When it comes to personal safety and security, knowing which states in the US are considered the safest is valuable information. U.S. News and World Report recently unveiled a list of the 10 safest states based on data provided by the FBI. By analyzing the occurrences of violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, this report sheds light on the states that prioritize the well-being of their residents. Let’s delve into the details and discover the top 10 safest states in the US.

The FBI categorizes violent crimes as murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and sexual assault, while property crimes include events like burglary and motor vehicle theft. According to the data analyzed by U.S. News, between 2019 and 2020, violent crime increased by 4.6%, while property crime experienced a significant drop of 8.1%.

So, which states made it to the top 10 list? Here they are, along with their respective rates of violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents:

1. Maine – Violent crime rate: 109 | Property crime rate: 1,156
2. New Hampshire – Violent crime rate: 146 | Property crime rate: 1,099
3. New Jersey – Violent crime rate: 195 | Property crime rate: 1,158
4. Vermont – Violent crime rate: 173 | Property crime rate: 1,217
5. Idaho – Violent crime rate: 243 | Property crime rate: 1,112
6. Rhode Island – Violent crime rate: 231 | Property crime rate: 1,245
7. Massachusetts – Violent crime rate: 309 | Property crime rate: 1,053
8. Virginia – Violent crime rate: 209 | Property crime rate: 1,456
9. Connecticut – Violent crime rate: 182 | Property crime rate: 1,565
10. Wyoming – Violent crime rate: 234 | Property crime rate: 1,611

While these states have demonstrated their commitment to safety, it’s worth noting that New Hampshire emerged as the highest-ranking state in U.S. News’ overall Best States rankings, securing the sixth position out of 50. U.S. News used various categories, including health care, economy, and the natural environment, to formulate their comprehensive rankings.

Although statewide data indicated a rise in violent crime according to the FBI, a closer look at crime trends in major US cities reveals a different picture. The Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan organization, conducted a study covering 35 major cities. Their findings indicated a decline in murder rates by 4%, gun assaults by 7%, and aggravated assaults by 3.5% in 2022.

However, the study also revealed a concerning surge in motor vehicle thefts, with a 21% increase during the same period. Shockingly, vehicle thefts had already risen by 59% year-over-year the previous year.

Understanding the safest states in the US is essential for individuals seeking a secure living environment. By analyzing data from the FBI, U.S. News and World Report compiled a list of the top 10 states with the lowest rates of violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

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