U.S. News and World Report has identified the 10 most dangerous states in the United States, revealing a stark contrast between public safety and the aesthetics of these locations. The rankings are based on FBI estimates that assess both violent and property crime rates across states. Not surprisingly, New Mexico tops the list as the most dangerous state, despite its reputation as a popular tourist destination known for stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The report’s metrics categorize violent crimes, including assault and murder, while property crimes encompass theft-related incidents. Additionally, factors such as climate, economic conditions, law enforcement presence, and population density contribute to crime rates, with a notable number of crimes going unreported.
New Mexico’s violent crime rate stands out at 749 per 100,000 residents, a figure likely influenced by high-profile portrayals in popular culture, notably in the television series “Breaking Bad.” In the series, Albuquerque, a prominent city in New Mexico, serves as a backdrop for the story, and the latest statistics mirror the show’s focus on crime, as arrests in the city surged by 12% in Q1 2025. Santa Fe, the state’s capital, also reported a 5% increase in crime compared to 2024. The property crime rate is equally alarming, recorded at 2,887 per 100,000 residents, drawing parallels to Washington state, which lands seventh on the list, highlighting the pressing safety concerns in these beautiful yet dangerous regions.
Colorado, famed for its breathtaking mountain ranges and ski resorts, is ranked second in terms of danger with a violent crime rate of 474 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,879 per 100,000. Despite its appeal and a ranking of 11th overall among states for public wellbeing—taking into account education and healthcare access—other analyses, such as one by WalletHub, emphasize its insecurity, placing Colorado 42nd among the safest states. This duality exemplifies the challenges of balancing attractiveness with safety in a state that is a prime destination for outdoor activities.
Louisiana, despite a marginal drop to third place from last year’s position, sees much of its crime concentrated in New Orleans, with a violent crime rate of 548 per 100,000 and property crime at 2,630 per 100,000. U.S. News and World Report highlights Louisiana as the least favorable state overall in its 2025 rankings, further stressing concerns regarding safety in a state otherwise rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. These figures underscore the systemic challenges facing Louisiana, particularly in urban areas where crime rates disproportionately affect the community.
In fourth place, Tennessee has seen a slight degradation in safety, now reporting a violent crime rate of 628 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,362 per 100,000. This shift in ranking from sixth to fourth highlights the evolving safety landscape in the state. Similarly, Arkansas, ranked fifth, recorded a violent crime rate of 620 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,229 per 100,000, showing an improvement from last year as it climbed the rankings. Both states represent the continuing issues of crime prevalent across many southern states while still being marked by their picturesque settings.
The full list of the 10 most dangerous states in the U.S. includes New Mexico, Colorado, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas, followed by Alaska, Washington, California, Nevada, and South Carolina. Conversely, the rankings identify the safest states as consistently charming, with New Hampshire leading the pack, followed by Maine and Idaho, demonstrating that beauty doesn’t always equate to safety. These juxtaposed realities serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities of life in the U.S., where popular tourist destinations can harbor significant public safety concerns despite their visual appeal.
