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More Americans live alone than in the past — way more. Census Bureau data shows that 27 percent of Americans lived by themselves in 2013, compared with 5 percent in the 1920s. While living alone is frequently a choice embraced by people who relish their freedom and privacy, FBI crime reports show that people who live alone are more vulnerable to be burglarized.
Putting those single household statistics and crime statistics together, the staff at A Secure Life, a provider of home security systems as well as identity theft protection, determined the safest and most dangerous states to live alone.
While some people might immediately think of big cities such as New York, Boston and Philadelphia as dangerous, the analysis, which looked at statewide data, found that New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maine and Missouri are the top 10 safest states to live for single people.
When we asked the researchers to include the District in their analysis, they found that the 10 states where it’s riskiest to live alone include: Alaska, Maryland, New Mexico, Tennessee, Louisiana, Delaware, Arkansas, D.C., Alabama and South Carolina.
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Virginia ranked 17th on the list, indicating it’s much safer than Maryland (the second-most dangerous place to live) and the District (the eighth-most dangerous place for singles.)
Among the safety suggestions for singles offered by A Secure Life: Get a dog, get better door locks, get a security system and get to know your neighbors so you can watch out for each other. To see the full report, visit asecurelife.com/safety/safest-states-to-live-alone/.
I'm a security and demographics enthusiast, with a deep understanding of the data and trends related to living alone and its associated risks. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and analysis of various sources, including Census Bureau data, FBI crime reports, and insights from security organizations like A Secure Life.
The Census Bureau data mentioned in the article is a crucial starting point. The significant increase in the percentage of Americans living alone, from 5 percent in the 1920s to 27 percent in 2013, reflects a notable societal shift. This shift is indicative of changing lifestyles, preferences, and societal norms over the decades. Understanding this historical context is vital to grasp the magnitude of the trend.
The use of FBI crime reports adds a layer of empirical evidence to the discussion. The correlation between living alone and an increased vulnerability to burglary, as highlighted by A Secure Life, underscores the importance of considering safety concerns associated with solo living arrangements. It's essential to recognize that while living alone may provide autonomy and privacy, it also comes with certain security risks.
A Secure Life's analysis, focusing on statewide data, provides a nuanced perspective. Contrary to common assumptions associating danger with big cities, the research identifies the top 10 safest states for people living alone. New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maine, and Missouri emerge as relatively secure states. This challenges preconceived notions about the correlation between urban environments and safety for single individuals.
The inclusion of the District in the analysis sheds light on the riskiest states for solo living. Alaska, Maryland, New Mexico, Tennessee, Louisiana, Delaware, Arkansas, D.C., Alabama, and South Carolina are identified as the 10 riskiest states. This information is valuable for individuals contemplating solo living arrangements, allowing them to make informed decisions based on the safety landscape of different regions.
Virginia's 17th rank on the list provides a comparative perspective, positioning it as a safer option than Maryland and the District. This ranking underscores the importance of considering regional variations in safety when evaluating the suitability of a location for solo living.
The safety suggestions offered by A Secure Life, such as getting a dog, improving door locks, installing a security system, and building a community with neighbors, provide practical insights for individuals looking to enhance their security while living alone. These suggestions align with broader safety principles and can be valuable for anyone seeking to mitigate the inherent risks associated with solo living.
For those interested in delving deeper into the topic, the full report from A Secure Life, available at asecurelife.com/safety/safest-states-to-live-alone/, offers a comprehensive resource for understanding the nuances of safety considerations for individuals living alone.
