Where to Settle: Top 10 Safest States in USA Based on Safety and Financial Metrics

Choosing where to live requires balancing multiple factors—personal safety, financial stability, and overall quality of life. A comprehensive analysis by WalletHub examined over 50 safety indicators across five categories: personal and residential safety, financial health, road conditions, workplace safety, and emergency readiness. The resulting rankings reveal which states offer the best combination of security and affordability. Here’s what stands out.

Leading the Pack: Northeast Dominance

Vermont emerges as America’s top safest state with an overall score of 67.22/100. The Green Mountain State demonstrates particular strength in financial stability, with lower mortgage delinquency rates and fewer personal bankruptcies than most states. While median home prices sit at $509,000—slightly above the national average of $435,495—the state’s strong financial indicators compensate for the higher entry cost.

Massachusetts follows closely at 66.56/100, benefiting from robust employment security and substantial emergency medical services coverage. Despite having the nation’s steepest median home values at $759,999, the state maintains third-place financial safety rankings through high job growth and manageable foreclosure rates.

New Hampshire secures third place with a 65.75/100 score, driven primarily by exceptionally low crime rates and active community neighborhood watch initiatives. Residents enjoy the second-highest personal safety metrics nationwide. The median home list price of $595,000 reflects regional market trends, though strong employment data and elevated credit scores offset housing costs.

Mid-Atlantic and Inland Standouts

Maine ranks as the nation’s fourth safest state (64.69/100), excelling in emergency preparedness. What distinguishes Maine financially is its remarkable cost-of-living advantage—residents spend approximately 31.5% less than the national average, with individual monthly expenses around $3,267 and family-of-four budgets near $5,340. The $475,000 median home price aligns closely with U.S. benchmarks.

Utah positions itself fifth overall (62.88/100), leveraging low vehicle fatality rates and superior workplace safety measures. Despite median home prices of $595,000, the Beehive State attracts those prioritizing accident prevention and disaster readiness.

Connecticut ranks sixth (62.25/100) and leads the nation in personal and residential safety metrics. Recent Department of Emergency Services data shows crimes against people dropped 2.4%, property crimes fell 16.9%, and societal crimes declined 4.3%—reflecting sustained improvement in public safety.

Western and Island Options

Hawaii scores 61.52/100, with its recreational appeal balanced against substantial housing expenses. The $750,000 median home price challenges affordability, yet the state ranks 11th nationally for financial safety when considering unemployment, foreclosure patterns, and household emergency preparedness.

Wyoming completes the top 10 at 59.04/100, offering median home prices of $492,500 with strong emergency response capabilities. The Cowboy State positions itself 14th nationally for personal safety while emphasizing disaster preparedness infrastructure.

Midwest Value Proposition

Minnesota achieves 61.25/100, distinguishing itself as the sole top-10 state with median home prices—$395,000—below the national average. The state ranks second for road safety and fifth for financial stability, making it particularly attractive for budget-conscious relocators.

Rhode Island, despite being the nation’s smallest state, claims a top-10 position with 60.17/100. The state excels in personal safety and emergency readiness, though the $583,950 median home price runs approximately $150,000 above national averages.

The Takeaway

Whether prioritizing violent crime prevention, financial resilience, or housing affordability, these safest states in USA each offer distinct advantages. Prospective residents should weigh their personal priorities—lower property taxes, stronger employment markets, or superior emergency services—against their geographic and lifestyle preferences.