Texas ranked as one of the least safe states in the United States, according to a recent WalletHub study.
The report placed Texas 48th out of 50 states, ranking only above Florida and Mississippi. Louisiana ranked the least safe, while Vermont topped the list as the safest state.
WalletHub evaluated states using factors such as assault rates, financial losses from climate-related disasters, and unemployment rates. The study’s results renewed discussions about public safety and crime prevention in Texas.
Jake Wegmann, associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, discussed the country’s approach to law enforcement and incarceration. He explained that increasing police presence can lower crime rates but warned that high incarceration rates may worsen crime by removing people from their communities for minor offenses.
Wegmann noted that New York City, one of the safer large cities, has more police officers per capita than most cities. He suggested combining expanded law enforcement with social investments, shorter sentences, and greater parole use to enhance safety.
The WalletHub findings added momentum to ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform and public safety in Texas. The state’s ranking, along with its low performance in health care studies, highlights broader challenges in improving safety and quality of life for residents.
The complete WalletHub report compared safety metrics across all states, providing data for policymakers and residents working to strengthen safety and public well-being.
