Most Dangerous States in America 2024

Are you more likely to get in a car accident in California than in Indiana? Do more people get hurt on the job in New Jersey than in New Mexico?

When you think about safety in the United States, where does your state rank? When it comes to crime, road hazards, workplace incidents, or emergency preparedness, the reality is that some states are significantly more dangerous than others. But what factors contribute to these risks? And more importantly, what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones?

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand as well as anyone that accidents can and do happen. After all, our mission is to fight for the rights of personal injury victims across the country.

That’s why we know that certain states tend to have higher rates of accidents, injuries, and fatalities than others. Whether it's car crashes, slip-and-fall incidents, or workplace accidents, some areas can statistically be considered “injury hotspots.”

In Morgan & Morgan’s “Most Dangerous States in America” series, we’ll dive into some of the most dangerous states in the U.S., based on accident and injury statistics, and what you can do if you're injured in these areas.

The Most Dangerous States in the USA

While we later look into how states rank in specific categories, let’s first take a look at the overall most dangerous places with all factors combined.

5. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is the fifth-least safe state in the U.S. The state has the third-highest share of uninsured people with 14.3% of residents not having health insurance, and Oklahoma's overall crime rate is 3,277.08 per 100,000 people.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas is the fourth-least safe state in the country. Arkansas ranks low for personal and residential safety and financial safety but performs slightly better in the other categories. Arkansas has the third-highest number of assaults per capita and the fifth-highest bullying incidence rate. Arkansas also has the fifth-highest murder rate in the U.S. with 8.6 murders per 100,000 people.

3. Texas

Texas is the third-most dangerous state in the country. The Lone Star State ranks low on several categories, including emergency preparedness, and has the highest share of uninsured people, with 18.4% of the population going without health insurance.

2. Mississippi

Mississippi has the second-highest fatalities per 100 million miles traveled and also has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Before COVID-19, the unemployment rate sat around 5.5% and currently sits around 6.4%.

And the most dangerous state is…

1. Louisiana

Louisiana is the most dangerous state in the U.S. It has one of the highest unemployment rates, sitting at 8.3% as of November 2020. Louisiana also has the third-highest bullying incident rate, and one of the high fatalities per 100 million miles traveled. Louisiana also has the highest homicide rate in the U.S. with 14.4 murders per 100,000 people.

What to Else Expect in This Series

As we continue to discuss the most dangerous states in the country, each blog will focus on a specific category of safety, ranking states based on factors such as:

• Personal and Residential Safety Rankings – Which states have the highest rates of violent crime, theft, and home invasions? We’ll analyze crime data to determine where personal safety is most at risk.
• Financial Safety Rankings – From fraud and identity theft to employment stability, financial security varies widely across the country. We’ll highlight the states where residents face the greatest economic dangers.
• Road Safety Rankings – Traffic accidents, drunk driving statistics, and infrastructure conditions all play a role in road safety. Which states have the most dangerous highways and the highest rates of fatal crashes?
• Emergency Preparedness Rankings – Natural disasters, extreme weather events, and emergency response capabilities all affect a state’s ability to protect its residents. We’ll examine which states are least prepared for major crises.
• Workplace Safety Rankings – Every industry comes with risks, but some states have more workplace injuries, deaths, and employer violations than others. We’ll uncover where workers face the highest danger.

Why It Helps to Know

Understanding these rankings isn’t just about curiosity—it’s about awareness and safety. If you live in one of the most dangerous states, knowing the risks can help you take the best steps to protect yourself. And if you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, knowing your legal rights can help you get your life back on track.

Morgan & Morgan has been fighting for victims of negligence and wrongdoing for decades. Whether it's a workplace injury, a car accident, or an issue of financial fraud, we stand up for those who need justice.

As the largest personal injury law firm in the country, we have offices in every state across the nation—especially in the most dangerous ones. If you've been injured in one of these dangerous states, or anywhere else, we're here to help you navigate the legal process and get you the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life. 

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.