Which States Offer the Best Combination of Safety and Financial Stability?

When deciding where to relocate, many people struggle to find a location that doesn’t force them to choose between personal security and affordability. What is the safest state for your overall wellbeing? The answer depends on how you weigh different factors — from crime statistics to housing costs and emergency infrastructure.

A comprehensive WalletHub analysis examined over 50 safety indicators across five key dimensions: personal and residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness. The findings reveal which regions deliver genuine peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Top Performers in America’s Safety Rankings

Vermont Leads the Nation

Securing the highest overall score of 67.22 out of 100, Vermont demonstrates why the Green Mountain State consistently attracts those prioritizing safety. The median home list price of $509,000 sits slightly above the national median of $435,495 (as of September 2025), yet the premium comes with tangible benefits. Residents face significantly lower mortgage default rates and experience fewer personal bankruptcy filings compared to national averages. These financial stability indicators reveal a state where residents maintain stronger economic footing.

Massachusetts: Strong Employment and Security

With a score of 66.56, Massachusetts secured second place, driven largely by robust job market conditions and a substantial workforce of emergency medical technicians. Though property values reach $759,999 — substantially above national norms — the state still ranks third nationally for financial safety. WalletHub’s financial safety metric incorporates employment growth trajectories, foreclosure rate trends, and bankruptcy statistics, creating a holistic picture of economic resilience.

New Hampshire Emphasizes Community Watch

The third-ranked state scored 65.75, propelled by its low crime statistics and extensive neighborhood watch infrastructure. New Hampshire achieves second-place status nationally for personal and residential safety metrics. While the median home list price of $595,000 exceeds national averages, the state’s unemployment rate ranks among the lowest, and residents maintain notably high median credit scores that offset housing costs.

Mid-Tier Safety Champions

Maine’s Affordability Advantage

Ranking fourth with a score of 64.69, Maine presents a compelling case for budget-conscious relocators. Monthly living expenses for an individual average $3,267 — approximately 31.5% below the national standard. A household of four typically spends around $5,340 monthly, just 1.1% under the U.S. average. The median home list price of $475,000 aligns closely with national benchmarks, making Maine one of the most accessible top-10 states for safety-seeking residents.

Utah: Natural Beauty Meets Safety

The Beehive State earned its fifth-place ranking with a score of 62.88, combining scenic attractions with legitimate safety credentials. Utah boasts among the nation’s lowest vehicle fatality rates per 100 million miles driven, ranking fourth nationally. The state demonstrates particular strength in workplace safety and emergency preparedness categories. Median home prices of $595,000 position it above national averages but still within reach for many families.

Connecticut’s Downward Crime Trend

Claiming sixth place with a score of 62.25, Connecticut led the entire nation in personal and residential safety rankings. Recent data from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection demonstrates measurable improvement: crimes against persons dropped 2.4%, property crimes declined 16.9%, and crimes against society fell 4.3%. These trends suggest continuing positive momentum.

Completing the Top 10

Hawaii’s Ocean Premium

Hawaii’s score of 61.52 reflects a trade-off inherent to island living — considerable housing costs balanced against exceptional natural amenities. The $750,000 median home list price ranks among the highest nationally, yet the state places 11th for financial safety. This ranking considers unemployment figures, foreclosure patterns, debt-to-income ratios, and household emergency fund prevalence.

Minnesota’s Balanced Profile

Scoring 61.25, Minnesota stands out for achieving second place nationally in road safety metrics and fifth place for financial safety. The state’s median home list price of $395,000 represents the only top-10 state with property values below the national median, making it particularly attractive for value-conscious buyers.

Rhode Island and Wyoming Round Out the List

Rhode Island (score 60.17) distinguishes itself as the nation’s smallest state while maintaining top-10 safety status, ranking in the top tier for both personal/residential safety and emergency preparedness, with a median home list price of $583,950.

Wyoming (score 59.04) completes the rankings with a median home list price of $492,500, strong emergency preparedness positioning, and 14th-place national standing for personal and residential safety.

What Is the Safest State for You?

The answer depends on your priorities. Vermont and Massachusetts offer the highest overall safety scores but command premium housing prices. Maine and Minnesota provide more affordable entry points while maintaining strong safety credentials. Each of these ten states demonstrates measurable commitment to resident wellbeing across multiple safety dimensions, making them worthy destinations for those seeking genuinely secure communities.