America’s most dangerous states revealed — and this beautiful tourist destination tops the list
They’re beautiful places — but are they to die for?
U.S. News & World Report has ranked the 10 most dangerous states in America, with several picturesque places considered among the most violent.
The site used FBI estimates to factor in the violent crime rate and property crime rate of each state to assess overall public safety, with New Mexico coming in as the most dangerous in the US.
The Southwestern state is a top tourist destination known for its beautiful scenery, national parks and dry deserts.
The FBI defines violent crime as assault, rape, manslaughter and murder, and property crime is typically defined as arson, burglary and vehicle theft.
The agency also stresses that different components go into the amount and types of crime in certain areas, including climate, economic conditions, law enforcement and population density. Many crimes also go unreported, and therefore are not included in data.
All but two of the 10 most dangerous states land in the lower half of the U.S. News Best States ranking for 2025. Below, a look at the top five.
New Mexico
New Mexico, which is ironically where the hit show “Breaking Bad” took place, has a violent crime rate of 749 per 100,000 residents, per the report.
In “Breaking Bad,” meth dealer Walter White lived with his family in Albuquerque, the most populated city in New Mexico — which has a crime rate above the national average, according to the city police.
The police department reported that felony arrests in Albuquerque went up 12% in the first quarter of 2025. In Sante Fe, the capital of New Mexico, the crime rate increased 5% since 2024.
Its property crime rate was 2,887 per 100,000, which is the exact same rate as Washington state, which ranked as the seventh most dangerous state.
Colorado
Colorado, known for its mountain ranges and beautiful ski resorts, was named the second most dangerous state in America, with a violent crime rate of 474 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,879 per 100,000.
Though U.S. News ranked Colorado as the 11th best overall state overall due to good public education and access to health care, a previous study from WalletHub echoed the new analysis, ranking it in 42nd place on a list of the safest states to live in.
Louisiana
Louisiana got a little safer this year, dropping into third place compared to last year’s second place, per the report.
According to U.S. News & World Report, much of the crime is happening in New Orleans.
The Bayou state reportedly had a violent crime rate of 548 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,630 per 100,000.
Meanwhile, Louisiana came in last place on U.S. News’ 2025 list of best overall states.
Tennessee
In fourth place was Tennessee, with a violent crime rate of 628 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,362 per 100,000.
Last year, Tennessee was listed at number six, meaning it got slightly worse in the U.S. News rankings.
Arkansas
Another Southern state, Arkansas had a violent crime rate of 620 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,229 per 100,000.
However, Arkansas improved this year, having come in fourth place on the same list last year.
10 most dangerous states in the US
- New Mexico
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- Alaska
- Washington
- California
- Nevada
- South Carolina
Meanwhile, the safest states in America are also among the most picturesque, too.
New Hampshire was named the safest state in America, followed by Maine in second and Idaho in third.
