Rhode Island Named Most Peaceful State In US

Usually, ranking 50th out of 50 states is a bad thing, but in some cases, it can be quite the compliment. Just over a week after being named the worst state in the country for business, Rhode Island has been ranked the least violent state in the nation.

The USA Today rankings looked at factors including the rates of violent crimes, murder, incarceration and unemployment. Louisiana topped the list with the highest number of murders and imprisoned residents. In 2017, there were 12.4 murders for every 100,000 people in the state, more than double the national average.

Overall, the entire New England region is peaceful, with all six states ranking in the top 10. Both in the region and the country, Rhode Island is best, with the third-lowest incarceration rate in the country and low instances of violent crimes and murders.

• Violent crime rate: 232.2 per 100,000 residents (9th lowest)
• Murder rate: 1.9 per 100,000 residents (5th lowest)
• Incarceration rate: 170 per 100,000 residents (3rd lowest)
• 2018 unemployment: 4.1 percent (15th highest)

In 2017, Rhode Island ranked well below the national average of 382.9 violent crimes per 100,000 people at just 232.2.

Next in line is Hawaii, which boasts the lowest rate of gun violence in America.

Here's a look at the rest of the top 10.

Most Peaceful

1. Rhode Island
2. Hawaii
3. Massachusetts
4. New Jersey
5. Connecticut
6. New Hampshire
7. Maine
8. New York
9. Minnesota
10. Vermont

Most Violent

1. Louisiana
2. Alaska
3. Tennessee
4. Missouri
5. Arkansas
6. Alabama
7. New Mexico
8. Nevada
9. South Carolina
10. Mississippi

Read USA Today's full ranking here.