Which US States Offer the Best Combination of Safety, Financial Stability, and Affordable Living?

When deciding where to settle down in the US, most people juggle competing priorities: they want a safe neighborhood, stable finances, and reasonable housing costs. But finding a location that excels in all three categories simultaneously is tougher than it sounds. Some regions boast low crime but sky-high property values, while others offer affordability at the cost of security concerns.

A comprehensive analysis by WalletHub examined over 50 data points across five key dimensions—personal and residential safety, financial stability, road safety, workplace security, and emergency readiness—to identify which states best serve both health and financial wellbeing.

The Northeast Dominates the Safety Rankings

Vermont Leads the Pack

Vermont emerges as the nation’s safest state with an overall score of 67.22 out of 100. What makes the Green Mountain State stand out isn’t just its low crime rates; residents also benefit from strong financial indicators. The median home price of $509,000 sits modestly above the US national average (which stood at $435,495 as of September 2025), yet Vermonters enjoy fewer mortgage defaults and significantly lower bankruptcy rates than most states.

Massachusetts and New Hampshire Follow Closely

Massachusetts, home to prestigious institutions like Harvard, captured second place with a score of 66.56. The state’s job security rates and robust emergency medical services infrastructure drove its ranking. Despite median home values reaching $759,999—well above the US average—Massachusetts still managed a third-place finish in financial safety metrics.

New Hampshire rounded out the Northeast trio with a score of 65.75. The state’s second-place ranking for personal and residential safety owes much to active neighborhood watch programs and consistently low crime statistics. A median home price of $595,000 reflects higher costs, but this is offset by strong employment conditions and above-average credit scores.

The Mid-Atlantic and Mountain West Offer Hidden Value

Maine: Affordability Meets Security

Scoring 64.69, Maine ranks fourth nationally while offering genuine financial relief. The Pine Tree State’s cost of living for a single person is 31.5% below the US average at $3,267 monthly, with families of four spending around $5,340—still 1.1% under the national average. With a median home price of $475,000, Maine provides an attractive entry point for buyers seeking safety without breaking the bank.

Utah: Safety Amid Natural Beauty

Utah’s score of 62.88 places it fifth in the nation. Beyond its renowned canyons and national parks, the Beehive State impresses with road safety metrics—among the lowest fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled—plus strong workplace safety and emergency preparedness records. The $595,000 median home price reflects its growing appeal within the US market.

Connecticut: Neighborhood Safety in Focus

Connecticut achieved sixth place overall with 62.25 points, leading the entire country in personal and residential safety. Recent crime statistics validate this ranking: crimes against people dropped 2.4%, property crimes fell 16.9%, and crimes against society declined 4.3%, according to the state’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Diverse Options Across Geography

Hawaii’s Premium Lifestyle

Hawaii’s 61.52 score reflects its unique position—while median home prices touch $750,000, the state ranks 11th nationally for financial safety. Factors like strong emergency fund prevalence among households and controlled unemployment rates balance the considerable cost of living.

Minnesota: Middle America’s Surprise

With 61.25 points, Minnesota delivers exceptional value. It ranked second in US road safety and fifth for financial stability, while boasting the lowest median home price among the top 10 states at just $395,000—the only state in this group to fall below the national average.

Rhode Island: Small State, Big Safety

The nation’s smallest state scored 60.17, placing it in the top 10 for both personal/residential safety and emergency preparedness. The median home price of $583,950 reflects New England premium, though remains accessible compared to nearby Massachusetts.

Wyoming: Western Frontier Security

Wyoming rounds out the top 10 with 59.04 points and a median home price of $492,500. The Cowboy State excels in emergency preparedness and maintains solid personal safety rankings, making it attractive for those prioritizing security in the US.

What These Rankings Mean for Your Move

The common thread among these ten states isn’t just low crime—it’s balanced risk management across multiple life dimensions. Whether you prioritize financial security, neighborhood safety, or road conditions, the US offers states where different priorities align favorably. The most successful relocations happen when you match your personal priorities to what each state genuinely delivers.