Most Dangerous States in America for Personal & Residential Safety

When we think about safety, our homes and personal well-being are at the top of the list. But depending on where you live, the risks you face can vary dramatically. 

Some states struggle with high crime rates, while others battle property theft, home invasions, and a lack of emergency response resources. But which states should be most concerned about such risks?

In this installment of our “Most Dangerous States in America” series, we’re taking a closer look at personal and residential safety—a huge factor in determining how secure a state truly is.

How Personal & Residential Safety Was Measured

To rank the states, key data points were analyzed, including:

• Presence of Terrorist Attacks
• Number of Mass Shootings
• Murders & Non-Negligent Manslaughters per Capita
• Forcible Rapes per Capita
• Assaults per Capita
• Thefts per Capita
• Sex Offenders per Capita
• Drug Abuses per Capita
• Overdose Deaths per Capita
• Law-Enforcement Employees per Capita
• Active Firefighters per Capita
• Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics per Capita
• Suicide Rate
• Bullying Incidence Rate
• Share of Elder-Abuse, Gross-Neglect and Exploitation Complaints
• Hate-Crime Incidents per Capita
• Hate Groups per Capita
• Neighborhood Watch Groups per Capita
• Share of Families with Children Aged 0 to 17 Who Feel They Live in Safe Neighborhoods:
• Share of Families with Children Aged 6 to 17 Who Go to Safe Schools:

The Most Dangerous States for Personal & Residential Safety

5. Louisiana

With one of the highest homicide rates in the U.S., Louisiana remains a hotspot for violent crime. Additionally, property crime is prevalent, especially in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where residents frequently report burglaries and car thefts.

4. Tennessee

Tennessee experiences high violent crime rates, particularly in Memphis and Nashville. Gun violence, assaults, and home invasions are ongoing concerns. Additionally, Tennessee’s drug-related crimes contribute to an unsafe environment in certain areas. In 2020, the state had 11.5 murders per 100,000, the eighth-highest homicide rate in the country.

3. Arkansas

Arkansas faces high rates of aggravated assault and property crime, particularly in urban areas like Little Rock. Many neighborhoods struggle with break-ins, and rural areas often lack sufficient law enforcement coverage.

2. Nevada

While Nevada is best known for Las Vegas, it also has a high crime rate outside the tourist areas. Property crime is especially common, with frequent home burglaries, car break-ins, and package thefts. Additionally, some neighborhoods in Las Vegas and Reno have higher violent crime rates than the national average.

And the most dangerous state for personal and residential safety is…

1. South Carolina

South Carolina ranks as the most dangerous state in America in the personal and residential safety category. The state has a high rate of property crimes, including burglaries and home break-ins. Cities like Columbia and Charleston report frequent car thefts and armed robberies, making it a dangerous place for homeowners.

How to Stay Safe

Regardless of where you live, there are steps you can take to improve your personal and residential safety:

• Invest in home security: A monitored alarm system and security cameras can deter criminals.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on neighborhood crime trends through apps like Nextdoor or Citizen.
• Strengthen community ties: Engaging with neighbors and local watch programs can help improve safety.
• Know your local emergency contacts: Save police, fire, and medical response numbers in your phone.
• Be cautious online: Avoid sharing personal details about your home or schedule on social media.

What’s Next?

In our next article, we’ll examine Financial Safety Rankings, exploring which states are the riskiest when it comes to fraud, identity theft, and economic instability. 

Remember, when you find yourself in harm’s way due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you can contact Morgan & Morgan 24/7. With a free case evaluation, you can learn more about your legal options and what compensation you may be entitled to. With offices in every state across America—including the most dangerous states—we may have a lawyer near you who can help.