Safest states to live in America based on crime rates

Key takeaways

• Safety varies widely by state: While crime rates declined nationally from 2022 to 2023, violent and property crime levels differ significantly across states. 
• Many top-ranking safe states combine low population density, strong community ties or well-funded public services. 
• States like West Virginia and Wisconsin show that lower crime rates aren’t limited to high-cost or high-income areas. 

Safety is one of the biggest factors families weigh when deciding where to live, and while no state is completely crime free, some have lower crime rates than others.

As part of the 2025 Best States rankings, U.S. News and World Report factored in the violent crime rate and property crime rate of states across the U.S. to offer a snapshot of how safe they are. The crime rate data, based on FBI estimates, forms a public safety ranking.

Both violent crime and property crime declined nationwide from 2022 to 2023. Violent crime includes murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft. Yet rates vary broadly by state. It's worth noting that many crimes are not reported and would not be included in this type of data. The FBI also stresses that numerous factors can affect the amount and type of crime occurring in different areas, including climate, economic conditions, law enforcement priorities and population density.

1. New Hampshire 
2. Maine 
3. Idaho 
4. Rhode Island 
5. Connecticut 
6. West Virginia 
7. Wyoming 
8. Massachusetts 
9. Wisconsin 
10. New Jersey 

• Violent crime rate: 107 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 889 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $490,667 

New Hampshire ranks first among the safest states in the U.S. with a violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 889 per 100,000. It also ranks No. 2 overall in the Best States rankings. In the last reporting year 2025, there were only 18 murders for the whole year, which is extremely low. People in New Hampshire live in small towns and rural areas and are well educated. The schools are highly rated, too. These factors also play a part in making New Hampshire a safe place.

The median home price is $490,667, which reflects the state's desirability but is still well below coastal peers like Massachusetts. With no state income tax and no sales tax, residents keep more of what they earn, and that economic stability contributes to the state's low crime environment.

• Violent crime rate: 102 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 1,121 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $379,833 

Maine has the lowest rate of violent crime in 2023 based on the FBI's estimates, at around 102 crimes per 100,000 residents. This makes it the safest state in America for violent crime specifically. It ranks No. 27 overall in the Best States rankings. In Maine, there were fewer than .001 violent crimes per capita in the last reporting year.

With a median home price of $379,833, Maine offers a more affordable entry point than most of its New England neighbors. The state's rugged coastline, small-town character and outdoor lifestyle attract residents who value space and quiet over nightlife and density, which tracks with its safety profile.

• Violent crime rate: 234 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 809 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $456,633 

Idaho saw the nation's lowest rate of property crime at 809 per 100,000. It also ranks third overall in the Best States rankings. Idaho saw only about three murders a month, on average, which is far less than the national average. Additionally, there were only 2,326 burglaries in the last reporting year. In parts of Idaho, people are said not to lock their doors.

The median home price in Idaho is $456,633, which has risen in recent years as transplants from higher-cost states have moved in. Still, the state's low population density, strong community bonds and outdoor-focused lifestyle help keep crime well below the national average. Boise continues to draw families looking for a balance of affordability, safety and access to recreation.

• Violent crime rate: 168 per 100,000   
• Property crime rate: 1,121 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $460,000 

Rhode Island's violent crime rate is 168 per 100,000. Its property crime rate is 1,121 per 100,000. It ranks 24th overall in the Best States rankings. Rhode Island only saw 1,012 robberies over the year, about 1.5 a day. Many of Rhode Island's safest cities report no more than two murders a year, and 80% of Rhode Island's cities reported no murders.

Despite being the smallest state by area, Rhode Island packs in strong schools, coastal living and proximity to both Boston and New York City. The median home price is $460,000, reflecting rising demand in the Northeast. The state's compact geography means a well-resourced law enforcement network can cover the territory efficiently, and its tight-knit communities contribute to a culture of watchfulness and civic engagement.

• Violent crime rate: 150 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 1,558 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $397,333 

Connecticut ranks fifth in public safety with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,558 per 100,000. It ranks 15th overall in the Best States rankings.

There were only 4,311 reported robberies in Connecticut for the entire last reporting year, which is well below the national average. Additionally, Connecticut saw 8,638 reported car thefts that same year, which is notably low.

Most Americans might think of Connecticut as a wealthy place, and for some areas they are right, but Connecticut also has many affordable communities. With a median home price of $397,333, Connecticut is more affordable than neighboring Massachusetts and New York, while offering access to both New York City and Boston. Well-funded school districts, high household incomes and strong local police departments all contribute to the state's safety.

• Violent crime rate: 265 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 1,195 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $203,000 

West Virginia’s violent crime rate is 265 per 100,000 and has a property crime rate of 1,195 per 100,000. It ranks 46th overall in the Best States rankings.

West Virginia's safety ranking may surprise some, given the state's lower overall Best States score. But the numbers tell a clear story: Both violent and property crime rates fall well below national averages. The state's rural character and low population density play a significant role, as do close-knit communities where people know their neighbors.

West Virginia has the lowest median home price of any state at $203,000, making it the most affordable in the country to buy a home. For families prioritizing safety and affordability over urban amenities, West Virginia offers a combination that's hard to beat. The trade-offs include fewer job opportunities and lower median incomes, but for retirees or remote workers, the math can work.

• Violent crime rate: 191 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 1,470 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $342,667 

Wyoming has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,470 per 100,000. It ranks 23rd overall in the Best States rankings.

Only 798 people were victims of an aggravated assault in Wyoming. With a population of fewer than 600,000 people spread across nearly 100,000 square miles, Wyoming is one of the least densely populated states in the country. That isolation is a safety advantage.

The median home price is $342,667, and the state has no state income tax. Wyoming appeals to those who want wide-open spaces, outdoor recreation and communities where people look out for each other.

• Violent crime rate: 314 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 1,101 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $595,709 

Massachusetts ranks eighth for public safety with a violent crime rate of 314 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,101 per 100,000. It ranks ninth overall in the Best States rankings. Massachusetts may seem like an unexpected entry given its higher violent crime rate compared to the states above it. However, its property crime rate of 1,101 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the country, and the state's overall safety picture benefits from well-funded law enforcement, strong public institutions and some of the highest education levels in the nation.

The median home price is $595,709, the highest on this list, reflecting the state's strong economy and demand. Communities like Newton ranked third among the safest places to live nationally. The state's investment in education, health care and public safety infrastructure helps drive its position among America's safest.

• Violent crime rate: 289 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 1,217 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $290,517 

Wisconsin has a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,217 per 100,000. It ranks 17th overall in the Best States rankings. Wisconsin's safety is driven largely by its smaller cities and rural communities, where crime rates are well below the national average. While Milwaukee skews the statewide numbers upward, the vast majority of the state's communities are quiet, family-oriented and affordable.

The median home price is $290,517, making it one of the more affordable states on this list. Strong public-school systems, a culture of community involvement and a diversified economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing and health care all contribute to stability. For families looking for a safe, affordable place with four-season living, Wisconsin checks a lot of boxes.

• Violent crime rate: 221 per 100,000  
• Property crime rate: 1,522 per 100,000  
• Median home price: $505,000 

New Jersey ranks 10th for public safety with a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,522 per 100,000. It ranks 19th overall in the Best States rankings.

New Jersey might be the biggest surprise on this list for people who associate the state with the densely populated corridor between New York City and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. But the data tells a different story: New Jersey's violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 is well below the national average and lower than most states on this list except for New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The median home price is $505,000, which reflects the state's proximity to two major metropolitan areas and its strong suburban school systems. Much of New Jersey's safety comes from its affluent suburban communities, well-funded local police departments and high education levels. Towns across Bergen, Morris and Somerset counties regularly rank among the safest in the nation.

Notable patterns:

• The Northeast dominates. Six of the 10 safest states are in the Northeast: New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey. 
• Low density correlates with low crime. Idaho, Wyoming and West Virginia benefit from sparse populations and rural character. 
• Affordability and safety can coexist. West Virginia's $203,000 median home price and Wisconsin’s $290,517 prove you don't need a high income to live somewhere safe. 
• Wealth helps but isn't required. Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey have high incomes, but Maine and West Virginia rank with much lower household earnings. 

This story was updated on May 14.