Retirement is a time to enjoy life without the stresses of a working career. Living in a state with a low crime rate provides peace of mind and a sense of security, essential for a relaxed and enjoyable retirement. Retirees are less likely to be victims of crime in such areas, allowing them to feel safe in their homes and communities

Here is a comprehensive overview of the top ten safest states to live in based on violent and property crime statistics:

1. Vermont

  • Violent Crime Rate: 1.7 incidents per 1,000 people
  • Property Crime Rate: Among the lowest in the nation
  • Vermont is renowned for its low crime rates, ranking high in both personal and residential safety, as well as road safety. It has the second-fewest assaults per capita and is considered one of the healthiest states in the U.S.

2. Maine

  • Violent Crime Rate: Lowest in the U.S.
  • Property Crime Rate: Fourth-lowest in the U.S.
  • Maine boasts the lowest number of assaults per capita and a very low overall crime rate. It ranks first in emergency preparedness and is highly regarded for its personal safety.

3. New Hampshire

  • Violent Crime Rate: 1.7 incidents per 1,000 people
  • Property Crime Rate: Among the lowest in the nation
  • New Hampshire has an extremely low murder rate and ranks high in personal and financial safety. The state also enjoys a very low unemployment rate and excellent emergency preparedness.

4. New Jersey

  • Violent Crime Rate: Low, with the lowest number of rapes per capita
  • Property Crime Rate: Third-lowest in the U.S.
  • New Jersey is the safest state according to multiple sources. It has a high number of law enforcement officers per capita and low rates of aggravated assaults and burglaries.

5. Massachusetts

  • Violent Crime Rate: Low, fifth in murder and rape rates
  • Property Crime Rate: Lowest in the U.S.
  • Massachusetts excels in road safety and financial safety, with very low property crime rates, making it one of the top safest states.

6. Connecticut

  • Violent Crime Rate: Low, with the fewest rapes per capita
  • Property Crime Rate: Fourteenth overall
  • Connecticut ranks high in personal and residential safety, with very low rates of aggravated assaults and burglaries.

7. Rhode Island

  • Violent Crime Rate: Eighth-lowest in murder and aggravated assaults
  • Property Crime Rate: Top 10 in the U.S.
  • Rhode Island benefits from a strong law enforcement presence and low rates of property crimes, making it one of the safest states.

8. Idaho

  • Violent Crime Rate: Low, with one of the lowest murder rates
  • Property Crime Rate: Among the lowest in the nation
  • Idaho has the lowest robbery rate and ranks well in larceny-thefts and motor vehicle thefts, contributing to its high safety ranking.

9. New York

  • Violent Crime Rate: Moderate, 18th in murder rates
  • Property Crime Rate: Tenth overall
  • New York benefits from a significant law enforcement presence and low rates of property crimes, including burglaries and motor vehicle thefts.

10. Virginia

  • Violent Crime Rate: Low, fourth in rapes per capita
  • Property Crime Rate: Second-lowest in burglaries
  • Virginia ranks well in both violent and property crime rates, with a good law enforcement presence contributing to its safety.

These rankings are based on various sources, including FBI crime data and state safety scores, which consider factors such as personal and residential safety, emergency preparedness, and law enforcement presence​ (World Population Review)​​ (ConsumerAffairs)​​ (USAFacts)​.