Minnesota Ranks Among Safest States In U.S., But Study Finds Weak Spot

MINNESOTA — A new WalletHub study ranks Minnesota among the safest states in America, but not without a few trouble spots.

The personal finance website compared all 50 states across 52 safety indicators, ranging from violent crime rates to financial stability and road conditions. Minnesota ranked No. 8 overall, landing in the top 10 for the second year in a row.

The state earned its highest marks for road safety, finishing second in the nation for fewest traffic fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Minnesota also placed fifth for financial safety, thanks to low unemployment, a small share of uninsured residents, and one of the highest rates of adults with rainy-day funds.

However, the state ranked just 23rd for personal and residential safety and 23rd for emergency preparedness, highlighting areas where Minnesota lags behind the safest states such as Vermont and Massachusetts.

The 10 Safest States in America, according to WalletHub:

1. Vermont
2. Massachusetts
3. New Hampshire
4. Maine
5. Utah
6. Connecticut
7. Hawaii
8. Minnesota
9. Rhode Island
10. Wyoming

Neighboring Wisconsin came in at No. 19 overall, while North Dakota ranked 25th and Iowa 12th. The least safe states in the country were Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, according to the report.

WalletHub’s analysis factored in metrics like assaults per capita, job security, identity theft complaints, and fatal occupational injuries.

The full report is available on WalletHub’s website.