This Is the Most Dangerous State in America
From violent crime to the impact of COVID, this is the most perilous place in the country.
![Purse being stolen](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Purse-being-stolen_shutterstock_1247933902.jpg?quality=82&strip=1&resize=640%2C360)
Whether you are on the verge of making a move or have been living in the same state for decades, some level of personal safety is something we all hope to feel in our daily lives. However, there is no getting around the fact that some parts of the United States are safer than others. And with the persistent threat from the coronavirus pandemic, there are even more pitfalls you need to avoid while trying to navigate a safe, healthy, and secure life for you and your family. With that in mind, Best Life set out to determine the most dangerous state in America.
To get to the bottom of what makes one state more dangerous than another, we examined four key metrics. First, we looked to the most recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the number of violent crimes per capita* and the number of property crimes per capita in each state. These two metrics cover the crime spectrum—everything from petty larceny to homicides.
Next, we turned our attention to the COVID crisis. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the number of COVID deaths as of Jan. 26, 2021 and the most recent population data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we calculated the number of deaths due to COVID per capita in each state.
Finally, we factored in the level of safety concern of citizens by gathering the portion of each state's population that took a self-defense class in the last year, which we found in SafeWise's 2020 State of Safety in the Nation research report.
We then gave each of the metrics a weighted value before running them through our exclusive algorithm to see how each state scored on our 100-point scale Danger Index, with a score of 100 indicating the highest level of danger.
Curious to know how your state stacks up? Read on to find out, and to discover if you live in the most dangerous state in America. And for the state that's least likely to walk the straight and narrow, This Is the Most Corrupt State in America.
*Per capita equates to per 100,000 people in all instances.
50
Maine
![portland maine](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/portland-maine.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 112.10
Property crimes per capita: 1,357.80
COVID deaths per capita: 37.35
Residents who took a self-defense class: 7 percent
Danger Index Score: 0.00
49
Vermont
![foliage in montpelier vermont](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/montpelier-vermont-autumn.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 172.00
Property crimes per capita: 1,283.10
COVID deaths per capita: 19.07
Residents who took a self-defense class: 8 percent
Danger Index Score: 1.20
48
New Hampshire
![Manchester is the largest city in the state of New Hampshire and the largest city in northern New England. Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, riverside mills, affordability, and arts & cultural destination.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/new-hampshire-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 173.20
Property crimes per capita: 1,248.50
COVID deaths per capita: 64.79
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 13.70
47
West Virginia
![charleston west virginia skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_746637304.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 289.90
Property crimes per capita: 1,485.60
COVID deaths per capita: 65.45
Residents who took a self-defense class: 5 percent
Danger Index Score: 15.78
46
Wyoming
![Panoramic aerial view of Jackson Hole homes and beautiful mountains on a summer morning, Wyoming.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/wyoming-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 212.20
Property crimes per capita: 1,785.10
COVID deaths per capita: 76.02
Residents who took a self-defense class: 6 percent
Danger Index Score: 18.12
45
Virginia
![richmond virginia skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_661239940.jpg)
Violent crimes per capita: 200.00
Property crimes per capita: 1,665.80
COVID deaths per capita: 70.17
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 22.57
44
Kentucky
![The skyline of Louisville, Kentucky with a blue bridge in the foreground](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/skyline-louisville-kentucky-coronavirus-alarming.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 211.90
Property crimes per capita: 1,962.60
COVID deaths per capita: 84.88
Residents who took a self-defense class: 8 percent
Danger Index Score: 24.87
43
Idaho
![boise idaho](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_1207965919.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 227.10
Property crimes per capita: 1,461.40
COVID deaths per capita: 80.19
Residents who took a self-defense class: 14 percent
Danger Index Score: 25.68
42
Wisconsin
![Milwaukee, Wisconson](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/miluwakke-wisconson.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 295.40
Property crimes per capita: 1,559.90
COVID deaths per capita: 105.47
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 29.24
41
Minnesota
![Minnesota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/mi.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 220.40
Property crimes per capita: 1,993.80
COVID deaths per capita: 103.46
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 30.32
40
New York
![](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/new-york.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 350.50
Property crimes per capita: 1,440.50
COVID deaths per capita: 86.14
Residents who took a self-defense class: 11 percent
Danger Index Score: 30.61
And for the place where people are all about themselves, This Is the Most Selfish State in America.
39
Oregon
![Eugene, Oregon, USA downtown cityscape at dusk.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/oregon-face-mask.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 285.50
Property crimes per capita: 2,894.00
COVID deaths per capita: 34.45
Residents who took a self-defense class: 5 percent
Danger Index Score: 31.22
38
Hawaii
![The skyline of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii on a sunny day](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/skyline-of-honolulu-hawaii-coronavirus-shutdown-waikiki.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 248.60
Property crimes per capita: 2,870.30
COVID deaths per capita: 24.93
Residents who took a self-defense class: 10 percent
Danger Index Score: 33.50
37
Nebraska
![Downtown Omaha skyline with the Gene Leahy Mall in the foreground](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/omaha-nebraska.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 284.80
Property crimes per capita: 2,079.90
COVID deaths per capita: 111.97
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 37.32
36
Ohio
![cincinnati ohio skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_404103445.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 279.90
Property crimes per capita: 2,177.10
COVID deaths per capita: 109.56
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 38.03
35
Pennsylvania
![pittsburgh pennsylvania](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/06/pittsburgh-pennsylvania.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 306.00
Property crimes per capita: 1,489.90
COVID deaths per capita: 137.95
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 38.31
34
Connecticut
![Hartford, CT skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/CT.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 207.40
Property crimes per capita: 1,681.00
COVID deaths per capita: 153.34
Residents who took a self-defense class: 13 percent
Danger Index Score: 38.44
33
Iowa
![Iowa](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/iowa.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 250.10
Property crimes per capita: 1,691.50
COVID deaths per capita: 145.45
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 38.80
32
Rhode Island
![providence skyline rhode island](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/providence-rhode-island.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 219.10
Property crimes per capita: 1,660.90
COVID deaths per capita: 158.02
Residents who took a self-defense class: 13 percent
Danger Index Score: 39.70
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31
Utah
![salt lake city skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/utah-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 233.10
Property crimes per capita: 2,377.50
COVID deaths per capita: 47.85
Residents who took a self-defense class: 19 percent
Danger Index Score: 40.97
30
North Carolina
![skyline of downtown charlotte north carolina](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/shutterstock_1158438217.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 377.60
Property crimes per capita: 2,494.10
COVID deaths per capita: 35.14
Residents who took a self-defense class: 13 percent
Danger Index Score: 42.24
29
Florida
![tampa florida skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_711013549.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 384.90
Property crimes per capita: 2,281.80
COVID deaths per capita: 99.51
Residents who took a self-defense class: 8 percent
Danger Index Score: 43.60
And while we're on the subject of safety, make sure to check out This State Has the Worst Drivers in America.
28
Washington
![Bellevue Washington. The snowy Alpine Lakes Wilderness mountain peaks rise behind the urban skyline.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/king-county-washington.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 311.50
Property crimes per capita: 2,946.20
COVID deaths per capita: 46.29
Residents who took a self-defense class: 11 percent
Danger Index Score: 43.71
27
New Jersey
![Newark is the largest city in New Jersey. Newark is one of largest rail and air hubs in the nation. Newark is known for its glamorous performing arts venues, premium outlet mall, museums, and the argest collection of cherry blossoms.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/new-jersey-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 208.10
Property crimes per capita: 1,404.90
COVID deaths per capita: 203.53
Residents who took a self-defense class: 14 percent
Danger Index Score: 44.06
26
Massachusetts
![Sailboats on the Charles River with Boston's Back Bay skyline in the background.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/boston-massachusetts.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 338.10
Property crimes per capita: 1,63.30
COVID deaths per capita: 147.48
Residents who took a self-defense class: 17 percent
Danger Index Score: 45.35
25
Michigan
![detroit michigan skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_512268166.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 449.40
Property crimes per capita: 1,653.50
COVID deaths per capita: 117.68
Residents who took a self-defense class: 11 percent
Danger Index Score: 45.62
24
Montana
![billings montana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/montana-wildfires.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 374.10
Property crimes per capita: 2,496.30
COVID deaths per capita: 110.87
Residents who took a self-defense class: 7 percent
Danger Index Score: 46.61
23
North Dakota
![](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/univ_north_dakota.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 280.60
Property crimes per capita: 2,040.20
COVID deaths per capita: 186.60
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 48.85
22
Colorado
![skyline of denver colorado](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/shutterstock_635414480.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 397.20
Property crimes per capita: 2,671.60
COVID deaths per capita: 84.76
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 49.09
21
Delaware
![Saturated early morning light hits the buildings and architecture of downtown Wilmington Delaware](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/delaware-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 423.60
Property crimes per capita: 2,324.40
COVID deaths per capita: 82.57
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 49.34
20
California
![sacramento california drone shot from above](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/california-death-coronavirus.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 447.40
Property crimes per capita: 2,380.40
COVID deaths per capita: 74.71
Residents who took a self-defense class: 13 percent
Danger Index Score: 51.79
And for the place with the shortest fuse, This Is the Angriest State in America.
19
Maryland
![baltimore skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/maryland-state.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 468.70
Property crimes per capita: 2,033.30
COVID deaths per capita: 110.00
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 52.60
18
Mississippi
![Jackson, Mississippi, USA cityscape at dusk.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/mississippi-shut-down.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 234.40
Property crimes per capita: 2,403.00
COVID deaths per capita: 165.89
Residents who took a self-defense class: 13 percent
Danger Index Score: 53.03
17
Georgia
![Atlanta Georgia at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Atlanta-Georgia.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 326.60
Property crimes per capita: 2,573.70
COVID deaths per capita: 90.13
Residents who took a self-defense class: 16 percent
Danger Index Score: 53.15
16
South Dakota
![rapid city, south dakota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/south-dakota-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 404.70
Property crimes per capita: 1,728.70
COVID deaths per capita: 180.07
Residents who took a self-defense class: 11 percent
Danger Index Score: 54.11
15
Illinois
![Illinois](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/illinois.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 404.10
Property crimes per capita: 1,932.80
COVID deaths per capita: 124.65
Residents who took a self-defense class: 16 percent
Danger Index Score: 54.56
14
Indiana
![indianapolis indiana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_1107977840.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 382.30
Property crimes per capita: 2,179.30
COVID deaths per capita: 131.98
Residents who took a self-defense class: 14 percent
Danger Index Score: 55.31
13
Texas
![houston texas skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_192404471.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 410.90
Property crimes per capita: 2,367.20
COVID deaths per capita: 103.76
Residents who took a self-defense class: 14 percent
Danger Index Score: 55.32
12
Nevada
![Reno at sunrise](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/nevada-face-mask-required.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 541.10
Property crimes per capita: 2,438.20
COVID deaths per capita: 108.50
Residents who took a self-defense class: 11 percent
Danger Index Score: 61.86
11
Missouri
![The skyline of St. Louis, Missouri with the Arch in view.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/missouri-skyline-coronavirus-red-zone.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 502.10
Property crimes per capita: 2,647.10
COVID deaths per capita: 124.48
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 62.33
10
South Carolina
![charleston south carolina](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_395749504.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 488.30
Property crimes per capita: 3,017.60
COVID deaths per capita: 103.04
Residents who took a self-defense class: 9 percent
Danger Index Score: 63.34
9
Kansas
![Wichita, Kansas, USA downtown skyline at dusk.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/wichita-kansas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 439.00
Property crimes per capita: 2,633.90
COVID deaths per capita: 118.18
Residents who took a self-defense class: 14 percent
Danger Index Score: 63.55
8
Oklahoma
![tulsa oklahoma skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_1220319235.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 466.10
Property crimes per capita: 2,875.00
COVID deaths per capita: 107.43
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 64.48
7
Arizona
![An aerial view of downtown Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding urban area.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Arizona-shut-down.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 474.90
Property crimes per capita: 2,676.80
COVID deaths per capita: 126.52
Residents who took a self-defense class: 14 percent
Danger Index Score: 67.97
6
Tennessee
![knoxville tennessee skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_176966672.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 623.70
Property crimes per capita: 2,825.40
COVID deaths per capita: 111.95
Residents who took a self-defense class: 8 percent
Danger Index Score: 69.69
5
Alabama
![mobile alabama skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_431489701.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 519.60
Property crimes per capita: 2,817.20
COVID deaths per capita: 130.59
Residents who took a self-defense class: 18 percent
Danger Index Score: 79.05
4
Arkansas
![little rock arkansas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_707739526.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 543.60
Property crimes per capita: 2,913.00
COVID deaths per capita: 130.00
Residents who took a self-defense class: 16 percent
Danger Index Score: 79.31
3
Louisiana
![baton rouge louisiana from above](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_1161171376.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 537.5
Property crimes per capita: 3,276.00
COVID deaths per capita: 143.99
Residents who took a self-defense class: 15 percent
Danger Index Score: 85.27
2
Alaska
![An aerial view of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel from Mount Roberts.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/alaska-wildfires.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 885.00
Property crimes per capita: 3,300.50
COVID deaths per capita: 27.75
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 85.56
1
New Mexico
![santa fe new mexico skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_1462333493.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Violent crimes per capita: 856.60
Property crimes per capita: 3,419.70
COVID deaths per capita: 115.51
Residents who took a self-defense class: 12 percent
Danger Index Score: 100.00
And for the place more green with envy than any other, This Is the Most Jealous State in America.