The 5 safest states in America — and the 5 most dangerous

Feeling safe at home is essential for our well-being, but safety means more than just being free from crime. It also includes clean air, access to healthcare, and how well our communities are prepared for natural disasters. Oregon Generators, a company that installs generators and provides electrical services, recently released a report that looks at these different aspects of safety in all 50 states.

This report looks at more than just crime numbers to give each state an overall safety score. It considers things like violent crime, burglary, pedestrian deaths, access to healthcare, how often natural disasters happen, and air quality. The data, gathered from 2023 to 2025, also includes a separate Healthcare Index to measure how easy it is to get healthcare. "Safety in a state is determined by more than just crime rates," explains Corey Gilgan, owner of Oregon Generators. "Elements like clean air, dependable healthcare, and robust energy infrastructure are crucial in safeguarding families during both routine and emergency situations."

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Massachusetts stands out thanks to its excellent healthcare system, considered one of the best in the nation. While it has slightly higher crime rates than its New England neighbors, the state balances that with strong air quality and low risks from natural disasters.

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Connecticut earns its spot with relatively low crime, consistent healthcare access, and reliable infrastructure. Natural disasters are infrequent, and steady air quality helps keep everyday risks to residents low.

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Despite its small size, Rhode Island delivers big on safety. Crime is moderate compared to the rest of the region, but strong healthcare access and clean air make it a particularly secure place to live.

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Maine boasts the lowest violent crime rate of any state in the top five and experiences some of the fewest natural disasters in the country. Add in consistently clean air, and it’s clear why Maine offers residents peace of mind.

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New Hampshire takes the top spot with exceptionally low crime rates, minimal disaster risk, and some of the cleanest air in the country. Combined with strong healthcare access, it sets the standard for comprehensive safety.

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Arkansas struggles with both high crime and burglary rates, paired with frequent natural disasters. Limited healthcare access compounds risks, leaving residents more vulnerable in emergencies.

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Tennessee has one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation and faces regular natural disasters. With only modest healthcare resources, the state struggles to keep its residents protected.

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Texas deals with more natural disasters than nearly any other state, alongside strained healthcare access and poor air quality. Even with relatively lower crime compared to some of its neighbors, its sheer exposure to disasters makes it particularly vulnerable.

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Louisiana contends with both high crime and frequent hurricanes, which put immense pressure on its aging power grids and emergency systems. Poor air quality further lowers its safety profile.

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New Mexico ranks at the very bottom due to high crime rates, widespread burglary, and one of the nation’s highest pedestrian fatality rates. With limited healthcare access and persistent infrastructure challenges, residents face overlapping risks that make it the least safe state in the country.