2020’s Safest States in America

If you think of living in the US thoughts of football, freedom of speech and the American dream may come to mind but Americans are really concerned about their safety, believe crime is increasing and worry about someone breaking in their home while they out.

June is National Safety Month. With the U.S. devastated by the coronavirus pandemic this year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020's Safest States in America.

In order to determine the most secure states, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 53 key metrics. The data set ranges from the state’s coronavirus support to assaults per capita and the unemployment rate.

Key Stats

• South Dakota has the fewest murders and non-negligent manslaughters per 100,000 residents, 1.36, which is 8.4 times fewer than in Louisiana, the most at 11.37.
• New Hampshire has the fewest thefts per 1,000 residents, 12.75, which is 2.8 times fewer than in New Mexico, the most at 35.55.
• New Jersey has the most law-enforcement employees per 100,000 residents, 473, which is 2.2 times more than in Washington, the fewest at 211.
• Delaware has the lowest share of high school students who were bullied online, 10.10 percent, which is 2.1 times lower than in Louisiana, the highest at 21.20 percent.

Q&A with WalletHub

There are many different potential threats to one’s safety: crime, weather, pollution, dangerous workplaces. In choosing a place to live, how should people weigh the risks?

“As a parent, I know I am not alone when I say that I certainly consider all of the above when making considerations about the welfare of my children,” said Kelly Fisher, MS, Indiana University Kokomo. “Speaking more along the lines of a criminologist, crime in any community is certainly an area of concern for us all due to the current climate of addiction affecting our society. We are seeing surges in overdoses and increases in drug crimes in our communities nationwide. Furthermore, some level of property crimes and personal crimes are directly related to the plight that is addiction. Until communities address concerns around this and other growing dangers, like human and sex trafficking, we can’t work towards a reduction in those areas. We have been losing a battle in our war on drugs, as we simply can’t keep up with the demand that it places on our law enforcement entities.”

What can state and local policymakers do to reduce crime in their communities?

“Our approach to reducing crime is mostly reactive; unfortunately, the US being the champion of the prison population in the world,” said Ahmet S. Yayla, PhD, DeSales University. “Innovative proactive strategies to deal with crime and criminality could better work if the human capital is more respected and valued through better social justice, less confrontation, better education, and a less rigid justice system.”

What tips do you have for consumers looking to improve their “financial” safety?

“Most consumers looking to improve their “financial” safety will have a wealth of people sharing their thoughts and ideas on where to spend or how to save their monies. Yet the most basic financial principles should still be followed, including developing and sticking to a budget; keeping 3~6 months of living expenses in your savings account; saving for your retirement; and living within your means,” said V. Lynn Tankersley, PhD, Mercer University.

To view the full report and your state rank, please visit:

https://wallethub.com/edu/safest-states-to-live-in/4566/

Courtesy: WalletHub