The Safest Conservative States in America

As evidenced by the 2024 polls, many folks actually want low crime, low taxes, and a government that doesn’t overstep, who would have thought?

So, using FBI crime data and rankings, we’ve put together a list of the safest conservative states in the US. Whether you’re raising a family, retiring, or just seeking a better place to live (in America), these states check all the right boxes.

What is the safest conservative state in the United States?

Idaho takes the top spot as the safest conservative state in America, based on FBI crime data and state rankings. With the lowest property crime rate in the country and a violent crime rate of 241 per 100,000 people, it consistently ranks among the safest conservative states to live in​. Politically, Idaho has been a Republican stronghold since 1968 and holds an R+18 partisan voting index, meaning it leans heavily conservative​.

Are the safest states in the United States always conservative?

No, there doesn’t seem to a noticeable dependency between ideology and safety when understanding which states are the safest. For example, legacy media sometimes calls Missouri one of the most violent states. They have their arguments to say that, and Missouri isn’t as safe as it could be, even if it’s been voting conservative for a while now. So, then what — are conservative states unsafe because Missouri isn't? No. Plenty of other conservative states are very, very safe, and the data backs this up. 

You could even argue that Missouri is voting Republican because they want to become safe once and for all, which sounds logical considering that conservative governments actually value blue lives instead of shaming them. But states are also enormous administrative units, and they might have some counties that are more violent than the rest (like Mississippi — we’ll get into that soon).

This means that the dynamics of safety and crime in America are more complex than just ideological, and probably have plenty of variables at play. Ideology is just an element of it. Maybe, upon closer inspection, ideology turns out to be one of the most influential variables when talking about safety or crime. But the bottom line is that US citizens can find safe places both in blue and red states, even if blue states might shoehorn unprepared DEI police officers into neighborhoods.

List of the safest conservative states in the United States

The safest conservative states have low crime rates and common-sense policies, and are favorable choices for those who prioritize safety and traditional values. According to FBI crime data, they stand out for having lower-than-average violent and property crime rates, while also preserving policies that point to limited government and individual freedoms.

Idaho

Idaho is the safest conservative state in the United States. Beyond its low crime rates, the state is known for low taxes, well-set gun rights, and limited government interference, all of which appeal to conservative values. With its Republican dominance and deep-rooted traditional culture, Idaho stands as one of the most attractive places for those looking for both security and ideological alignment.

Wyoming

As the most conservative state in America, Wyoming is also one of the safest. It ranks fifth in the country for the lowest violent crime, with 202 incidents per 100,000 residents. With its wide-open spaces, low population density, and strong Second Amendment culture, Wyoming should be a top choice for conservatives looking for safety and freedom.

North Dakota

North Dakota is known for its strong economy, energy production, and low crime rate. The state has a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 people, keeping it well below the national average, which stands at around 381 incidents per 100,000 people. North Dakotans have consistently voted Republican for decades.

Nebraska

Nebraska is one of the safest conservative states in the Midwest, with a violent crime rate of 283 per 100,000. It has low taxes, a strong agricultural economy, and a government that values personal responsibility and limited regulation​. If you want safety and a stable economy, Nebraska is a great pick.

Kentucky

Kentucky might not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of safety, but it ranks seventh in public safety, according to U.S. News. It has a violent crime rate of 214 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average. Kentucky makes this list easily because it has a strong Republican presence and a history of voting conservative: The state has voted red in ten of the last 12 elections.

West Virginia

West Virginia is deep-red politically, with a Republican supermajority in its legislature, and ranks ninth in public safety nationwide. With a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000, it’s one of the safest places in the country​. The state has a low cost of living, plenty of instances of stunning scenery, and a culture that values self-sufficiency and gun rights.

Mississippi

Mississippi is reliably conservative and has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the South, at 245 per 100,000​. It has the twelfth lowest violent crime rate in the nation, a strong church community, and a government that prioritizes traditional values.

There’s a serious dent in Mississippi’s reputation. Jackson, MS, is one of the most unsafe cities in the country, and a liberal British newspaper even called it America’s “murder capital.” But the governing body, including its recently indicted Mayor, are liberals. So the State is conservative and safe, but Jackson is liberal and more dangerous. Could it have to do with the elected official’s policies? We can’t know for sure. But the conservative parts of the state seem to be better off than Jackson.

Alabama

Alabama is a stronghold of conservatism and safer than a lot of people assume. The state has a violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000, better than many other Southern states​. While some cities have higher crime, most rural areas and suburbs enjoy low crime, low taxes, and strong Second Amendment protections.