Where most people think that violence comes only in the form of war, you might be surprised to see the staggering statistics of the rate of violent criminal activities that take place all over the US. In a report released in August 2019, there were nearly 297 mass shootings that took place in the US till that time. It amounts to a total of 1.2 mass shootings per day. Almost 1554 people were a victim of these shootings as 1219 people got injured, and 335 people lost their lives. The American government has been severely bashed due to its policy of funding millions of dollars in offshore wars when their own citizens don’t feel safe within American borders. People are starting to take the streets against the government so that they can be provided with basic human rights such as safety, shelter, food, and employment.
The most common crimes committed in the US range from aggravated assault, robbery, domestic violence, rape, homicide, etc. According to a report generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for every 100,000 people in the US, nearly 400 reported being a victim of a violent crime. For such an advanced country, these statistic put a very negative image of the US in the eyes of a common individual. Generally speaking, the rate of violence in most states is relative to how developed it is. With areas that are concentrated in racial minorities, the crime situation is even worse. Many states which has a high crime rate also has a high unemployment rate and state with strong economies tend to be more peaceful. Being a combination of 50 states, let’s look at the list of X states that are ranked from the most criminal to the most peaceful.
Louisiana
When it comes to murder rate, Louisiana has the highest number of deaths per residents compared to the rest of the states. According to report published in 2017, almost 12.4 people per 100,000 lost their lives in that year. The number is nearly twice as higher when compared to the rest of the states. One of the greatest reasons for this staggering rate of violence is that the state has one of the most lenient gun laws in the country. It is very easy to buy a firearm and get a license for it. Consequently, a gun is the most used murder weapon in the state. On top of that, Louisiana has a crime rate of 660 criminal acts per 100,000 citizens which is the 4th highest rate in the US. In 2018, the unemployment rate in the area was measured to be as high as 5% which is very alarming. Criminal rate in Louisiana is an increasing concern and the government needs to take strict measures to ensure the safety of the people in the area.
Alaska
The state which is famous for its lakes, rivers, and waterways, is not all sunshine and rainbows when you look at the criminal statistics. Having a crime rate of 830 per 100,000 residents, Alaska has the highest criminal rate when compared to the rest of the states. When you match it with the average crime rate of 382 per 100,000 nationwide, you can image the gravity of the situation. However, the crime that is committed in Alaska is more about self-harm than harm against other individuals. The state had an alarming rate of suicides for the past five years which were as high as 25 suicides per 100,000 people. Additionally, most of these suicide deaths were related to firearms. Most of this is accredited to the unemployment rate of Alaska which is the highest in the USA. Severe firearms law needs to be implemented in the region and the local government needs to ensure that it provides equally opportunities to every individual so that each of them can get jobs and feel valued.
Missouri
Second only to Louisiana, Missouri has the second highest number of murder rate in the country. The state’s 9.8 murders per 100,000 citizens are mainly focused in the urban areas of the cities where a lot of homicides take place. According to the Forbes magazine, Missouri has one of the most violent cities in the USA named St. Louis which has a crime rate of 1857 per 100,000 residents. The city is plagued with many heinous crimes such as rape, murder, and even human trafficking. It has one of the largest drug circle in the US with a lot of people being a victim of the drug mafia. The city ranks fourth in the nation where most murders are committed. The crime in the area is very huge regional problem which is hindering its path towards success. There are several bills in place to improve the gun laws and introduce technology reforms in the state so that it can get out of this predicament.
California
The rate of violent crime is considerably high when compared to the lifestyle the state offers. In 2017, nearly 500 incidents of violent crimes per 100,000 residents were reported most of which were domestic violence related crimes. Nearly 40% of Californian women and 30% of Californian men have to face some sort of domestic crime. It can be in the form of physical abuse, sexual assault, intimidation, financial abuse, or any other form of physical, sexual, emotional abuses or threats. Moreover, when you look at the incarceration rate for these crimes, it stand at the 19th lowest amongst the 50 states in the US. For this exact reason, you need a lawyer that is well versed in dealing with these cases and knows all the local laws. For example, if you are living in San Diego, you are going the need the expertise of someone like San Diego Domestic Violence Lawyer, who is the best at what he does.
Washington
When it comes to criminal activities or violent crimes, Washington has a much lower average of crime rate per 100,000 residents when compared to other states. The state has very strict laws for carry weapons and the incarceration rate of the state is pretty average which is why the crime rate in Washington is pretty low. However, that is not the case with non-violent crimes as criminal activities such as burglary, larceny, motor-theft vehicle, or property crimes is still very common and high. The murder rate of the state, 3.1 per 100,000 residents is the 17th lowest compared to the rest. For the rest, there are 305 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals which is the 19th lowest and the state has a 4.5% unemployment rate which still stands pretty tall being the 9th highest. The high rate is mainly due to the fact that the state has a high share of resource based industries which operate according to the season and environment.
Vermont
One can safely say that Vermont is one of the most peaceful states in the US and it has all the cards in the right place. With the 2nd lowest violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 individuals, the 8th lowest murder rate of 2.2 per 100,000 residents, the 4th lowest incarceration rate of 180 people per 100,000, and the 5th lowest unemployment rate of 2.7%, the state is a dream place if you are looking for a peaceful and safe place to stay. The Peace and Justice Center of Vermont has been working day in and day out since the last 10 years to put the state in the position it is today. However, they agree that there is still a long way to go as the state still has a flexible gun carrying law which sometimes acts as a loose cannon. Out of all the crimes committed in Vermont, nearly 80% are done with the help of a firearm which is why the local government is trying to deal with the situation before it gets out of hand.
Rhode Island
If we are going to end our list with the most peaceful state in the US, no one else deserves this spot rather than Rhode Island. To give you the idea of the criminal activities in the state, it is a jaw-dropping face to know that there are only 170 inmates in the state’s federal prisons for every 100,000 citizen. When compared to others it is a much lower number. Moreover, it is a relief to know that crimes such as robbery, rape, assault, and murder are pretty uncommon in the area as the state has one of the lowest rate of crimes related to firearm violence. As discussed before, state with such a low criminal activity results in a high employment rate and stronger economy which is true for Rhode Island. The strict gun laws tend to keep the criminals at bay and have a very meaningful impact on the peaceful situation in the state.
