New Mexico Leads Nation in Residential Crime, FBI Data Shows Hawaii as Safest

A new report from Omega Law has identified New Mexico as the most dangerous state for homeowners, with a staggering 3,465.75 residential crimes per 100,000 residents. The findings, based on FBI crime data, highlight significant regional disparities in residential safety across America.

By contrast, Hawaii was named the safest state, with just 627.52 residential crimes per 100,000 residents — nearly six times lower than New Mexico’s rate.

Most Dangerous States for Homes

The analysis revealed that homeowners in several states face particularly high risks when it comes to residential crime:

1. New Mexico – 3,465.75 residential crimes per 100,000 residents

2. Kansas – 2,865.15

3. Tennessee – 2,733.73

4. South Carolina – 2,693.54

5. Louisiana – 2,688.16

Kansas ranked second, with a crime rate 17% lower than New Mexico’s but still significantly higher than the majority of states. Tennessee, South Carolina, and Louisiana followed closely, showing that the South and Midwest dominate the list of states where homes are most at risk.

“These numbers highlight the uneven nature of residential safety across the U.S.,” said a spokesperson for Omega Law. “While some states face crime rates well above the national average, others have managed to keep residential incidents far lower.”

Safest States for Homes

On the opposite end of the spectrum, several states recorded substantially lower levels of home-based crime:

1. Hawaii – 627.52 residential crimes per 100,000 residents

2. New Jersey – 1,037.23

3. Vermont – 1,110.49

4. New Hampshire – 1,229.13

5. Maine – 1,245.23

The Northeast dominated the safest state rankings, with New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine joining Hawaii to make up the five safest states for homeowners.

Regional Patterns and Safety Insights

The study emphasizes that residential crime is not evenly distributed across the nation. States in the Southwest and South consistently report higher rates of crimes occurring in homes, while the Northeast has some of the lowest.

“Residential crime is influenced by multiple factors, including economic pressures, policing resources, and community structure,” the OmegaLaw.com spokesperson noted. “The nearly six-fold gap between New Mexico and Hawaii shows that location plays a crucial role in determining a household’s safety risks.”

Why These Findings Matter for Homeowners

Residential crimes — from burglaries to break-ins — have lasting consequences for families, not just in financial terms but also in emotional security. Understanding local crime trends empowers residents to take preventive action.

“Even in states with lower rates, no homeowner should take safety for granted,” the spokesperson said. “Basic precautions — such as reinforcing doors and windows, investing in alarm systems, and fostering neighborhood watch programs — remain vital in protecting families.”

The findings also have implications for insurance, real estate values, and long-term community planning. Higher rates of residential crime often correlate with higher homeowner insurance premiums and may influence relocation decisions.

About the Study

The analysis, conducted by OmegaLaw.com, reviewed FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data across all 50 states. The study calculated residential crime rates per 100,000 residents, ensuring consistency and comparability across states. The results provide a clear picture of where U.S. homeowners face the greatest and least risks of residential crime.