What does safety mean to you? 

For some, safety feels like freedom from harm. For others, it feels more like freedom to explore and be themselves. In Vermont’s tight-knit communities and welcoming historic downtowns, people get to experience both.  

In 2025, WalletHub ranked Vermont the No. 1 safest state in the U.S. That accolade comes not only from the state’s low crime rate, but also from its safe neighborhoods, road quality, and digital and financial security. 

Social cohesion helps prevent crime, so it’s no surprise that a place like Vermont, which prides itself on its community ties, sees a low incidence of violent crime. A high rate of neighborhood watch groups per capita ensures community security. Vermont State Police established the Fair and Impartial Policing committee in 2009, and routinely makes efforts to liaise with communities of color, diversify their workforce, and improve cultural awareness. 

Safety is reinforced in everyday life in Vermont, too. Good driving behavior, combined with the second-best road quality in the U.S., makes for safe travels. Vermont has the lowest percentage in the U.S. of people who use their phones while driving.

Vermont also excels when it comes to financial safety. At 2.3%, the state’s unemployment rate is among the lowest in the nation, along with one of the best job growth rates, helping Vermonters keep their lights on and keeping the state’s economy stable. Defaulting on mortgages happens infrequently here compared to other states, and Vermont also sees the second-fewest rate of non-business bankruptcies per capita. Vermont residents also report the second-fewest cases of identity theft in the U.S. 

A culture of acceptance and tolerance fosters a broader structure of safety and security. Vermont was the first state in the union to legislatively legalize same-sex marriage in 2009, and in 2022, Vermont law allowed individuals to self-attest to their gender markers on their birth certificates, removing the need for medical documentation. Also in 2022, Vermonters voted overwhelmingly to enshrine reproductive rights in their state’s constitution. As of December 2025, more than 80% of Vermont residents live in a city or town that has signed the Declaration of Inclusion, reinforcing the message that Vermont is a safe and welcoming place.  

Read more about what sets Vermont apart as a safe place to make your home from WalletHub. Ready to start looking into what it would take the make the move? Explore relocation information and resources.