The U.S. Peace Index (USPI) shows Maine is the most peaceful U.S. state, while Louisiana is ranked the least peaceful. The USPI report reveals that peace in the United States has improved since 1995 primarily driven by a substantial decrease in homicide and violent crime.
Key Findings
- First-ever ranking of peace in the U.S. shows the nation has become more peaceful since 1995
- Reductions in violence and crime to levels equal to Canada would yield an estimated $89 billion in direct savings, $272 billion in additional economic activity, and potentially create 2.7 million jobs.
New York, California and Texas record highest increases in peace since 1991, while North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana see largest declines
- Peace is significantly correlated with factors related to economic opportunity, education and health
- Peace is politically neutral – neither Republican nor Democratic states have an advantage
The Institute for Economics and Peace estimates that at a time when states and lawmakers in Washington are struggling to balance budgets, the USPI shows reductions in violence, crime and incarcerations to the same levels as Canada would result in $361 billion in savings and additional economic activity. This additional economic activity has the potential to create 2.7 million jobs, which would significantly reduce unemployment.
US Peace Index from Vision of Humanity on Vimeo.