A new nationwide analysis by Omega Law has revealed that New Mexico leads the country in residential crime, recording an alarming 3,465.75 incidents per 100,000 residents. At the other end of the scale, Hawaii was named the safest state for homes, with a rate nearly six times lower.
The study, based on official FBI crime data, highlights just how much home safety can vary depending on where Americans live.
The States with the Highest Residential Crime Rates
The report found that homeowners in several states face crime risks significantly above the national average:
- New Mexico – 3,465.75 residential crimes per 100,000 residents
- Kansas – 2,865.15
- Tennessee – 2,733.73
- South Carolina – 2,693.54
- Louisiana – 2,688.16
Kansas, which ranked second, recorded a rate that was 17% lower than New Mexico’s but still markedly higher than most other states. Tennessee, South Carolina, and Louisiana rounded out the top five, reflecting a concentration of residential crime risk in the South and Midwest.
“These findings show that where you live can dramatically affect your likelihood of experiencing residential crime,” said a spokesperson for Omega Law. “While some regions are trending safer, others continue to face persistently high rates of crime in and around homes.”
The Safest States for Homes
Conversely, the study also identified states where residential crimes are far less common:
- Hawaii – 627.52 residential crimes per 100,000 residents
- New Jersey – 1,037.23
- Vermont – 1,110.49
- New Hampshire – 1,229.13
- Maine – 1,245.23
Hawaii stands out as the safest state by a wide margin, with residential crime rates nearly six times lower than those in New Mexico. Four northeastern states — New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine — complete the list of the five safest states, underscoring strong regional patterns.
Regional Trends in Residential Crime
The analysis reveals a clear regional divide:
- States in the Southwest and South dominate the list of highest-risk states.
- The Northeast consistently records the lowest residential crime rates.
“Location is a major factor in residential safety,” the OmegaLaw.com spokesperson added. “Everything from economic conditions and law enforcement resources to community structures plays a role. The five-fold difference between the most dangerous and safest states demonstrates that residential crime risk is far from evenly spread across the country.”
What the Findings Mean for Homeowners
Residential crimes — whether burglaries, break-ins, or thefts — impact families well beyond the financial loss. They often leave long-lasting effects on a household’s sense of safety and community trust.
“Even in states with lower crime rates, homeowners shouldn’t become complacent,” the spokesperson said. “Simple steps like installing outdoor lighting, reinforcing locks, and considering alarm systems can help protect households. Community watch programs and neighborhood communication also remain powerful tools.”
The study’s findings may also have implications for real estate and insurance markets, with homeowners in higher-risk states often facing increased premiums and additional safety concerns when purchasing or maintaining property.
About the Study
The study was conducted by Omega Law and analyzed FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data from all 50 states. Researchers calculated the number of crimes committed in residences per 100,000 residents, allowing for consistent comparison across state populations.
