In 2024, Wyoming maintained its ranking as the 10th safest state and placed relatively high at 15th for personal and residential safety as well as financial safety. However, in road and workplace safety and emergency preparedness categories, it ranked 21st. Casper, the second largest city in the state, was also named the second safest city in the US in a separate study by WalletHub. Despite these rankings, Wyoming has the seventh-highest bullying incidence rate and the second-worst fatal occupational injuries per total workers, according to WalletHub.
Rhode Island held onto its ninth spot on the safety list in 2024. The state ranked eighth for emergency preparedness and 11th for road safety, but its personal residential safety ranking dropped to 19th compared to the previous year. WalletHub reported that Rhode Island has the fewest fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, the fourth-fewest assaults per capita, the third-lowest bullying incidence rate, and the fourth-lowest share of uninsured residents. However, the state’s workplace safety ranking was 38th despite having the fewest fatal occupational injuries per total workers.
Minnesota retained its eighth position from 2023, excelling in financial safety (ninth among all states), road safety (second), and workplace safety (sixth). The state also had the third-lowest fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel and the fifth-lowest share of uninsured residents and fatal occupational injuries per total workers.
Connecticut, previously ranked sixth, switched places with Hawaii to land at seventh in 2024. Known as the Constitution State, Connecticut boasts the second-best personal and residential safety among all states, ranking 16th in emergency preparedness and 20th in road safety. The state also has the third-fewest assaults per capita, third-highest percentage of adults with rainy day funds, and the second-fewest fatal occupational injuries per total workers.
Hawaii improved its ranking from seventh in 2023 to the sixth-safest state in 2024, thanks to strong performance in financial safety (sixth), personal and residential safety (11th), and emergency preparedness (11th). The state stands out for having the fifth-lowest rate of assaults per capita and the highest percentage of adults with rainy-day funds.
Utah, previously the fourth-safest state, moved down to fifth in 2024. The Beehive State ranked first in workplace safety, fourth in emergency preparedness, and seventh in road safety. Utah also has the second-lowest per capita losses from climate disasters, indicating relatively low monetary losses from events like hurricanes, floods, or wildfires.
Massachusetts, a top performer in safety, ranked among the top 10 states in multiple categories.
Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have been recognized as some of the safest states to live in the United States, according to a recent report by WalletHub.
Maine, also known as the Pine Tree State, was ranked third overall in safety due to its high financial, personal, and residential safety rankings. With one of the lowest unemployment rates and strong job growth, Maine stands out for its economic stability. The state also boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country, with the second-fewest aggravated assaults and third-fewest thefts per capita. Additionally, between June 2022 and June 2024, Maine experienced the second-fewest mass shootings, highlighting its commitment to public safety and well-being.
New Hampshire, the Granite State, secured the second spot on WalletHub’s safety index, thanks to its exceptional performance in personal and residential safety metrics. The state excels in violence prevention, community engagement through neighborhood watch groups, and financial security. New Hampshire also ranked second in financial safety and third in emergency preparedness, reflecting its overall preparedness for various safety challenges. Despite its impressive safety record, New Hampshire faces a higher incidence of bullying compared to other states.
Vermont, often referred to as the Green Mountain State, clinched the top position as the safest state in the US for two consecutive years, according to WalletHub’s rankings. Vermont’s strong emphasis on financial safety, evidenced by its low unemployment rates and robust job growth, contributed significantly to its top ranking. The state also excelled in workplace safety, coming in second, and road safety, ranking fourth, with commendation for its residents’ responsible driving habits. Vermont’s overall safety performance was further reinforced by its sixth-place finish in personal and residential safety and ninth in emergency preparedness.
Across all three states, WalletHub highlighted specific safety indicators that set them apart from the rest of the country. Maine distinguished itself with its low crime rates and limited incidents of mass shootings, reflecting a secure environment for residents. New Hampshire excelled in personal and residential safety, financial stability, and emergency preparedness, although it faces challenges with a relatively high bullying incidence rate. Vermont’s exceptional performance in financial safety, workplace safety, and road safety, along with its top rankings in personal and residential safety and emergency preparedness, solidified its reputation as the safest state in the US.
As individuals and families consider where to live and work, the safety and well-being of a state’s residents are crucial factors to consider. Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the safety of their communities through proactive measures, robust safety protocols, and a focus on economic stability. These states serve as shining examples of safety and security in a world where such qualities are highly valued and sought after by individuals seeking a place to call home.
