What is the most non-violent state in America?
Asked by: Jacklyn Altenwerth | Last update: July 16, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (62 votes)
1. Maine - 100.1. Maine consistently ranks as the safest state in this list, and the low violent-crime rate is closely tied to where, and how, people live.
What is the least violent state in America?
4. Maine. Maine continues to have the lowest violent crime rate in the country (100.1 per 100,000). It ranks exceptionally high in emergency preparedness and has the fewest assaults per capita, making it a perennial favorite for residential safety.
What's the most peaceful state in the USA?
Maine consistently ranks as the most peaceful state in the U.S. The Pine Tree State frequently earns top honors on the official United States Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace and in annual safety reports.
What is the #1 best state to live in the US?
Based on early 2026 data, Massachusetts is frequently ranked as the #1 best state to live in the U.S. due to top-tier healthcare, high-quality education, a strong economy, and high safety metrics. Other top contenders for 2026 include Idaho and New Jersey, while Utah consistently ranks #1 overall for fiscal stability and economy in similar analyses.
What is the most ghettoest state?
Based on data concerning violent crime, poverty, and safety, Louisiana is frequently cited as the most dangerous and economically distressed state in the US, frequently appearing at the top of lists for high homicide rates and poverty, particularly due to issues in areas like New Orleans. Other high-crime or distressed states include New Mexico, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
10 Most Violent States for 2020
What are the top 3 worst states?
The "worst" states depend heavily on the metrics being measured—such as healthcare, economy, education, or crime. Based on overall livability and quality of life studies from organizations like WalletHub and U.S. News & World Report, the three lowest-ranked states are consistently:
What are the top 5 states for murders?
The top five states for murder rates (homicides per 100,000 residents) in the U.S. are:
What is the #1 least educated state?
West Virginia is currently ranked as the #1 least educated state in the U.S. It consistently places last in overall national rankings due to the lowest rates of bachelor's degree attainment and lowest overall school system quality.
Which state is the friendliest?
Based on 2025–2026 data, Minnesota is consistently ranked as the friendliest U.S. state due to its famous "Minnesota nice" culture. However, a 2026 study by SmartAsset placed Montana as number one based on high rates of socialization and volunteering. Other top contenders often cited for friendliness and hospitality include Tennessee, Texas, and Hawaii.
What is the #1 state people are moving out of?
Based on 2026 data, California and New Jersey are frequently cited as the #1 states people are moving out of, depending on whether the metric is total volume or percentage of outbound moves. California saw the highest absolute number of residents leaving, while New Jersey led in the percentage of outbound moves.
What is the friendliest place to live in America?
Based on 2025–2026 surveys, the friendliest places to live in the US are heavily concentrated in the South and Midwest, often recognized for their warm welcoming culture, community pride, and high "neighborliness." Top-ranked cities include Nashville, TN, Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, and Austin, TX, with Minnesota frequently cited as the friendliest state.
What is the freest state in the USA?
New Hampshire is consistently ranked as the freest state in the USA by the Cato Institute, holding the top spot since 2011 due to its high scores in both economic and personal freedom. It is characterized by low taxes, limited government spending, high gun rights, and no seat belt or motorcycle helmet laws.
What is the least peaceful state?
For the 20th year in a row, Louisiana is the least peaceful state. – There are significant economic benefits from improving peacefulness.
What state has the #1 crime rate?
Based on 2024–2026 data, Alaska often ranks #1 for the highest violent crime rate per capita in the United States, with approximately 724.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. While Alaska ranks highest for violent crime, other analyses sometimes place states like New Mexico, Louisiana, or Washington (for property crime) at the top of their respective lists.
What state is the safest and cheapest to live in?
Based on 2026 data, Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa are top contenders for balancing low costs with safety, while Mississippi and Kansas offer the absolute lowest cost of living. Mid-sized Midwestern cities like Poplar Bluff, MO, and cities across Ohio provide the best mix of low crime rates and high housing affordability.
What is the least strict state in the US?
New Hampshire is once again the freest state in the Union and in 2022 set the record for the highest freedom score ever recorded in the 21st century.
What is the least welcoming state?
Based on recent visitor surveys, New York is frequently ranked as the least welcoming or "rudest" state, largely due to the cold-shoulder reputation of New York City locals. Other states consistently appearing on the list of least welcoming include Massachusetts, Arkansas, Delaware, and New Jersey.
What are the 10 happiest states to live in?
The 10 happiest states in the U.S. are determined by comprehensive studies that analyze metrics like emotional and physical well-being, work-life balance, and community safety.
What is the most polite US state?
The friendliest states in the U.S. are generally found across the Mountain West, the Midwest, and the South. States like Minnesota, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah frequently top national lists. These regions are known for robust community engagement, "Southern hospitality," and "Minnesota Nice."
Which state has the best school system?
Massachusetts consistently ranks as having the best public school system in the United States, frequently topping national metrics for math and reading scores, high school graduation rates, and safety. It is recognized for its high teacher quality, strong AP participation, and overall academic performance.
Which states have the most teacher shortages?
Based on 2025–2026 data, the states with the most severe teacher shortages include Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Utah, and California. Other highly impacted states include Alaska, Alabama, Idaho, and Oregon, largely driven by low salaries, high student-teacher ratios, and high attrition rates in subjects like special education, math, and science.
What are the top 5 most educated states?
Based on 2026 data analyzing educational attainment and quality, the top 5 most educated states are Massachusetts, Vermont, Maryland, Connecticut, and Colorado. These states consistently rank high due to large percentages of residents holding bachelor's or graduate degrees, as well as high-quality public school systems.
Which state commits the most murders?
California records the highest total number of murders in the U.S. (reporting roughly 1,782 homicides annually), but Mississippi and Louisiana have the highest per capita murder rates, each averaging between 14 to nearly 20 homicides per 100,000 residents.
What are the 10 worst states for crime?
Based on recent FBI crime statistics and comprehensive safety studies, the 10 states with the highest overall crime and violent crime rates in the United States are:
What is the #1 most violent city in the US?
Based on 2025–2026 data, Memphis, Tennessee, is frequently ranked as the #1 most violent city in the US, with a violent crime rate nearly six times the national average. Other cities often listed among the most violent include St. Louis, Missouri; Oakland, California; and Detroit, Michigan.