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What are the safest states in the US in 2023? If you’re moving, this is an important question to consider. Many factors impact a state’s safety rating, such as rates of violent crimes, rates of property crime, safety for children, police presence and more. Using in-depth crime data, we’ve compiled a ranking of the top 10 safest states in the nation today.
1. Maine
According to FBI crime data, Maine is the safest state in the US in 2023. Maine has the lowest violent crime rate in the country, averaging 109 reporting incidents per 100,000 residents. It ranks lower on property crime, though, coming in behind Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Idaho. Maine is the 12th safest state for women and the second safest state for LGBTQ people (behind only California).
Interestingly, despite its low crime rate, Maine has one of the smallest police forces in the country, totaling only 2,308 officers.
2. Vermont
Vermont is one of the safest states in the US as of 2023. It ranks in the top five states for lowest murder rate, robbery rate and aggravated assault rate. Crime data shows Vermont experiences 173 violent crimes per 100,000 residents each year. It is also considered the safest state for women and one of the top states to raise a family in. Like Maine, Vermont also has a small police force – in fact, Vermont has the lowest number of police in the country with just 1,238 officers.
3. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is also in the top five safest states in the US today. It has a violent crime rate of 146 reported incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate 1,099 reported incidents per 100,000 residents. Unfortunately, New Hampshire ranks somewhat lower on women’s safety at only 14th place. It is among the top ten states for families in 2023, though. It has the 10th smallest police force in the country.
4. Massachusetts
Massachusetts has the lowest property crime rate in the country with only 1,053 reported incidents per 100,000 residents. It ranks lower on violent crime, though, with 309 incidents per 100,000 residents. It is the third best state for women’s safety and the number one state for families. So, Massachusetts is definitely worth considering if you’re moving and have kids, especially since it ranks number one for overall quality of life.
5. New Jersey
New Jersey has the fifth lowest property crime rate and the fourth lowest violent crime rate today, making it one of the safest states in the US. It also has the seventh largest police force with 29,511 officers. As of 2023, New Jersey is the tenth safest state for women and the seventh best state for families. So, New Jersey is definitely a good choice if you want to be in one of the nation’s safest states but don’t want to be as far north as Vermont or Maine.
6. Rhode Island
Rhode Island might be small, but it ranks high for safety. FBI crime data shows Rhode Island averages 231 violent crimes per resident and 1,245 property crimes per resident. It ranks number eight in the nation for women’s safety but is not currently among the top ten states for families.
Considering Rhode Island is the smallest state, it should come as no surprise that it has one of the smallest police forces with just 2,497 officers (although it has significantly more than some larger states, such as Alaska, Montana and Vermont).
7. Idaho
Idaho is one of the few Midwestern states that makes the list of the top ten safest states in the country. It ranks number three for lowest property crimes with just 1,112 incidents per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 243 reported incidents per 100,000 residents according to FBI data. Unfortunately, Idaho is less safe for women and families, ranking 42nd for women’s safety and 35th for families.
8. Connecticut
Connecticut is another small state that ranks high in safety. It has the nation’s fourth lowest violent crime rate with 182 incidents per 100,000 residents and the ninth lowest property crime rate with 1,565 incidents per 100,000 residents. Connecticut is the fifth safest state for women in 2023 and ranks number ten for families.
9. Virginia
Virginia is one of the safest states in the US today with only 209 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and 1,456 property crimes per 100,000 residents. That means Virginia residents have less than a 1 in 500 chance of being a victim of violent crime. It doesn’t rank quite as well for women’s safety, though, coming in at 20th in the US. Virginia ranks 21st for raising a family. It has the 12th largest police force in the country.
10. Wyoming
Wyoming is the furthest Western state among the top ten safest states in the US. According to FBI data, it averages 234 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and 1,611 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Wyoming falls short on women’s safety, though, ranking 41st in the nation. It also has the fourth smallest police force in the country with just 1,492 officers.
The Top Safest States in the US in 2023
Whether you are moving or looking for a good state for a family vacation, everyone should know what the top safest states in the US are. Eight out of the top ten are in the Northeastern region. Many of the states on this list also rank highly for women’s safety, quality of life and family-friendly amenities.
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About The Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and freelance writer with over 5 years of experience.
She's most interested in researching topics on sustainable construction, such as new technologies and innovations in the built environment. She also loves sharing home projects and inspiration for the most novice of DIY-ers, values she developed growing up in a family of contractors.
When she isn't writing, you'll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth. For more articles from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.
