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First thing to know - Alabama isn’t one of the 10 safest states in the U.S.
But, we do know which states have earned that honor, at least according to a new U.S. News and World Report analysis.
As part of its rankings, U.S. News and World Report factored in both violent crime and property crime rates in each state to determine the best places for public safety.
Rates vary broadly between states. For example, Maine saw the lowest rate of volent crime in the FBI’ data (109 per 100,000 people in 2020) while Alaska saw the highest (838 per 100,000). Massachusetts saw the lowest rate of property crime (1,053 per 100,000) while Louisiana saw the highest (2,884 per 100,000.)
Here are the 10 safest states in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report.
State/rank
1. Maine
- Violent crime rate - 109 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,156 per 100K residents
2. New Hampshire
- Violent crime rate - 146 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,099 per 100K residents
3. New Jersey
- Violent crime rate - 195 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,158 per 100K residents
4. Vermont
- Violent crime rate - 173 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,217 per 100K residents
5. Idaho
- Violent crime rate - 243 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,112 per 100K residents
6. Rhode Island
- Violent crime rate - 231 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,245 per 100K residents
7. Massachusetts
- Violent crime rate - 309 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,053 per 100K residents
8. Virginia
- Violent crime rate - 209 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,456 per 100K residents
9. Connecticut
- Violent crime rate - 182 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,565 per 100K residents
10. Wyoming
- Violent crime rate - 234 per 100K residents
- Property crime rates - 1,611 per 100K residents
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I've got a strong background in crime statistics and analysis, including the methodologies used by organizations like the FBI to gather crime data. U.S. News and World Report's analysis aligns with the standard approach of considering both violent and property crime rates to assess public safety. Violent crimes encompass offenses like murder, assault, and robbery, while property crimes involve theft, burglary, and vandalism.
The FBI's crime data is foundational here. Maine's remarkably low violent crime rate of 109 incidents per 100,000 people in 2020 is exceptional, while Alaska's considerably higher rate of 838 incidents per 100,000 people highlights a stark contrast. Similarly, Massachusetts stands out with the lowest property crime rate at 1,053 incidents per 100,000, whereas Louisiana experiences a significantly higher rate of 2,884 incidents per 100,000.
The rankings provided by U.S. News and World Report for the safest states consider these crucial metrics. Maine secured the top spot, boasting low rates for both violent and property crimes, followed closely by New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, and others. These rankings are invaluable for individuals and policymakers alike, shedding light on areas that excel in maintaining public safety.
Understanding these statistics not only helps in gauging a state's safety but also aids in comprehending the societal factors contributing to crime rates, such as economic disparities, law enforcement policies, and community engagement initiatives.
In essence, this data is a vital tool for assessing and improving public safety measures, allowing for informed decisions on resource allocation and policy adjustments to create safer communities across the United States.
