America’s Safest and Most Dangerous States of 2024 – What You Need to Know

As crime remains a critical concern across the U.S., safety is becoming an essential factor for anyone considering a move, whether local or across state lines. According to the Pew Research Center, more than 58% of Americans now rank crime reduction as a top priority, a significant jump from just a few years ago. With the safety of a neighborhood being top of mind, finding a state with low crime rates is more crucial than ever.

In response to these concerns, ConsumerAffairs analyzed and ranked all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C. for safety, considering critical categories like violent crime, property crime, road safety, public safety, and climate safety. These rankings offer a snapshot of the safest and most dangerous places to live in 2024.

Why Safety Matters More Than Ever

Crime statistics don’t just serve as numbers on a report—they influence real-life decisions. Families, individuals, and businesses rely on this data to assess the safety of their communities, schools, and neighborhoods. For potential homebuyers, renters, or even companies looking to set up operations, crime rates and safety rankings can make or break their decision.

With violent crimes like homicide, rape, and aggravated assault becoming more frequent in certain parts of the country, while other areas maintain relatively low crime rates, safety rankings provide a clear look at where your state stands in 2024.

The Five Key Safety Factors

ConsumerAffairs evaluated each state based on five main categories to come up with the 2024 rankings:

• Violent Crime: This accounts for 40 points of the overall score, including metrics like homicides, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults per 100,000 residents.
• Property Crime: Worth 30 points, property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft rates per 100,000 residents.
• Driving Safety: This looks at road-related fatalities and incidents, including aggressive driving and road rage fatalities, making up 10 points.
• Public Safety: This measures law enforcement presence, calculating the number of officers per 100,000 residents, also worth 10 points.
• Climate Safety: A newer concern, this category tracks the frequency and impact of climate disasters over the past decade, contributing 10 points to each state’s score.

Top 10 Safest States in America for 2024

Here are the states that have proven to excel in keeping residents safe across violent crime, property crime, and beyond:

1. New Hampshire (Score: 87.2)
   • With the lowest property crime rate in the country, New Hampshire leads the U.S. in safety. It has one of the lowest burglary rates at just 73.5 incidents per 100,000 people and the third-lowest homicide rate. Its strong road safety record also contributes to its high ranking.
2. New Jersey (Score: 86.2)
   • New Jersey, which held the top spot last year, remains a strong contender for safety, particularly in violent crime categories. The state boasts the lowest rape rate, with just 16.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, and ranks second in law enforcement presence.
3. Rhode Island (Score: 84.7)
   • Rhode Island shines in driving safety, with the fewest fatalities caused by aggressive or careless driving. It also has the lowest homicide rate in the country at 1.5 per 100,000 residents. Its climate safety ranking is another highlight, thanks to strong disaster preparedness.
4. Massachusetts (Score: 83.4)
   • Massachusetts continues to rank highly due to its low rates of larceny and theft. The state has the second-lowest larceny-theft rate and ranks fifth for its low homicide rate. Property crime is also less prevalent, making it a safe place to live.
5. Connecticut (Score: 81.9)
   • Connecticut excels in violent crime prevention, with the second-lowest rate of rape and the third-lowest rate of aggravated assaults. The state also ranks ninth in property crime, adding to its overall security.
6. Maine (Score: 81.3)
   • Maine consistently ranks as one of the safest states, with the lowest overall violent crime rate in the nation. It boasts the fewest aggravated assaults and has a remarkably low burglary rate. The state does rank lower in climate safety, which pulled down its overall score.
7. Idaho (Score: 81.0)
   • Idaho stands out for its low property crime rate, particularly in larceny-theft. The state also has one of the lowest robbery rates. However, it ranks low in law enforcement presence, which may be a concern for residents in terms of emergency response times.
8. Vermont (Score: 78.8)
   • Vermont maintains a reputation for being a peaceful state, ranking sixth in violent crime and 11th in property crime. Though it has fewer law enforcement officers than most states, its overall safety score remains high due to its low crime rates.
9. Wyoming (Score: 78.4)
   • With the lowest robbery rate in the U.S. and a strong law enforcement presence, Wyoming ranks as the ninth safest state. However, its high rate of rapes, which is well above the national average, pulls its score down slightly.
10. Pennsylvania (Score: 77.6)
    • Pennsylvania rounds out the top 10 thanks to its low property crime rate and high number of law enforcement officers. The state also has strong public safety measures, contributing to its overall score.

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Top 5 Most Dangerous States in 2024

While some states excel in safety, others continue to struggle with high crime rates and insufficient public safety measures. Here are the states that ranked at the bottom for safety in 2024:

1. New Mexico
   • New Mexico ranks as the least safe state for 2024, with high violent and property crime rates. It also has one of the highest rates of aggravated assaults, and its road safety ranking is the worst in the country.
2. Louisiana
   • Louisiana struggles with violent crime, ranking near the bottom for homicides and aggravated assaults. The state also has one of the highest property crime rates in the nation.
3. Washington, D.C.
   • Although not technically a state, Washington, D.C. ranks poorly in almost every crime category. It has the highest robbery rate and one of the worst aggravated assault rates in the country.
4. Colorado
   • Colorado faces high rates of both violent and property crimes. Its road safety ranking is also among the worst, contributing to its low overall safety score.
5. Arkansas
   • Arkansas has a high rate of burglaries and larcenies, as well as significant violent crime issues, making it one of the least safe states in the U.S.

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Making Informed Decisions

Whether you’re considering a move or want to know how your state stacks up in terms of safety, these rankings provide valuable insights. States like New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island are excelling, while others like New Mexico and Louisiana still face significant challenges. Before you relocate, it’s worth taking a close look at crime statistics and safety measures in your potential new home.

For more details, check the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer or visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s dataset for climate safety insights.