In this blog, we don’t just list the most dangerous states in the USA for 2025. We provide clear, contextual, and actionable insights. Using credible sources, we provide you with fresh, fact-based crime data that highlights both state-level trends and hidden city-specific risks.
Whether you’re planning to visit, evaluate business opportunities, or invest in security systems, we also reveal the latest security trends businesses are adopting to stay safe in 2025.
How we ranked the most dangerous states:
When evaluating the most dangerous states in the USA, our focus isn’t just on overall crime rates; it’s on the crimes that directly affect businesses, employees, and property.
We ranked each state using three key data points:
Violent crime rate:
We have collected data from sources such as the FBI UCR, BJS, Statista, CDC, and trusted local news. Workplace violence and robbery make this a high-risk category for businesses.
Property crime rate:
Burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft are the most common threats to businesses and job sites.
Why violent crime carries more weight:
For companies, the cost of violent incidents extends beyond financial loss; it can put employees at risk and disrupt operations. That’s why violent crime is weighted more heavily in our rankings than property crime.
The top 5 most dangerous states in the USA:
New Mexico:
New Mexico crime statistics 2025:
New Mexico continues to grapple with some of the highest crime rates in the country, a challenge that shows up both at the state and city levels. According to USAFacts, New Mexico’s violent crime rate stands at 717 offenses per 100,000 people, placing it second only to Alaska. Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 2,984 crimes per 100,000 residents, well above the national average.
Top crimes in Mexico in 2025:
Companies operating in New Mexico face rising risks from organized crime, theft, and extortion.
Fuel smuggling and cargo hijacking hit logistics and energy firms, while small shops and construction sites struggle with burglary and vandalism.
Auto theft is also rising in Albuquerque, which means that vehicle-heavy businesses (deliveries, construction, fleet operations) are particularly exposed.
How can businesses stay safer in New Mexico?
In hotspots like Albuquerque, Belen, Bernalillo, and Gallup, crimes such as fuel smuggling, cargo hijacking, and auto theft can be detected early.
Remote video monitoring can help by providing constant site visibility, detecting suspicious activity, and verifying alarms. AI cameras can track vehicles, shipments, and property. While perimeter monitoring and license plate recognition help protect fleets. These measures give businesses a clearer view of risks and allow faster responses to incidents, assisting owners to focus on operations even in high-risk environments.
Louisiana:
Louisiana crime statistics 2025:
A recent report by NeighborhoodScout says Louisiana’s crime rates are significantly higher than the national averages for both violent and property crimes. Assault and theft are particularly prevalent, highlighting significant risks for residents and businesses. The report claims:
- Total Violent Crimes: 25,065.
- Total Property Crimes: 120,298.
- Chances of becoming a victim: 1 in 182.
Top crimes in Louisiana 2025:
About 26% of residents reported experiencing violent crime in the past eight months, the second-highest in the country. These are the top crime hotspots:
- New Orleans: Historic declines in murders, carjackings, and auto theft, but aggravated assaults and firearm violence remain concerns.
- Other High-Risk Cities: West Monroe, Bogalusa, Jennings, and Baton Rouge all have elevated violent crime rates.
In 2025, Louisiana businesses face significant retail crime challenges, ranging from localized shoplifting to coordinated, multi-state organized retail theft. Cities like Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Jennings, and Livingston Parish have reported high incidents of theft, car-driven robberies, and large-scale ORC rings, leading to millions in lost retail revenue.
How can businesses stay safer in Louisiana?
Law enforcement agencies, including HSI Baton Rouge, are actively launching targeted campaigns to curb retail crime, while local news outlets continue to report spikes and ongoing threats. In this environment, businesses face a critical need for proactive security measures. Remote video monitoring offers advanced solutions, including shoplifting detection AI, that allow suspicious activity to be identified in real time. With proactive response by trained remote operators, businesses can prevent theft, protect assets, and enhance employee safet
Colorado:
Crime statistics Colorado 2025:
In early 2025, Colorado, particularly Denver, saw a remarkable decline in violent crime, with homicides dropping nearly 60% compared to the same period in 2024.
Overall, violent crime in the city fell by 58%, surpassing national averages, while the U.S. also experienced notable decreases in murders and property crime.
Reports from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, CBI, and local media highlight that, despite these positive trends, crime can still vary significantly between neighborhoods.
Top Risks for Businesses in Colorado:
- Burglary and theft: Sophisticated burglary rings, such as those targeting Asian American households in Douglas County, have led to nearly $1 million in losses.
- Organized retail crime (ORC): Retail theft schemes, including flash mob robberies, are on the rise. Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Vehicle theft: Colorado has ranked high nationally for motor vehicle theft, though recent initiatives have led to a 21% decrease between 2022 and 2023.
- Workplace violence: While specific data for 2025 is limited, workplace violence remains a concern for businesses, especially in high-risk industries.
How can businesses stay safer in Colorado?
Businesses in Colorado face multiple security challenges. Sophisticated burglary rings, such as those targeting Douglas County households, pose a risk to property and inventory. Remote video monitoring can detect break-ins in real-time, alert authorities, and capture evidence for investigations.
Organized retail crime, including flash mob robberies, threatens stores and employees. AI-enabled cameras can detect unusual group activity, verify threats, and quickly notify staff or law enforcement. Vehicle theft remains a significant concern for auto dealerships and employee vehicles.
License Plate Recognition can track vehicles, detect unauthorized access, and trigger instant alerts. Workplace violence is another risk, especially in high-risk industries. Indoor cameras, monitored access points, and panic alarms enable a rapid response to such incidents, helping to protect staff and maintain a safe working environment.
Alabama:
Alabama crime statistics 2025:
A recent report by NeighborhoodScout reveals the crime rates of Alabama
- Violent Crime Rate: 4.04 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate: 16.99 per 1,000 residents.
- Burglary Rate: 2.55 per 1,000 residents.
- Theft Rate: 12.40 per 1,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft Rate: 2.05 per 1,000 residents.
According to a report by Crime USA, Alabama stands 22nd among U.S. states for violent crime, notably 50% lower than Alaska, which has the nation’s highest rate.
Top risks for businesses in Alabama in 2025:
These figures indicate that while Alabama faces significant criminal activity, particularly violent assaults, it is still below the most extreme crime levels seen in other states. In 2025, Tuscaloosa experienced a substantial drop in crime rates.
Robbery and carjacking cases decreased by 32.5%, and vehicle thefts dropped by nearly 39%. Birmingham reports a violent crime rate of 1,682 per 100,000 residents, which is 354.7% higher than the national average. This indicates a significant concentration of violent crime in the city.
How can businesses stay safer in Alabama?
Motor vehicle theft, although lower than in some states, still poses a threat to parking lots and condominiums. Businesses that integrate with remote video monitoring systems are staying safer via a layered security approach.
License plate recognition cameras can track vehicles and flag unauthorized access.
Violent crime, including robbery and assaults, poses a risk to staff safety. AI-powered cameras monitor access points and the perimeters of the commercial buildings.
Even with improvements in cities like Tuscaloosa, ongoing monitoring helps businesses stay proactive against crime and respond quickly to incidents.
Tennessee:
Tennessee crime statistics 2025:
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee’s overall crime rate is 672.7 per 100,000, ranking it fourth-highest in the U.S. It shows high crime rates driven by urban property and violent offenses, especially in cities like Memphis and Murfreesboro.
Top security risks in Tennessee for businesses:
Tennessee businesses face a variety of theft and burglary risks, as reported by multiple local outlets. Numerous news channels reported that a La Vergne business lost $2,000 in metal and aluminum.
News Channel 5 Nashville highlighted a Middle Tennessee owner tracking stolen equipment and aiding police in catching suspects. At the same time, Action News 5 reported Memphis cracking down on organized retail theft through new law enforcement collaborations.
Memphis business burglaries and boxcar thefts dropped 40% from last year. However, incidents like vehicle-rammed smash-and-grab burglaries (CBS News), armed robberies at Sonic, and thefts in Dunlap still highlight ongoing risks.
Legislative efforts, as noted by the Columbia Daily Herald, show the TN General Assembly tightening penalties for crime.
How can businesses stay safer in Tennessee?
Many businesses actively respond by tracking stolen items and working closely with police to catch suspects.
Law enforcement collaborations, like those in Memphis targeting retail theft, help prevent repeat incidents. Legislative measures, such as tighter penalties passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, also create stronger deterrents.
Remote video monitoring can further support these efforts by providing 24/7 surveillance, detecting suspicious activity, verifying alarms, and capturing evidence. Cameras and AI can monitor property, equipment, and vehicles, allowing businesses to respond quickly and protect staff and assets even in high-risk areas.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the most dangerous states in the USA?
The most dangerous states in the USA are typically identified by their violent crime and property crime rates. Alabama, New Mexico, and Louisiana often rank high on lists due to elevated rates of violent crime. These rankings can vary year to year depending on updated FBI or BJS data.
Which state is considered the most dangerous in the US?
According to recent crime statistics, New Mexico often ranks as the most dangerous state in the US, with high rates of violent crimes, including assault, robbery, and homicide.
What are the top 10 states with the highest crime rate?
The top 10 states with the highest crime rate frequently include New Mexico, Alaska, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nevada, Alabama, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Arizona. Rankings are based on population-adjusted violent and property crime rates.
What state has the highest crime rate?
Based on the latest data, New Mexico has the highest overall crime rate, followed closely by Alaska and Louisiana. The ranking considers both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
What are the most dangerous states in the US for residents?
States like New Mexico, Louisiana, and Alabama are considered among the most dangerous states in the US due to higher-than-average violent and property crime rates. Factors include urban crime hotspots and economic conditions.
Which state has the worst crime rate in America?
The worst crime rate in America is typically attributed to New Mexico, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, combining high violent and property crime rates.
Conclusion:
Understanding crime risks is the first step for businesses, investors, and residents in the U.S. While states like New Mexico, Louisiana, Alabama, Colorado, and Tennessee face varying levels of violent and property crime, the impact is felt most acutely by businesses, employees, and assets.
By staying informed about local trends, identifying city-level hotspots, and adopting proactive security measures, such as remote video monitoring, AI-enabled cameras, and verified alarm systems, businesses can reduce risk, respond quickly to incidents, and protect both people and property. Staying prepared doesn’t eliminate risk, but it gives businesses the clarity and control they need to operate safely, even in high-crime environments.
Don’t wait for an incident to happen. Contact us today to schedule a free demo and discover how remote video monitoring and smart security solutions can help protect your employees, property, and assets.
