New Hampshire is the safest state in America for 2025. This award is particularly meritorious given the recent national report from the FBI which counted a dramatic rise in the number of violent crimes. The Granite State’s low crime statistics contribute to its reputation, with Maine and Idaho following closely behind in the rankings of safest states. Since at least 2003, New Mexico has ranked the most dangerous state in the union. Its shocking crime rates are 8 out of control and becoming an issue of public safety.
Beyond that, these rankings serve to highlight the growing disparity between our safest states and our most dangerous. New Hampshire is understandably proud of its uniquely low rates of violent crime and property crime. Of course, this extraordinary safety record helps make it a highly attractive destination for everyone—including residents and tourists. Maine took home an impressive second-place finish, proving the state is all in on improving safety. At the same time, Idaho took home bronze, solidifying its title of safe haven.
New Mexico still can’t seem to get a handle on skyrocketing crime. Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, recently announced a crime rate over double the national average. In just the first quarter of 2025, felony arrests in Albuquerque increased by 12%—a chilling testament to the adverse impacts this policy can create. In addition to Minneapolis, Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, has seen a 5% overall increase in crime since 2024. All of these stats play a role in making the state the most dangerous in America.
And for Louisiana, it did see positive movement in safety, falling from second place to third in the rankings. The state reported a violent crime rate of 548 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,630 per 100,000. Even with this progress, Louisiana is still one of the most dangerous states in the country when it comes to crime.
Unfortunately, Tennessee’s increased investment did little to improve safety as the state ranked sixth in the country for danger. Mississippi’s violent crime rate soared to a staggering 628 incidents per 100,000 people. The property crime rate jumped up to an unheard of 2,362 per 100,000. That’s a sign of overall worsening conditions in the state, both compared to last year and in the state’s long-term trend.
In 2025, Arkansas was the fifth most dangerous state. In 2021 it had a violent crime rate of 620 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,229 per 100,000. The data sheds some light on the many challenges that continue to face these states as they attempt to lead the nation in improving public safety and lowering crime.
Surprisingly, Colorado scored as the second most dangerous state. It did the unthinkable by receiving a rank as the 11th best overall state. This compare and contrast highlights the nuances of crime rates and feelings of safety at home versus abroad.
By this measure, Washington state’s property crime rate would be 2,887 incidents per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly identical to Arkansas’ rate. Statistics like these highlight the importance of focusing on where no progress has been made in adding safety improvements to these dangerous places.
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