rate
23.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#45
Arizona
Homicide Number
805
Ranked in the US
#37
11.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#40
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,265
Ranked in the US
#39
Lowest Gun Death Rate
16.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#31
Arkansas
Homicide Number
484
Ranked in the US
#31
16.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#47
Lowest Gun Deaths
673
Ranked in the US
#25
Lowest Gun Death Rate
22.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#43
California
Homicide Number
3,498
Ranked in the US
#51
8.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#26
Lowest Gun Deaths
3,449
Ranked in the US
#49
Lowest Gun Death Rate
8.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#7
California is the least safe state in America with 3,498 reported homicides. This figure is especially high when we compare California’s homicide numbers to other US states. This has been attributed to a variety of factors, including an influx of weapons into cities and neighborhoods due to lax gun laws and increasingly strained socio-economic conditions that can lead to violence.
Colorado
Homicide Number
488
Ranked in the US
#32
8.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#24
Lowest Gun Deaths
922
Ranked in the US
#32
Lowest Gun Death Rate
15.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#29
Connecticut
Homicide Number
220
Ranked in the US
#20
6.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#17
Lowest Gun Deaths
219
Ranked in the US
#12
Lowest Gun Death Rate
6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#6
Delaware
Homicide Number
98
Ranked in the US
#12
9.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#34
Lowest Gun Deaths
135
Ranked in the US
#7
Lowest Gun Death Rate
14.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#26
District of Columbia
Homicide Number
339
Ranked in the US
#25
49.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#51
Florida
Homicide Number
2,087
Ranked in the US
#49
9.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#32
Lowest Gun Deaths
3,041
Ranked in the US
#48
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#22
Georgia
Homicide Number
834
Ranked in the US
#38
7.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#23
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,897
Ranked in the US
#47
Lowest Gun Death Rate
17.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#36
Hawaii
Homicide Number
65
Ranked in the US
#8
4.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#9
Lowest Gun Deaths
50
Ranked in the US
#1
Lowest Gun Death Rate
3.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#1
Idaho
Homicide Number
68
Ranked in the US
#9
3.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#5
Lowest Gun Deaths
321
Ranked in the US
#15
Lowest Gun Death Rate
17.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#35
Illinois
Homicide Number
1,137
Ranked in the US
#47
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#27
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,745
Ranked in the US
#44
Lowest Gun Death Rate
14.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#24
Indiana
Homicide Number
656
Ranked in the US
#35
9.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#33
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,159
Ranked in the US
#36
Lowest Gun Death Rate
17.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#34
Iowa
Homicide Number
172
Ranked in the US
#17
5.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#13
Lowest Gun Deaths
351
Ranked in the US
#17
Lowest Gun Death Rate
11.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#13
Kansas
Homicide Number
143
Ranked in the US
#14
4.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#12
Lowest Gun Deaths
494
Ranked in the US
#21
Lowest Gun Death Rate
16.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#32
Kentucky
Homicide Number
464
Ranked in the US
#28
10.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#37
Lowest Gun Deaths
902
Ranked in the US
#31
Lowest Gun Death Rate
20.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#38
Louisiana
Homicide Number
1,065
Ranked in the US
#42
22.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#50
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,183
Ranked in the US
#38
Lowest Gun Death Rate
26.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#49
Maine
Homicide Number
39
Ranked in the US
#4
2.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#2
Lowest Gun Deaths
153
Ranked in the US
#8
Lowest Gun Death Rate
10.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#11
Maine is the fourth safest state in America with 39 homicide incidents. This figure speaks to the effectiveness of Maine's law enforcement and public safety programs, which have worked diligently to ensure that citizens are living in an environment of safety and security. Maine has also implemented initiatives such as community policing and gun control legislation that have gone a long way toward making it one of the best states to live in in terms of crime prevention. These initiatives have earned Maine national recognition for being one of the most secure places in the nation.
Maryland
Homicide Number
738
Ranked in the US
#36
11.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#43
Lowest Gun Deaths
803
Ranked in the US
#27
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#18
Massachusetts
Homicide Number
230
Ranked in the US
#21
3.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#3
Lowest Gun Deaths
268
Ranked in the US
#14
Lowest Gun Death Rate
3.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#2
Massachusetts is the twenty-first safest state in America with 230 reported homicides. Massachusetts has achieved this safety with its commitment to public safety, social services, and public health initiatives. For example, Boston's community policing program has been credited with helping reduce crime in the city by nearly 14% over the last several years. Additionally, the state legislature recently passed several laws aimed at curbing gun violence, including extreme risk protection orders which allow family members or law enforcement personnel to petition courts to remove firearms from those deemed at risk of committing violent acts.
Michigan
Homicide Number
1,067
Ranked in the US
#43
10.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#39
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,454
Ranked in the US
#41
Lowest Gun Death Rate
14.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#27
Minnesota
Homicide Number
323
Ranked in the US
#23
5.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#16
Lowest Gun Deaths
513
Ranked in the US
#22
Lowest Gun Death Rate
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#8
Mississippi
Homicide Number
350
Ranked in the US
#26
11.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#42
Lowest Gun Deaths
818
Ranked in the US
#28
Lowest Gun Death Rate
28.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#50
Missouri
Homicide Number
1,108
Ranked in the US
#46
18 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#49
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,426
Ranked in the US
#40
Lowest Gun Death Rate
23.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#47
Montana
Homicide Number
96
Ranked in the US
#11
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#28
Lowest Gun Deaths
238
Ranked in the US
#13
Lowest Gun Death Rate
20.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#40
Nebraska
Homicide Number
127
Ranked in the US
#13
6.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#20
Lowest Gun Deaths
197
Ranked in the US
#11
Lowest Gun Death Rate
10.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#10
Nevada
Homicide Number
308
Ranked in the US
#22
9.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#35
Lowest Gun Deaths
547
Ranked in the US
#23
Lowest Gun Death Rate
17 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#33
New Hampshire
Homicide Number
20
Ranked in the US
#1
1.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#1
Lowest Gun Deaths
128
Ranked in the US
#6
Lowest Gun Death Rate
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#9
New Jersey
Homicide Number
497
Ranked in the US
#33
5.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#14
Lowest Gun Deaths
443
Ranked in the US
#19
Lowest Gun Death Rate
5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#3
New Mexico
Homicide Number
193
Ranked in the US
#19
9.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#30
Lowest Gun Deaths
479
Ranked in the US
#20
Lowest Gun Death Rate
22.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#44
New York
Homicide Number
1,087
Ranked in the US
#44
5.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#15
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,052
Ranked in the US
#33
Lowest Gun Death Rate
5.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#5
North Carolina
Homicide Number
1,192
Ranked in the US
#48
11.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#41
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,699
Ranked in the US
#43
Lowest Gun Death Rate
16 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#30
North Dakota
Homicide Number
59
Ranked in the US
#6
7.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#22
Lowest Gun Deaths
100
Ranked in the US
#4
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#23
Ohio
Homicide Number
1,089
Ranked in the US
#45
9.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#31
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,764
Ranked in the US
#46
Lowest Gun Death Rate
15.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#28
Oklahoma
Homicide Number
471
Ranked in the US
#29
11.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#44
Lowest Gun Deaths
826
Ranked in the US
#29
Lowest Gun Death Rate
20.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#39
Oregon
Homicide Number
188
Ranked in the US
#18
4.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#8
Lowest Gun Deaths
592
Ranked in the US
#24
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#16
Pennsylvania
Homicide Number
433
Ranked in the US
#27
3.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#4
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,752
Ranked in the US
#45
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#19
Rhode Island
Homicide Number
46
Ranked in the US
#5
4.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#7
Lowest Gun Deaths
54
Ranked in the US
#2
Lowest Gun Death Rate
5.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#4
South Carolina
Homicide Number
891
Ranked in the US
#40
17.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#48
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,131
Ranked in the US
#34
Lowest Gun Death Rate
22 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#42
South Dakota
Homicide Number
62
Ranked in the US
#7
7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#21
Lowest Gun Deaths
120
Ranked in the US
#5
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#20
Tennessee
Homicide Number
970
Ranked in the US
#41
14 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#46
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,473
Ranked in the US
#42
Lowest Gun Death Rate
21.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#41
Texas
Homicide Number
2,993
Ranked in the US
#50
10.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#38
Lowest Gun Deaths
4,164
Ranked in the US
#50
Lowest Gun Death Rate
14.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#25
Utah
Homicide Number
147
Ranked in the US
#15
4.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#10
Lowest Gun Deaths
429
Ranked in the US
#18
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#21
Utah is the fifteenth safest state in America with 147 reported homicides. The data speaks to the state's strong commitment to safety and law enforcement, with key partnerships between local police departments and community groups to promote proactive crime prevention initiatives. Utah has a particularly low homicide rate compared to the national average, showing that its strategies are effective in preventing serious offenses. Homicide rates have decreased steadily over the past decade, with advancements in technology and law enforcement training increasing public safety even further.
Vermont
Homicide Number
24
Ranked in the US
#2
3.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#6
Lowest Gun Deaths
76
Ranked in the US
#3
Lowest Gun Death Rate
11.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#14
Vermont is the second safest state in America with 24 reported homicides. Statistics show that for every 100,000 residents, there were only 3.7 reported homicides; making it well below the national average. Vermont boasts some of the strictest gun laws in the nation and has one of the lowest violent crime rates - making it an even safer place to live. Additionally, law enforcement agencies across the state have implemented innovative strategies to reduce crime levels even further contributing to Vermont's impressive safety record.
Virginia
Homicide Number
863
Ranked in the US
#39
10 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#36
Lowest Gun Deaths
1,174
Ranked in the US
#37
Lowest Gun Death Rate
13.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#17
Washington
Homicide Number
472
Ranked in the US
#30
6.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#18
Lowest Gun Deaths
864
Ranked in the US
#30
Lowest Gun Death Rate
10.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#12
West Virginia
Homicide Number
162
Ranked in the US
#16
9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#29
Lowest Gun Deaths
325
Ranked in the US
#16
Lowest Gun Death Rate
18.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#37
Wisconsin
Homicide Number
499
Ranked in the US
#34
8.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#25
Lowest Gun Deaths
717
Ranked in the US
#26
Lowest Gun Death Rate
12.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#15
Wyoming
Homicide Number
27
Ranked in the US
#3
4.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#11
Lowest Gun Deaths
154
Ranked in the US
#9
Lowest Gun Death Rate
25.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#48
FAQs
What is the safest state in the US?
The safest state in the US is New Hampshire, with a total of 20 homicides in a year.
What is the most dangerous state?
The most dangerous state in the US is California, with 3,500 homicides per year.
What are the top 5 safest states in America?
The 5 safest states in America are New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming, Maine, and Rhode Island.