America’s top four safest states for 2024 are all New England states, and all six New England states ranked as the top 10 “safest” states in the U.S.
WalletHub’s methodology for ranking the safest states to live in involves comparing all 50 states across 5 key dimensions: Personal & Residential Safety, Financial Safety, Road Safety, Workplace Safety, and Emergency Preparedness. These dimensions are evaluated using 53 relevant metrics, each graded on a 100-point scale. The final rankings are determined by calculating the weighted average across all metrics for each state.
The safest states in America protect their residents from harm in a multitude of different ways, from keeping crime rates low and maintaining safe roadways to having strong economies and job markets that prevent people from falling into dangerous financial situations. They have high levels of occupational safety and disaster preparedness, too. In addition, states are made safer by efforts that individual residents take, such as forming a neighborhood watch or working in firefighting and EMT jobs at high rates, notes WalletHub Analyst, Chip Lupo.
According to WalletHub these are the top 10 safest states in America to live in:
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- Wyoming
The four safest states in the America are Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts each excelling in various aspects of safety. Vermont leads with low rates of violent crime, including the third-fewest murders and a strong sense of neighborhood security, complemented by financial stability and safe driving behaviors.
New Hampshire follows closely, distinguished with the fewest aggravated assaults and mass shootings, along with a high percentage of residents feeling secure in their neighborhoods and schools. Maine rounds out the trio with its low crime rates, particularly in violent offenses, and a robust economy that contributes to financial safety, making it a secure place for residents.
Massachusetts, which ranks fourth, ranks among the highest Personal & Residential, Financial, and Road safety rankings.