By Sarah Roebuck
As concerns about safety and security remain top-of-mind for many, some states stand out as beacons of stability.
According to WalletHub’s latest rankings, Vermont claims the title as the safest state in 2024 due to low crime rates, strong financial health and road safety. States like New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Utah also stand out for their minimal violence and economic stability, according to WalletHub.
WalletHub said its rankings are based on 52 key safety indicators across five categories: personal and residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety and emergency preparedness. These metrics paint a comprehensive picture of what it means to live in a safe state, evaluating everything from violent crime rates to unemployment figures and climate disaster preparedness.
The top 10 safest states:
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- Wyoming
Closer look at the top 5 safest states
Vermont
Vermont is the safest state in the U.S. due to its neighborhood security, financial health and road safety, according to WalletHub. Nearly 77% of Vermont’s residents feel safe in their communities, the second-highest percentage in the country. Vermont also has the seventh-highest number of neighborhood watch groups per capita, ensuring quick responses to suspicious activity. When it comes to crime, Vermont has the seventh-fewest murders and non-negligent manslaughters, alongside low aggravated assault and theft rates, according to WalletHub.
Residents here also enjoy one of the lowest rates of identity theft complaints per capita. And if you’re on the road, Vermont’s low traffic fatality rates and seventh-best road quality keep everyone safe from accidents.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks second, thanks to its low violent crime rates, according to WalletHub. The state has the fewest mass shootings and aggravated assaults per capita, along with the second-fewest murders and non-negligent manslaughters. Over 78% of New Hampshire residents stated they feel they live in safe neighborhoods, the highest percentage in the U.S.
Maine
Maine ranks third in overall safety, driven by both financial and personal safety metrics. The state’s unemployment rate is a low 2.7%, and it has the second-fewest non-business bankruptcy filings per capita. Maine also has the third-fewest identity theft complaints, reflecting a high level of financial security, according to WalletHub.
On the personal safety front, Maine has the second-fewest aggravated assaults, third-fewest thefts and a very low risk for natural disasters, making it a stable and safe environment for its residents.
Massachusetts and Utah
Massachusetts and Utah round out the top five, with each state performing well across multiple safety dimensions, including personal safety, road safety and emergency preparedness. Both states show strong financial security and have established systems that minimize risks for residents.