A Look at Where Families Feel Safest
From extreme weather to rising crime rates, safety has become one of the top priorities for American families. WalletHub’s newly released 2025 Safest States in America report compares all 50 states across 52 key metrics — from assaults per capita and natural disaster losses to financial stability and employment rates — to determine which states are best at keeping their residents safe.
And the results are in: Vermont tops the list as the safest state in the U.S., while Louisiana ranks as the least safe.
Top 10 Safest States in America (2025)
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Utah
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- Wyoming
The 10 Least Safe States (2025)
- Missouri
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Texas
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
See the full rankings and methodology here:
👉 WalletHub 2025 Safest States in America Report
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What Makes a State “Safe”?
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, “The safest states in America protect their residents from harm in a multitude of ways — from keeping crime rates low and maintaining safe roadways to having strong economies and job markets that prevent people from falling into dangerous financial situations.”
Safety isn’t just about avoiding crime. The study also looked at disaster preparedness, financial security, public health, and employment stability. These factors combine to create a picture of how secure life feels for everyday families.
Why Vermont Ranks #1
Vermont’s small-town charm is backed by impressive stats:
- 75% of parents say they live in safe neighborhoods (4th highest in the nation).
- Ranks 17th for fewest murders and 15th for fewest aggravated assaults.
- Boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates and best job growth rates in the U.S.
- Has the second-fewest identity theft complaints per capita.
- Features safe roads, excellent infrastructure, and a strong sense of community.
For families, that means a safer environment not just physically, but financially and emotionally too.
Why Louisiana Ranks as the Least Safe State
According to WalletHub’s findings, Louisiana lands in last place for overall safety due to a combination of high violent crime rates, low road safety, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The state has one of the highest murder and assault rates per capita in the nation and faces severe hurricane and flooding risks nearly every year. Louisiana also struggles with economic instability, ranking near the bottom for unemployment and financial safety metrics. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Louisiana has experienced more billion-dollar weather disasters in the past decade than nearly any other state, putting added strain on infrastructure and emergency services. Together, these factors make daily life more unpredictable for residents and highlight the challenges the state faces in improving community safety and resilience.
National Trends: What the Data Shows
Safety across the U.S. looks different depending on what you measure — and the broader data supports WalletHub’s findings:
- The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program notes that while violent crime dropped slightly nationwide in 2024, property crime rose in several regions.
🔗 View the FBI’s 2024 Crime Data - According to NOAA, the U.S. experienced a record 27 separate billion-dollar weather disasters in 2024, from hurricanes to wildfires — the most ever recorded.
🔗 See NOAA’s Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters Report - The CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System continues to track over 11,000 deaths from gun violence this year, underscoring the importance of community-based prevention programs.
🔗 CDC National Violent Death Reporting System - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that unemployment remains near historic lows, but regional disparities still influence family safety and stability.
🔗 BLS Monthly Employment Data
Expert Insight: What Keeps Communities Safe
WalletHub’s experts agree that real safety depends on long-term investments — not just policing but education, healthcare, and community support.
“Policies such as education and poverty reduction serve the long-term goals,” says Douglas Babcock of Counterparts Coaching and Consulting. “Public safety agencies should also provide mental health outreach, drug rehabilitation, and violence prevention programs.”
“More cops generally means less crime,” adds Jake Wegmann, Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. “But we also need to invest in community-based programs and social spending to prevent crime before it starts.”
Experts also warn that labor shortages in healthcare and law enforcement may continue to strain public safety systems in the coming years. As Professor Kheir Al-Kodmany from the University of Illinois notes, “Reduced staffing in police departments can lengthen 911 response times and lower investigative capacity. Similarly, shortages of nurses and trauma physicians diminish hospital readiness.”
The Bigger Picture
This year’s findings make one thing clear: Safety now means more than just low crime rates. It includes resilience to natural disasters, economic security, access to healthcare, and the digital habits we practice at home.
When families choose where to put down roots, they’re not just looking for good schools and affordable housing — they’re looking for a sense of security. From reliable weather alerts to secure Wi-Fi passwords, safety touches every part of modern family life.
Do You Feel Safe?
Feeling safe where you live affects everything — how kids play outside, how families plan for the future, and how communities thrive. Whether your state tops the list or has work to do, safety begins with awareness, preparation, and a shared commitment to look out for one another.
How do you feel about safety in your state? Tell us in the comments!
Hmm, so Louisiana wins the unwanted title of Least Safe, while Vermont claims the Safest throne? It seems being safe these days requires more than just good locks! Its like a high-stakes game show where Louisiana keeps hitting the disaster buzzer, while Vermont has the perfect community strategy. The experts are right – its not just about cops and locks; its about having a good Wi-Fi password and maybe avoiding Louisiana during hurricane season. WalletHub did its thing, and it turns out safety is a complex recipe needing strong jobs, low crime, and maybe a dash of good luck – especially if you live in Vermont!quay random