Where Is the Safest State to Live? Top 10 States Ranked by Health and Financial Security

Selecting a state that balances personal safety, financial stability, and quality of life represents a major life decision. Many regions offer affordable housing yet struggle with crime; others boast safety but strain household budgets. A comprehensive analysis examined across 50+ metrics spanning five dimensions—personal safety, residential security, financial stability, traffic safety, and disaster preparedness—has now shed light on which states excel across these measures.

Understanding the Rankings

The evaluation methodology assessed states through five critical lenses: how safe neighborhoods feel, whether residents face financial vulnerabilities, accident trends on roadways, occupational hazards, and readiness for emergencies. This multi-faceted approach reveals which states genuinely deliver on both wellness and prosperity for families and individuals alike.

Vermont Leads as America’s Safest State

Vermont claims the top position with a composite score of 67.22 out of 100, establishing itself as where is the safest state to live for those prioritizing comprehensive security. The state’s median home listing sits around $509,000, edging slightly above the national baseline of $435,495 (as of September 2025, representing 1.8% annual growth). Despite steeper property values, Vermont distinguished itself through exceptional financial security indicators—fewer residents carry underwater mortgages, and bankruptcy filings remain comparatively sparse. The state’s robust showing in vehicular safety metrics further solidified its standing.

Massachusetts: Second-Ranked for Career and Emergency Stability

Harvard’s home state achieved second place with a 66.56 score, bolstered by formidable employment security and an abundance of emergency medical technicians. While homes command premium valuations at roughly $759,999 (substantially above the national average), Massachusetts still captured third-place honors for financial resilience. The state’s employment expansion, manageable foreclosure activity, and limited personal insolvency filings drove this distinction.

New Hampshire: Neighborhood Watch and Low Unemployment Advantage

Scoring 65.75, New Hampshire rounds out the top three, its strong showing anchored by minimal crime and widespread community policing initiatives. This combination positioned it second nationally for residential security. Homes average $595,000 listing price, above the national norm, yet the state’s depressed joblessness rates and elevated median credit scores offset residential expense burdens.

Maine: Budget-Friendly Living with Strong Emergency Systems

The Pine Tree State secured fourth place with 64.69 points, excelling in residential safety and crisis response infrastructure. Cost-of-living advantages stand out here—a single resident spends approximately $3,267 monthly, roughly 31.5% below the national figure, while four-person households average $5,340 per month (1.1% under national costs). Redfin data shows median home listings near $475,000, modestly above the U.S. average.

Utah: Fifth Safest with Workplace Safety Excellence

Utah’s dramatic landscapes now accompany a fifth-place safety ranking with 62.88 points. The state boasts one of the nation’s lowest vehicle fatality rates per 100 million miles traveled, earning fourth place in transportation safety. Workplace hazards remain minimal, and emergency readiness ranks high. Median homes list at $595,000, exceeding the national average.

Connecticut: Crime Decline Secures Sixth Place

Connecticut captured sixth with 62.25 points and topped the nation in residential security metrics. Reported crimes against individuals dropped 2.4%, property crimes fell 16.9%, and societal crimes decreased 4.3% according to emergency services data. These downward trajectories reflect genuine neighborhood improvements. Median home values reach $750,000.

Hawaii: Island Paradise with Financial Prudence

Despite commanding home prices ($750,000 median), Hawaii achieved 61.52 overall points and ranked 11th for financial safety. Unemployment rates, foreclosure trends, debt ratios, and household emergency reserves factored into this respectable standing. The islands remain attractive despite elevated costs.

Minnesota: Affordable Homes and Exceptional Road Safety

Minnesota scored 61.25, placing second nationally for highway safety and fifth for financial stability. The state offers a distinct advantage: median home listings at $395,000—the sole top-10 state below the national average. This affordability paired with strong safety metrics makes it particularly appealing for budget-conscious families.

Rhode Island: Small State, Big Safety Credentials

The nation’s smallest state ranks ninth with 60.17 points, securing top-10 placements for both residential safety and emergency preparedness. Median home listings average $583,950, roughly $150,000 above the national baseline.

Wyoming: Rural Setting with Respectable Rankings

Wyoming completes the top ten with 59.04 points, earning 14th place in residential security and strong emergency preparedness scores. Median home values rest at $492,500, relatively balanced against the national average.

Key Takeaway

Whether prioritizing where is the safest state to live hinges on individual circumstances—families may prioritize school safety and employment, while retirees emphasize healthcare access and crime prevention. These ten states consistently excel across multiple dimensions, offering balanced portfolios of security, financial soundness, and livability.