The Safest Cities and States in the U.S.: A Comprehensive Ranking for 2024

It has been a tough year, unprecedented in challenge—from 430 mass shootings and nearly 14,000 deaths from gun violence to $24 billion in climate disaster losses. The Americans are no wonder feeling more anxious about safety when planning a move, finding a new place to travel, or evaluating potential cities to settle in. Having that in mind, WalletHub has recently issued its 2024 report on ranking the safest cities and states in the U.S. That would serve as a data-driven analysis of where Americans are the best protected from physical, financial, and environmental risks.

The idea of safety transcends the typical fears associated with crime rates. For this report, WalletHub examined a much broader scope, including road safety, financial stability, and vulnerability to natural disasters. It ranked each city and state along three main categories: home and community safety, risk from natural disasters, and financial security. The bottom line gives a comprehensive picture of where people can enjoy peace of mind in the face of modern-day challenges.

The safest cities in the U.S. is led by South Burlington, Vermont. Located along Lake Champlain and at the foot of the Green Mountains, this picturesque town is just amazing to behold and is an area of incredibly low crime rates. South Burlington ranked ninth among cities on home and community safety; additionally, it leads the country in the lowest pedestrian fatality rate. The financial stability of the city is equally strong, with 1.9% unemployment and a low risk of financial distress, as the residents benefit from minimal underwater mortgages and bankruptcy filings. Additionally, the city faces a minimal risk of natural disaster, making it a place to live absolutely secure.

Casper, Wyoming, takes the second position in the rankings. Casper boasts wide-open spaces and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, so it really stands out in terms of pedestrian and neighborhood safety. It ranks as the second safest city to walk alone at night, and its crime rates are pretty low compared to other cities around the country. The residents also enjoy strong financial security, with a low rate of identity theft and fraud complaints, that makes it a safe and stable community. Its minimal chance of natural disasters makes it an even safer place to stay.

Warwick, Rhode Island, is the third safest city. Being close to Providence, Warwick is known for its active community initiative that makes it a safer place to live in, and crime rates are remarkably low. The city has the lowest number of murders, aggravated assaults, and thefts per capita. Its economic stability is also impressive with a minimal percentage of poverty and an excellent job market. In this regard, if one needs a secure environment, then Warwick is the place to be. Its commitment to safety in crime prevention and financial stability is quite attractive.

Though many cities in the U.S. have managed to develop a safe living environment, some are still struggling. For example, New Orleans is ranked last on the list of safest cities and Baton Rouge, Louisiana is at the bottom of the list. Such cities have problems such as high crime rates, financial instability, and even the threat of natural disasters. Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Detroit; and Memphis also feature in the list of least safe cities, where their residents constantly face risks to their safety and financial stability.

The WalletHub report also lists the safest states in the U.S. Vermont emerged as the safest state overall. The state’s combination of low crime rates, economic stability, and minimal natural disaster risk places it at the top of the rankings. The Vermont state resident has a very healthy job market, with an unemployment rate of only 2.1%, and is further safeguarded with one of the lowest rates of underwater mortgages and identity theft in the country. It's also exceptionally safe in terms of roads, with the seventh-lowest traffic fatalities per 100 million miles.

The other aspect of safety is that New Hampshire ranks in line with its security being safer than other states with less violent and non-violent cases. Mass shootings are low in a span of two years and ranked in the higher classification that depicts killings per cap in that particular state. New Hampshire remains sound economically and has the smallest unemployed figures alongside lower percentages that prove the nation's poverty ranking in that state. More than 78 percent of the state's residents say they feel safe in their neighborhoods, the highest percentage in the nation.

Maine, the third safest state in the country, also ranks low in crime rates and financial stability. Maine ranked as second-lowest in rates of aggravated assaults and third-lowest in rates of thefts per capita. It is also endowed with low rates of unemployment and a healthy rate of job growth, factors that enhance it to rank high in general safety. Financial security is further enhanced through the low rates of bankruptcy filings in the state, thereby making Maine a safe place to stay, both in body and pocket.

On the other hand, Louisiana remains the least safe state in the U.S. for 2024 due to its rates of high crime, unstable finances, and susceptibility to natural disasters. Other states rank poorly for safety include Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida, as they expose residents to heightened risks of violent crime, insecurity in their finances, and environmental risks.

In summary, the WalletHub report is very informative for those planning to relocate, travel, or simply assess the safety of their current environment. Considering factors such as crime rates, financial stability, and the risk of natural disasters, Americans can make more informed decisions about where they live and work. While South Burlington, Vermont and Casper, Wyoming have emerged as cities of great safety, others are left to grapple with persistent challenges. The safest cities and states ranking offers a practical guide for those seeking safety in their lives.