Which American States Offer the Best Combination of Safety and Financial Stability?

Choosing where to settle involves balancing multiple factors: your personal security, financial wellbeing, job prospects, and community safety. According to a comprehensive WalletHub analysis examining over 50 metrics across personal safety, financial security, traffic safety, workplace conditions, and disaster readiness, certain safest states consistently outperform others across these dimensions.

The Northeast Dominance: Financial Security Meets Safety

Vermont’s Leadership Position

Vermont claimed the top ranking with a score of 67.22/100, establishing itself as America’s most balanced locale for both health and wealth. The state demonstrates particular strength in financial stability indicators—fewer residents carry underwater mortgages, and bankruptcy rates remain comparatively low. While the median home listing sits at $509,000 (slightly elevated from the national $435,495 benchmark as of September 2025), the premium reflects the underlying financial health of the state’s residents rather than speculative market pressures.

Massachusetts and New Hampshire: The Educational Edge

Massachusetts followed closely with a 66.56 score, benefiting from Harvard and MIT’s presence and the resulting economic ecosystem. Job security reaches exceptional levels, and the prevalence of emergency medical technicians suggests robust community infrastructure. Despite median home values reaching $759,999, Massachusetts still ranked third nationally for financial safety metrics including employment growth and foreclosure resistance.

New Hampshire entered the top three with 65.75 points, leveraging low crime statistics and extensive neighborhood watch programs for its second-place personal safety ranking. The $595,000 median home price reflects low unemployment and elevated median credit scores across the population.

The Northern Corridor: Affordability Meets Tranquility

Maine’s Cost-of-Living Advantage

Maine distinguished itself as the fourth safest state (64.69 score) while offering genuine financial accessibility. Single residents spend approximately $3,267 monthly—31.5% below the national average. A four-person household averages $5,340 monthly, staying 1.1% under national norms. With a $475,000 median home price and strong emergency preparedness infrastructure, Maine represents an uncommon combination of safety and affordability.

Minnesota’s Value Proposition

Minnesota secured eighth place with 61.25 points while boasting the lowest median home price among top-ten states at just $395,000. The state ranked second nationally for road safety and fifth for financial safety metrics, making it particularly attractive for cost-conscious families prioritizing transportation security.

Western and Southern Alternatives

Utah, Connecticut, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Wyoming

Utah rounded out the top five with 62.88 points, combining stunning natural landscapes with fourth-place vehicle safety ratings and strong workplace security. Connecticut (62.25) led the nation in residential safety with continuously declining crime rates: 2.4% reduction in violent crimes, 16.9% drop in property crimes, and 4.3% decrease in societal crimes.

Hawaii achieved 61.52 despite $750,000 median home prices, maintaining 11th-place financial safety standing through strong unemployment management and household emergency fund prevalence. Rhode Island (60.17) excelled in residential safety and emergency response capabilities with a $583,950 median listing. Wyoming (59.04) completed the safest states list with $492,500 homes and commendable emergency preparedness infrastructure.

Making Your Decision

Financial safety rankings incorporated employment growth rates, foreclosure prevalence, and personal bankruptcy statistics—not merely home prices. The safest states cluster in the Northeast and upper Midwest, where community investment in emergency services, established neighborhood safety networks, and employment stability create reinforcing security cycles. Prospective residents should cross-reference median home prices with local employment rates, unemployment levels, and median credit scores to identify which safest states align with their specific financial circumstances and lifestyle priorities.