As the nation grapples with ongoing discussions about safety, a recent report from the FBI indicates a notable decrease in violent crime rates across the United States. The report reveals a 4.5% drop in violent crime in 2024, prompting a new study that identifies the safest and most dangerous states to live in.
Conducted by injury lawyers at Bader Scott, the study evaluated 60 factors across nine key categories, including crime rates, healthcare access, and immunization rates, ultimately scoring each state out of 100. The results crowned Rhode Island as the safest state, while Louisiana was determined to be the most perilous.
Rhode Island achieved an overall safety score of 69.86, earning high marks for crime prevention efforts and healthcare accessibility. The state placed particularly well in ‘safety from crime’ and ‘vehicle and pedestrian safety,’ ranking third and eighth, respectively. Remarkably, Rhode Island also excelled in the ‘immunization and infectious disease’ category, scoring 77.68.
“In evaluating safety across various states, it’s essential for individuals to understand the risks associated with where they live,” said Seth Bader, spokesperson for Bader Scott. “Our findings aim to inform people about potential dangers and encourage proactive measures to enhance personal safety.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Louisiana’s troubling score of 37.71 cemented its place as the least safe state. Mississippi (40.46) and South Carolina (41.77) followed, rounding out the three least secure states in the study.
The ten least safe states in the U.S. are as follows:
1. Louisiana – 37.71
2. Mississippi – 40.46
3. South Carolina – 41.77
4. New Mexico – 41.98
5. Arkansas – 42.64
6. Tennessee – 44.04
7. West Virginia – 44.09
8. Oklahoma – 45.47
9. Alabama – 47.03
10. Missouri – 48.17
In contrast, Minnesota and Massachusetts secured the second and third spots among the safest states, with scores of 69.15 and 69.01, respectively. Both states fared well in areas such as general health and healthcare accessibility, contributing to their high rankings.
“The importance of community safety cannot be understated,” Bader continued. “While individuals can take steps to protect themselves, it is equally crucial for policymakers to address the specific risks that affect their communities.”
The findings highlight a diverse landscape of safety across the United States, underscoring the varying challenges different regions face. As crime rates decline on a national level, this report serves as a reminder for both residents and leaders to remain vigilant and proactive in the pursuit of community well-being.
