1. Vermont
Vermont is considered the safest state to reside in the United States of America. Its violent crime rate is the lowest in the country, with just 1.46 incidents per 1,000 individuals out of a population of 647,064. In 2022, Vermont only recorded 15 murders, 64 robberies, and 790 assaults. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 595 for residents of Vermont. This sparsely populated and peaceful rural state has a notably low rate of violent crime and comparably low rate of property crime.
2. Maine
Maine boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country, making it a safe state to live in. With a population of , the overall crime rate in Maine is only 14 offenses per 1,000 people. In 2022, the crime rate decreased by 6%, marking the ninth consecutive year of declining crime rates. Even the rate of violent crime has dropped, with only 1.5 incidents per 1,000 people. In 2021, there were 22 murders, 170 robberies, and 788 assaults reported. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Maine is low, with only a 1 in 929 chance of being a victim.
3. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is considered one of the safest states in America, with a low crime rate of 2.22 per 1,000 residents and a population of 1,099,164. The city of Providence, which is the capital of Rhode Island, is a popular tourist destination due to its low rates of theft and violent crime. If you’re planning to visit Rhode Island, the safest cities to explore are Bristol, South Kingstown, Cumberland, and Smithfield.
4. New Hampshire
New Hampshire, located in the New England region, is considered one of the safest states to live in the US. With a population of 1,377,529, the state boasts an incredibly low crime rate. In 2021, the state recorded only 12 murders, 280 robberies, and 1,166 assaults, which is remarkably low compared to its population. Majority of the residents in New Hampshire feel secure living there, and many of the state’s cities are among the safest in the country. Windham, Nashua, Danville, and Atkinson are some of the safest cities in New Hampshire.
5. Utah
With a population of 3,271,616, Utah boasts a low violent crime rate of 2.4 incidents per 1,000 people. The likelihood of falling prey to a violent crime is 1 in 386, with 102 reported murders, 1,362 robberies, and 5,198 assaults – all significantly below the national average in other states. Additionally, Syracuse, Harriman, Bountiful, and Pleasant Grove have been deemed as the safest cities in Utah.
6. Hawaii
Unsurprisingly, Hawaii, known for its serene surroundings, is considered one of the safest states in the US. With a population of 1,455,271, the crime rate in Hawaii is only 2.5 per 1,000 people. The likelihood of being a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 407, with 41 murders, 867 robberies, and 2,099 assaults reported in 2022. Since 2019, crime rates, including vehicle thefts, have been on a decline, having decreased by 2.8%.
7. Minnesota
In Minnesota, the crime population stands at 5,717,184 with a crime rate of 2.75 per 1,000 people. While property crimes have remained largely unchanged since 2019, Minnesota has seen some increases in violent crime. However, it’s worth noting that the state’s violent crime rate is still below the national average. Petty theft and larceny are the most common crimes in Minnesota. When it comes to safety, West Hennepin, Cold Spring/Richmond, Rosemount, and Minnetrista are considered the safest cities in the state.
8. Washington
The state of Washington boasts a population of 7,887,965, with a relatively low crime rate of 2.93 incidents per 1,000 residents. In the year 2021, property crime rates decreased, along with other miscellaneous personal crimes. In 2020, the city of Seattle saw a significant drop of 19% in murder rates. Enumclaw, Liberty Lake, Battle Grounds, West Richland, Poulsbo, and Marysville are among the safest cities in Washington.
9. Massachusetts
Massachusetts, home to Harvard and Yale, is ranked sixth on our list. With a population of 6,984,723, the state has a violent crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000 people. Massachusetts compares favorably with the national average violent crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 people. The safest cities in the state are Wayland, Franklin, Clinton, and Holden. However, Massachusetts is also one of the most expensive states in the country, with its largest city, Boston, being 30% more expensive than the national average. The median home price in Boston is $423,200.
10. Connecticut
With a population of 3,605,944, Connecticut is the most populous state in the New England region, and one of the most densely populated states. The Western part of the state is located in the greater New York City Metropolitan area. Fortunately, crime in Connecticut has hit a ten-year low as of 2022. According to the FBI uniform crime report, the state experienced a 3% reduction in overall crime, a 9% reduction in violent crime, and a 2% reduction in property crimes. Over the past ten years, crime overall has fallen by at least 30%, with a significant 43% reduction in violent crime.
Safest States in America Bottom Line
We analyzed the violent crime rates and property crime rates from 2020 to 2022 to determine the safest states in America. Our research involved local, state, and federal data, including the FBI violent crime report, to calculate the per capita crime rates for both property and violent crimes in each state. Although no place is entirely crime-free, we have identified the states with the lowest crime rates in the United States. While crime rates may vary significantly between cities in states such as Washington, the overall average crime rate is low. If you reside in an area that is currently experiencing a surge in crime, you might want to consider relocating to one of these states.
