Most Unsafe States in America in 2025

Lock your doors and keep your wits about you—some states in the U.S. have crime rates that make even seasoned locals stay alert. While plenty of places offer peace of mind, others struggle with everything from rising thefts to violent misdeeds. This breakdown of America's most unsafe states will uncover what's driving the numbers and which places are riskier than expected.

Alaska

Alaska is the kind of place that makes you want to drop everything and live off the grid—majestic mountains, endless wilderness, and that crisp, untamed air. But beyond the postcard views, the state has a rougher side, with illegalities that stand out nationally. In 2023, overall crime ticked up 1.2% thanks to increased larceny and car theft.

Louisiana

Jazz pours through the streets, the scent of beignets fills the air, and every meal feels like a celebration—Louisiana knows how to keep life exciting. Alongside the parades and crawfish boils, safety concerns remain a significant issue. In 2024, the state saw 6.29 violent incidents per 1,000 residents, far above the national average of 3.80.

Mississippi

Mississippi knows how to feed the soul—whether it's blues spilling from a juke joint, a plate of catfish done right, or the kind of hospitality that makes strangers feel like family. With 20.5 homicides per 100k residents—the highest rate in the country—safety remains a serious concern. Still, the Magnolia State's resilience shines through.

Texas

Everything's bigger in Texas—including the opportunity, the food, and, unfortunately, some of the risks. One day, you're enjoying brisket that melts in your mouth, and the next, you're wondering why insurance costs keep climbing. In 2024, the state saw a 2% uptick in overall incidents, with violent offenses rising 3.5%.

Arkansas

Arkansas is where you can spend your morning hiking through the Ozarks and your afternoon chatting with neighbors over sweet tea. Owning a home here comes with a price, with insurance averaging $2,838 per year—62% above the national average. Some areas, like Pine Bluff and Little Rock, see significantly higher incident rates—1,098 and 939 per 100k residents, respectively.

Florida

Owning a slice of paradise in Florida doesn't come cheap, with homeowners insurance averaging $8,770 a year—thanks to hurricanes and sky-high construction costs. In 2024, the state's incident rate held steady at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a notch below the national average. Still, few states can match Florida's perks—no state income tax, a thriving economy, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Oklahoma

There's something about Oklahoma that sticks with you. Maybe it's the endless horizon or the fact that small-town diners here serve biscuits better than any five-star restaurant. Of course, life in the Sooner State isn't always smooth sailing. While Oklahoma City saw 78 homicides in 2024, Tulsa's numbers have improved, with homicides dropping 20% over four years.

Alabama

Alabama pulls you in with its charm—lazy summer nights, football rivalries that run deep, and a food scene that'll ruin you for anywhere else. With 1,485 incidents per 100,000 residents, the city has its struggles, yet it remains a vibrant center of history, music, and community that refuses to lose its spirit.

Colorado

Wake up in Colorado, and you've got choices—hit the slopes, hike a rugged trail, or grab a craft beer in a city buzzing with creativity. With over 300 days of sunshine, it's no wonder people keep moving here. In 2023, the state saw 485 violent incidents per 100k residents, a dip from the previous year.

Georgia

Georgia is a state of contrasts—bustling cities, quiet small towns, and everything in between. While places like College Park report higher incident rates, with 1,559 violent incidents per 100k residents, other areas, like Holly Springs, offer a peaceful escape with some of the lowest rates in the state.

South Carolina

South Carolina feels like the warmth of a Lowcountry breeze, the scent of salt in the air, and the kind of Southern hospitality that turns strangers into friends. Beyond the charm, the state has seen some big shifts. In 2023, violent incidents dropped by 5.8%, with fewer cases of assault, robbery, and killings.

Arizona

Arizona is where saguaros stand tall, the sunsets look like paintings, and winter means perfect hiking weather instead of shoveling snow. But life in the desert isn't just about breathtaking landscapes—it's always evolving. Property-related issues saw a slight increase in 2024, and there was a reminder to keep doors locked and valuables secure.

New Mexico

New Mexico is a land of beauty and tradition, but like anywhere, it has its rough patches. In 2024, the state reported 781 violent incidents per 100k people, the highest in the country. Albuquerque saw an 11% increase in burglaries, though auto theft and robbery declined.

Missouri

Missouri has a way of keeping things interesting. One minute, you're sinking your teeth into the best barbecue of your life; the next, you're catching a live jazz set in a Kansas City speakeasy or hiking through the rolling Ozarks. St. Louis reported just 150 homicides in 2024, the lowest in over a decade.

Wisconsin

If there's one thing Wisconsin knows how to do, it's surprise you. Sure, it's got legendary cheese curds, die-hard Packers fans, and summers made for lake life—but, it's been making headlines for something else: safer communities. In 2024, Milwaukee saw a 23% drop in homicides, hitting its lowest number in five years.