Texas ranks near the bottom of most safe states in Wallet Hub analysis

Texas placed 48th out of 50 states in a comprehensive safety analysis released this year by WalletHub, ranking as the third-least safe state in the nation.

The personal finance website evaluated all 50 states across 52 key safety indicators grouped into five categories: personal and residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety and emergency preparedness. Texas received an overall score of 36.41 out of 100.

The Lone Star State performed poorly across multiple categories. Texas ranked 44th in road safety, 39th in personal and residential safety and 38th in financial safety. The state’s worst showing came in emergency preparedness, where it placed 48th, reflecting vulnerability to natural disasters and climate-related events.

Texas fared slightly better in workplace safety, ranking 32nd in that category.

Vermont topped the national rankings with a score of 67.94, followed by New Hampshire and Maine. Louisiana ranked last at 50th, with Mississippi at 49th.

Among Texas’s neighboring states, the results were mixed. Oklahoma ranked 45th, while Arkansas placed 47th. New Mexico came in at 33rd, and Louisiana’s last-place finish put it below Texas.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted in the report that Americans face multiple threats to their safety, from violent crime and natural disasters to financial instability and workplace hazards. The study used data from sources including the FBI, U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The analysis measured factors ranging from assaults per capita and unemployment rates to traffic fatalities, workplace injuries and climate disaster losses. Data for the rankings were collected as of Aug. 15, 2024.

New England states dominated the top 10, with Massachusetts ranking fourth and Connecticut placing seventh. Western states showed more variation, with Utah securing fifth place while Nevada fell to 36th.

The study weighted personal and residential safety most heavily at 40 points out of 100, while financial safety, road safety, workplace safety and emergency preparedness each counted for 15 points.