WalletHub Released 2026 Safest States Report

The annual analysis ranked all 50 U.S. states based on 52 key metrics, with Vermont securing the top position.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Violence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stylized US state boundary shape, evoking data-driven public safety analysis. — WalletHub's 2026 Safest States report ranked Vermont as the nation's safest state, citing local neighborhood security and stability metrics. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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WalletHub released its 2026 Safest States in America report, which analyzed 50 states across 52 different metrics. The study identified Vermont as the safest state in the nation, supported by parent feedback noting safe local neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The report provides a comprehensive look at public safety by incorporating diverse data points, such as climate disaster losses and employment rates. Understanding these variables helps officials and citizens better evaluate the various factors that contribute to regional safety and stability.

Rhode Island placed 9th nationally and last among New England states in safety. The state achieved top rankings for low rates of highway fatalities, bullying, and assaults per capita.

The players

WalletHub

This is a personal finance website that regularly publishes analytical reports on various topics including consumer safety and state rankings.

Rhode Island

This is a U.S. state in the New England region that was assessed in the safety report.

Vermont

This is a U.S. state that was identified as the safest in the country in the 2026 report.

The details

Researchers evaluated states using metrics such as unemployment rates, bullying incidents, and assaults per capita. The assessment also factored in regional resilience to extreme weather, noting that the U.S. faced 27 billion-dollar climate disasters in 2024.

The WalletHub report was officially released on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The climate data analyzed reflects 27 disaster events occurring throughout 2024.

Legal Context

This report follows the precedent set by annual comparative studies that aggregate public safety data. These rankings often influence policy debates regarding how state jurisdictions should manage crime rates and emergency preparedness.

The report highlights local safety metrics like highway fatalities and assault rates that impact the daily security of residents. These findings can inform individuals about their state's performance in key areas like personal safety and workplace risk.

The takeaway

National safety reports offer a helpful perspective on regional trends by comparing diverse risk factors across all 50 states. Residents can use this data to better understand how local public safety performance stacks up against national and regional peers.