Research suggests New Jersey is the safest state to live in, and New Mexico is the most dangerous state to live in as of 2024. Consider the safest and most dangerous states in America in 2024 as you look at places to live. If you have been charged with a crime anywhere in the United States, seek legal help right away, regardless of where you reside.
A criminal defense lawyer serving Los Angeles can help you contest a legal charge in California. They will review the facts of your case and look for ways to get the charge against you dismissed. Along with this, they can share data relating to the safest and most dangerous states in 2024 and other information that relates to your case.
What Is the Safest State in America in 2024?
According to research, New Jersey is the safest state. It earned an overall safety score of 80, mainly due to its low crime rates. Other factors that helped New Jersey receive high marks included its:
- Financial safety
- Residential safety
- Emergency preparedness
The rate of crimes reported in New Jersey tends to be low in comparison to other states. Regardless, rape, aggravated assault, and other violent crimes are reported nationally every day. There are many things you need to know if you are arrested for a crime in California or anywhere else, and a lawyer can address your legal concerns and questions.
What Is the Most Dangerous State in America in 2024?
Per research, New Mexico ranked as the most dangerous state. With a safety score of 40, this reflects the challenges New Mexico faces with crime and safeguarding its residents. It also accounts for various financial safety, residential safety, and other safety factors.
Of course, just because you live in a state where few natural disasters or deaths are reported does not mean where you live is immune to crime. Crime can happen anywhere, and emergency preparedness is important. If you are ready for the worst-case scenarios, you could protect yourself and your family against common crimes reported across the nation.
There are instances where people are charged with sex offense crimes, homicide crimes, or others in spite of the fact that they may not be liable. In these instances, it pays to partner with a criminal defense attorney. Schedule a consultation to learn what a criminal defense lawyer does and how they can assist you with your litigation.
How Does the United States Rank in Terms of Safety Globally?
Recently, the United States ranked 131 out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index. This research shows national security is at a crucial crossroads due to sex offense crimes, homicide crimes, and many other common crimes. Many dangers are impacting American residents’ quality of life.
Understanding safety indicators is paramount. The United States has gun safety legislation and other laws in place to protect its citizens. By assessing broad categories for safety, state and federal lawmakers can find ways to lower the violent crime rate and the rate of crimes in general.
If you have been charged with a crime, you have legal options. It may be time to think about why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer. By working with an attorney, you can get the help you need to defend against your charge and avoid a conviction.
State Ranking (Table)
What Are the Safest States and Most Dangerous States in America in 2024?
This study highlights the growing concerns about nationwide security. It is based on crime data from the FBI and its National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) across 10 crime categories. As part of the study, weights were assigned to each type of crime, and each state received a safety score out of 100.
10 Safest States in America
1. New Jersey
Safety Score: 80
New Jersey shines bright as America's safest state in 2024, with low crime rates in many categories. It leads with the nation's lowest assault offense rate, at 430, closely followed by an impressively low homicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000. Its sex offense rate also ranks lowest, at 25.2.
2. Vermont
Safety Score: 77.8
With its serene and beautiful environment, Vermont's commitment to its citizens' well-being is evidenced by its low violent crime rate. The state's homicide rate stands at a mere 2.3, and kidnapping/abduction is also low, at 11.8 per 100,000. A notable strength is Vermont's extortion/blackmail rate, one of the lowest at 2.6 per 100,000.
3. Maine
Safety Score: 77.2
Maine stands out as the third safest state in America for 2024, remarkable for its incredibly low homicide offense rate of 2.2 and kidnapping/abduction rate of just 1.8 per 100,000 residents. These figures reflect Maine's commitment to protecting its citizens. They highlight the state's effective law enforcement strategies and strong community bonds.
4. Idaho
Safety Score: 74.1
Idaho ranks as the fourth safest state in 2024, with its lowest crime rate being robbery, at just 8.3 per 100,000 people. This exceptionally low rate reflects Idaho's effective crime prevention strategies and community safety initiatives. It underscores the state's peaceful living environment and strong community vigilance.
5. West Virginia
Safety Score: 74.1
West Virginia is the fifth safest state in America, and its natural beauty undoubtedly contributes to its peaceful living environment. However, its high homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 somewhat overshadows some of this beauty. This points to specific challenges West Virginia faces in addressing violent crimes compared to its overall safety ranking.
6. New York
Safety Score: 73.9
The Big Apple's dynamic safety profile is shaped by its urban vibrancy. New York has an Assault Offense Rate of 923.7, a Larceny/Theft Rate of 1062.8, and a Kidnapping/Abduction Rate of 15.3 per 100,000. Its safety areas require immediate attention, contrasting with its overall score of 73.9.
7. Rhode Island
Safety Score: 73.9
Rhode Island, as the seventh safest state in 2024, boasts impressive personal safety statistics. These include a low robbery rate of 25.4 and a homicide offense rate of 3.7 per 100,000. The state has been effective in crime prevention.
8. Massachusetts
Safety Score: 73.8
As the eighth safest state in America, Massachusetts earned a safety score of 73.8. The state has achieved low rates of homicide at 2.2 per 100,000 people. Additionally, Massachusetts has worked diligently to maintain a low robbery rate of 37.7 per 100,000.
9. Maryland
Safety Score: 73.1
Maryland's diversity, from urban to rural areas, is mirrored in its crime statistics, earning a total safety score of 73.1. One achievement is Maryland's low kidnapping/abduction rate of 2.1 per 100,000. This illustrates a proactive approach to protecting its citizens from serious harm.
10. Connecticut
Safety Score: 72.8
Connecticut presents an admirable score as the 10th safest state, with its efforts reflected in its low crime rates. The state contends with a motor vehicle theft challenge. Despite this, Connecticut boasts a low homicide rate of 4.6 per 100,000.
10 Most Dangerous States in America
1. New Mexico
Safety Score: 40
Unfortunately, leading as the state with the highest concern of crime-related dangers, New Mexico presents a challenging landscape with the highest assault offense rate of 1979.7 out of 100,000. The state's high rates extend to homicide at 15 out of 100,000 and motor vehicle theft at 569.1 out of 100,000. These metrics highlight the need for crime reduction strategies.
2. Colorado
Safety Score: 49.2
An Assault Offense Rate of 1053.1 out of 100,000 raises many concerns for Colorado residents. The state faces a high motor vehicle theft rate of 708.4 out of 100,000 and a Larceny/Theft Rate of 2087.6 out of 100,000. Despite these concerns, the beauty of its landscapes contrasts starkly with the need to address key categories like extortion/blackmail.
3. Pennsylvania
Safety Score: 52.8
Pennsylvania has a high homicide rate of 25.2 out of 100,000. The state's Robbery Rate of 178.8 out of 100,000 is a critical issue affecting urban and rural communities alike. Strengthening safety initiatives and community policing are key factors that could improve residents' lives and reduce these worrying rates.
4. Nevada
Safety Score: 54.2
Nevada has crime rates that necessitate attention. Major categories to consider are assault offenses, which are 1970.8 per 100,000, and sex offenses, which are 128.3 per 100,000. The state's Homicide Offense Rate of 7.8 per 100,000 and Motor Vehicle Theft Rate of 437.8 out of 100,000 impact residents' well-being and quality of life.
5. Tennessee
Safety Score: 56.3
Tennessee's high crime rates overshadow the state’s rich musical heritage and vibrant culture. The state has an Assault Offense Rate of 1978.3 out of 100,000, highlighting some of the issues it faces with violent crimes. Tennessee's Kidnapping/Abduction Rate of 30.8 out of 100,000 represents a priority for community and law enforcement action.
6. Arkansas
Safety Score: 56.7
Arkansas has the unique challenge of combating high crime rates with such a low safety score. Its natural beauty faces significant safety challenges, highlighted by an assault offense rate of 2137 out of 100,000. The state also has a Homicide Offense Rate of 11.6 per 100,000.
7. Oklahoma
Safety Score: 57.1
Oklahoma's crime rates, including a burglary rate of 516.2 per 100,000, reflect the need for targeted safety improvements. Myriad critical factors indicate a pressing need to address the crime rate. Research indicates that the state faces serious crime issues on a yearly basis.
8. Washington
Safety Score: 59.6
Washington State has a larceny/theft rate of 2133.6 per 100,000, among the highest on this list. This indicates there is a need for continued focus on crime prevention. The state's Kidnapping/Abduction Rate of 16.3 per 100,000 illustrates another area in need of targeted interventions.
9. South Carolina
Safety Score: 59.8
South Carolina's charm is dimmed by its safety concerns. The state has a high assault offense rate of 1715.2 per 100,000 and a Homicide Offense Rate of 11.8 per 100,000. Its Kidnapping/Abduction Rate of 20.2 per 100,000 and a Larceny/Theft Rate of 1822.8 per 100,000 contribute to its high crime rate.
10. Louisiana
Safety Score: 59.9
Louisiana has high crime rates, including a homicide rate of 14.4 out of 100,000. The state's commitment to enhancing public safety is evident. This is reflected in Louisiana's Kidnapping/Abduction Rate of 19 out of 100,000 and other key metrics.
This study is focused on 10 specific crime features, including murder, sex offenses, larceny, and others, to assess safety in each state. Crime rates per 100,000 people for each type of incident were calculated. All of the crime features were normalized and assigned a score out of 100 in each area, allowing for fair comparisons.
Request Legal Help from Criminal Defense Lawyers Who Protect Their Clients' Legal Rights
Even if you live in one of the safest or most dangerous states in America, you can be charged with a crime. You may feel helpless if you are charged with a property crime, act of violence, or any other criminal activity in the United States. Thankfully, legal help is available, and you have the option to hire a lawyer to represent and advocate for you.
Simmrin Law Group is a California criminal defense law firm with decades of legal experience on staff. If you have been charged with sexual assault, statutory rape, or any other crime, we can review your case and help you determine the best course of legal action at this time. Schedule a consultation with our lawyers.