Rhode Island Ranked Ninth Safest State in Nation
The study evaluated safety across five key dimensions to determine the overall rankings for 50 states.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Saving
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WalletHub has named Rhode Island the ninth-safest state in the nation for 2026. This ranking is based on a comprehensive assessment of 50 states using 52 distinct safety metrics.
Why it matters
Understanding state safety rankings can help families weigh residential, financial, and workplace environments when making long-term financial and living decisions. The study identifies these factors as central components of overall household security.
Rhode Island earned a 9th-place ranking out of 50 states compared across five safety dimensions. The evaluation incorporated 52 unique metrics, though the relative impact of each category on individual household financial risk remains under study.
The players
WalletHub
A financial services website that provides credit scores, consumer reviews, and research reports on personal finance and state-level social metrics.
The details
The analysis compared states by aggregating performance across personal and residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness. By evaluating these five dimensions, the report provides a broad overview of state-level risk factors that may influence a household's quality of life and long-term financial stability. These metrics allow for a cross-state comparison of institutional and environmental safety protections.
Timeline
The 2026 safety rankings were published on October 7, 2026.
Money Landscape
This ranking follows the precedent set by WalletHub's annual state safety comparative studies. It provides a snapshot of current state-level safety, situating Rhode Island among the top quintile of states nationwide.
While this ranking offers a broad perspective on state safety, households should evaluate how specific metrics align with their personal financial priorities, such as local workplace safety or residential security. Consult with a qualified financial or insurance professional to determine how these regional factors might influence your specific insurance premiums or estate planning needs.
The takeaway
Regional safety metrics can serve as one useful indicator when assessing the long-term stability of a state for your household. Consider reviewing your current location-based financial exposures, such as home insurance coverage, to ensure they match your local risk profile.
Further reading
For broader context on how location impacts your household financial planning, visit our Saving section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Providence Business News.
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