Feeling secure where you live is crucial for a good quality of life and can greatly impact your choice of location.
Research conducted by the World Population Review has identified Vermont as the safest state to live in, thanks to its remarkably low rates of violent crime. Additionally, Vermont boasts excellent healthcare services and is less prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes compared to other states.
“If you enjoy the outdoors and tight-knit communities, Vermont is the place for you,” said one resident.
Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, and Hawaii complete the top five safest states to reside in, all scoring over 60 in safety metrics.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Louisiana has been identified as the most dangerous state to live in. It holds the second-highest homicide rate in the nation, with 19.9 murders per 100,000 residents. Most of these homicides are concentrated in urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Louisiana also grapples with one of the highest unemployment rates at 4.1%.
Following closely are Mississippi and Arkansas, dealing with high crime rates, road safety concerns, and economic instability. Mississippi holds a total safety score of 34.46, marking it as the second most dangerous state in the U.S. Arkansas ranks third in the nation for the highest number of assaults per capita.
States like Texas and Alabama are also flagged for their elevated risk levels due to high assault rates and financial insecurities.
The rankings were established by analyzing 53 statistical indicators across five crucial components: personal and residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness. States like Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire stand out for excelling in personal safety and emergency preparedness.
In stark contrast, Louisiana falters in financial safety and emergency preparedness, leading to its high overall danger ranking.
“Louisiana must take action to address the violence in the state through sustained investments in community violence intervention and the implementation of laws related to background checks, extreme risk protection orders, gun trafficking prevention, and secure storage,” a spokesperson mentioned.
Recent data from the Giffords Law Center, a proponent of gun control initiatives, indicates a 46% rise in gun deaths in Louisiana from 2013 to 2022, compared to a 36% national increase.
The U.S. is ranked 132 out of 163 countries globally in terms of safety, according to the Global Peace Index, signaling the need for policymakers to further improve security measures to enhance the well-being of its inhabitants.