Safest States for Online Dating in 2025
- Table of Contents
- Map of the Best and Worst US States for Online Dating Safety
- Key Findings: Safest Online Dating States in the US
- Ranking the 50 US States for Online Dating
- Top 5 Safest US States for Online Dating
- States With the Highest Online Dating Safety Risks
- What Has Changed Since 2024?
- Identifying Patterns: Insights From Romance Scam Reports
- Research Methodology & Sources
- Our Sources
Quick Answer: The Most Dangerous & Safest U.S. States for Online Dating
Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire are the safest states for online daters, as per PrivacyJournal’s data analysis. However, things don’t look so good in Nevada, Alaska and Georgia — the three riskiest states for finding love online.
Realizing someone you met online isn’t who they claim to be is every dater’s worst nightmare. As it turns out, the risk of being defrauded, assaulted or encountering a registered sex offender is much higher in certain U.S. states than others, based on our safest states for online dating study.
The PrivacyJournal research team collected the 2025 data per 100,000 residents for each state, focusing on several factors. These include the number of reported romance scams, the cases of fraud, identity theft and violent crime, the prevalence of STDs and the number of registered sex offenders in each state. We assigned weight points to each factor based on importance.
We then used the data to rank each state, revealing which are the safest and which are more likely to take a sinister turn. Our study also provides valuable insights into what each state does well in terms of safety and which areas need some — or a whole lot of — work. Read on to find out where you’ll need to be most on your guard.
Map of the Best and Worst US States for Online Dating Safety
Key Findings: Safest Online Dating States in the US
- Vermont is the safest state for online daters in 2025. The Northeastern state boasts the lowest overall rate of STDs and the second-lowest number of identity theft reports.
- Maine is the second-safest state for online dating, ranking first for its low rate of violent crime reports. In third place overall, New Hampshire rounds out the top three with exceptionally low STD and violent crime report rates. However, while the Northeastern trio ranks at the top, they all performed poorly in one category: romance scam reports.
- Nevada has the unwelcome distinction of being the most dangerous state for online dating. With a poor showing across the board, Nevada is the second-most dangerous state in terms of fraud. It’s also the third-most dangerous state for identity theft and romance scams, based on the number of reports in these categories.
- Alaska follows Nevada as the second-most dangerous online dating state, with a staggering number of violent crime and romance scam reports. It also has the second-highest rate of STDs and the third-highest number of registered sex offenders.
- New Jersey has the lowest number of registered sex offenders, with only 50 registered per 100,000 people. At the other end of the scale, Oregon has the highest number of registered sex offenders — 790 per 100,000 people, to be precise.
- Mississippi boasts the lowest number of romance scam reports, followed by New Jersey and Georgia. Meanwhile, Arizona has the highest number of romance scam reports.
- STD rates are highest in Louisiana, followed closely by Alaska and Mississippi. Louisiana reports 1,149 STDs per 100,000 people, and chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are especially high. Luckily, for daters in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, West Virginia and Idaho, the STD rates are much lower.
Ranking the 50 US States for Online Dating
This table ranks each state’s online dating safety from one (best) to 50 (worst). For notes on how we gathered and processed this data, see the “Research Methodology & Sources” section.
Stats per 100,000 Residents
| State | Score | Romance Scams | Identity Theft | Fraud | Sex Offenders | STDs Reports | Violent Crime | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Vermont | 84.806 | 7 | 31 | 192 | 194 | 166 | 222 |
| 2. | Maine | 84.502 | 7 | 37 | 219 | 207 | 289 | 103 |
| 3. | New Hampshire | 84.089 | 7 | 42 | 226 | 185 | 273 | 126 |
| 4. | Iowa | 80.818 | 5 | 38 | 168 | 207 | 627.1 | 214.1 |
| 5. | Kentucky | 79.440 | 5 | 46 | 194 | 265 | 406.5 | 241.4 |
| 6. | Nebraska | 78.847 | 6 | 43 | 174 | 278 | 606.7 | 168.14 |
| 7. | Idaho | 78.534 | 7 | 38 | 202 | 282 | 344.4 | 235.16 |
| 8. | North Dakota | 78.076 | 6 | 39 | 147 | 274 | 602.0 | 277.31 |
| 9. | Hawaii | 78.027 | 7 | 39 | 195 | 207 | 586.8 | 200.12 |
| 10. | Connecticut | 77.927 | 5 | 68 | 254 | 124 | 496.4 | 151.64 |
| 11. | West Virginia | 77.605 | 7 | 34 | 189 | 354 | 327.2 | 254.3 |
| 12. | Utah | 76.215 | 7 | 49 | 202 | 275 | 419.9 | 226.82 |
| 13. | Wyoming | 75.824 | 7 | 37 | 211 | 421 | 363.8 | 180.05 |
| 14. | Rhode Island | 75.130 | 5 | 67 | 222 | 203 | 657.5 | 166.05 |
| 15. | Minnesota | 75.082 | 6 | 45 | 205 | 331 | 536.1 | 261.58 |
| 16. | New Jersey | 74.936 | 4 | 100 | 274 | 50 | 523.6 | 210.67 |
| 17. | Massachusetts | 73.807 | 5 | 94 | 227 | 79 | 582.2 | 308.05 |
| 18. | Indiana | 72.542 | 5 | 64 | 221 | 165 | 664.9 | 314.96 |
| 19. | Montana | 71.780 | 7 | 39 | 207 | 279 | 433.2 | 440.19 |
| 20. | Ohio | 70.487 | 5 | 77 | 240 | 181 | 664.0 | 289.78 |
| 21. | Washington | 69.741 | 6 | 51 | 258 | 229 | 524.1 | 353.74 |
| 22. | Wisconsin | 69.637 | 6 | 49 | 204 | 459 | 561.7 | 293.78 |
| 23. | Oklahoma | 69.053 | 6 | 56 | 201 | 208 | 697.8 | 415.49 |
| 24. | Kansas | 68.632 | 6 | 50 | 199 | 377 | 629.0 | 410.56 |
| 25. | Pennsylvania | 68.619 | 6 | 91 | 256 | 182 | 593.6 | 261.45 |
| 26. | Mississippi | 66.728 | 3 | 101 | 254 | 275 | 1,019.7 | 113.32 |
| 27. | South Dakota | 65.939 | 6 | 28 | 164 | 471 | 941.9 | 328.87 |
| 28. | Virginia | 64.035 | 6 | 67 | 289 | 339 | 663.1 | 238.75 |
| 29. | New York | 62.064 | 5 | 94 | 261 | 215 | 846.0 | 386.57 |
| 30. | Michigan | 60.947 | 5 | 84 | 252 | 402 | 606.9 | 452.81 |
| 31. | Alabama | 59.540 | 5 | 98 | 264 | 192 | 943.5 | 381.12 |
| 32. | Colorado | 58.998 | 7 | 65 | 282 | 335 | 599.8 | 476.84 |
| 33. | California | 58.884 | 6 | 109 | 249 | 154 | 731.6 | 512.1 |
| 34. | New Mexico | 58.851 | 8 | 49 | 211 | 129 | 757.7 | 696.77 |
| 35. | North Carolina | 58.678 | 5 | 93 | 285 | 266 | 901.9 | 373.75 |
| 36. | Illinois | 57.918 | 5 | 125 | 299 | 267 | 797.2 | 286.43 |
| 37. | Missouri | 56.789 | 7 | 60 | 261 | 427 | 745.0 | 457.95 |
| 38. | Oregon | 56.197 | 9 | 44 | 236 | 790 | 515.1 | 331.39 |
| 39. | Texas | 55.453 | 5 | 127 | 308 | 259 | 729.9 | 398.93 |
| 40. | Maryland | 54.612 | 6 | 113 | 330 | 117 | 829.6 | 437.35 |
| 41. | Tennessee | 53.865 | 6 | 74 | 264 | 386 | 744.9 | 628.15 |
| 42. | Louisiana | 50.964 | 5 | 117 | 261 | 223 | 1,149.0 | 519.99 |
| 43. | Florida | 49.027 | 7 | 183 | 365 | 150 | 772.7 | 211.5 |
| 44. | South Carolina | 48.176 | 6 | 103 | 324 | 340 | 888.9 | 468.2 |
| 45. | Arkansas | 47.224 | 7 | 71 | 233 | 640 | 831.3 | 611.23 |
| 46. | Delaware | 45.994 | 7 | 121 | 350 | 427 | 742.1 | 386.91 |
| 47. | Arizona | 44.509 | 14 | 85 | 303 | 143 | 806.5 | 399.97 |
| 48. | Georgia | 44.078 | 4 | 178 | 395 | 231 | 985.1 | 319.08 |
| 49. | Alaska | 40.833 | 11 | 40 | 220 | 473 | 1,046.6 | 730.81 |
| 50. | Nevada | 38.231 | 11 | 143 | 379 | 240 | 763.9 | 425.04 |
Overall Ranking
This table shows how each state ranked in the key categories, with one being the best and 50 being the worst.
| State | Score | Romance Scams | Identity Theft | Fraud | Sex Offenders | STDs Reports | Violent Crime | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Vermont | 84.806 | 35 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 1 | 11 |
| 2. | Maine | 84.502 | 33 | 4 | 18 | 18 | 3 | 1 |
| 3. | New Hampshire | 84.089 | 34 | 12 | 22 | 12 | 2 | 3 |
| 4. | Iowa | 80.818 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 18 | 16 | 19 |
| 5. | Kentucky | 79.440 | 11 | 16 | 7 | 21 | 14 | 13 |
| 6. | Nebraska | 78.847 | 23 | 13 | 4 | 32 | 22 | 6 |
| 7. | Idaho | 78.534 | 40 | 6 | 11 | 34 | 5 | 14 |
| 8. | North Dakota | 78.076 | 25 | 8 | 1 | 29 | 21 | 20 |
| 9. | Hawaii | 78.027 | 32 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 18 | 8 |
| 10. | Connecticut | 77.927 | 16 | 28 | 29 | 4 | 9 | 4 |
| 11. | West Virginia | 77.605 | 45 | 3 | 5 | 39 | 4 | 16 |
| 12. | Utah | 76.215 | 42 | 17 | 11 | 30 | 7 | 12 |
| 13. | Wyoming | 75.824 | 43 | 4 | 16 | 43 | 6 | 7 |
| 14. | Rhode Island | 75.130 | 17 | 26 | 21 | 15 | 25 | 5 |
| 15. | Minnesota | 75.082 | 19 | 15 | 14 | 35 | 13 | 18 |
| 16. | New Jersey | 74.936 | 2 | 39 | 38 | 1 | 11 | 9 |
| 17. | Massachusetts | 73.807 | 6 | 36 | 23 | 2 | 17 | 24 |
| 18. | Indiana | 72.542 | 15 | 24 | 20 | 9 | 28 | 25 |
| 19. | Montana | 71.780 | 36 | 8 | 15 | 33 | 8 | 40 |
| 20. | Ohio | 70.487 | 12 | 31 | 26 | 10 | 27 | 22 |
| 21. | Washington | 69.741 | 28 | 21 | 32 | 23 | 12 | 29 |
| 22. | Wisconsin | 69.637 | 27 | 17 | 13 | 46 | 15 | 23 |
| 23. | Oklahoma | 69.053 | 25 | 22 | 10 | 17 | 29 | 37 |
| 24. | Kansas | 68.632 | 18 | 20 | 9 | 40 | 24 | 36 |
| 25. | Pennsylvania | 68.619 | 22 | 34 | 31 | 11 | 19 | 17 |
| 26. | Mississippi | 66.728 | 1 | 40 | 29 | 30 | 48 | 2 |
| 27. | South Dakota | 65.939 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 47 | 45 | 27 |
| 28. | Virginia | 64.035 | 29 | 26 | 41 | 37 | 26 | 15 |
| 29. | New York | 62.064 | 5 | 36 | 33 | 20 | 42 | 32 |
| 30. | Michigan | 60.947 | 14 | 32 | 28 | 42 | 23 | 41 |
| 31. | Alabama | 59.540 | 9 | 38 | 36 | 13 | 46 | 31 |
| 32. | Colorado | 58.998 | 37 | 25 | 39 | 36 | 20 | 44 |
| 33. | California | 58.884 | 24 | 42 | 27 | 8 | 31 | 45 |
| 34. | New Mexico | 58.851 | 46 | 17 | 16 | 5 | 35 | 49 |
| 35. | North Carolina | 58.678 | 7 | 35 | 40 | 27 | 44 | 30 |
| 36. | Illinois | 57.918 | 8 | 46 | 42 | 28 | 38 | 21 |
| 37. | Missouri | 56.789 | 38 | 23 | 33 | 44 | 34 | 42 |
| 38. | Oregon | 56.197 | 47 | 14 | 25 | 50 | 10 | 28 |
| 39. | Texas | 55.453 | 10 | 47 | 44 | 26 | 30 | 34 |
| 40. | Maryland | 54.612 | 21 | 43 | 46 | 3 | 40 | 39 |
| 41. | Tennessee | 53.865 | 20 | 30 | 36 | 41 | 33 | 48 |
| 42. | Louisiana | 50.964 | 4 | 44 | 33 | 22 | 50 | 46 |
| 43. | Florida | 49.027 | 39 | 50 | 48 | 7 | 37 | 10 |
| 44. | South Carolina | 48.176 | 30 | 41 | 45 | 38 | 43 | 43 |
| 45. | Arkansas | 47.224 | 40 | 29 | 24 | 49 | 41 | 47 |
| 46. | Delaware | 45.994 | 44 | 45 | 47 | 44 | 32 | 33 |
| 47. | Arizona | 44.509 | 50 | 33 | 43 | 6 | 39 | 35 |
| 48. | Georgia | 44.078 | 3 | 49 | 50 | 24 | 47 | 26 |
| 49. | Alaska | 40.833 | 49 | 11 | 19 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
| 50. | Nevada | 38.231 | 48 | 48 | 49 | 25 | 36 | 38 |
Table notes:
* 1 = safest, 50 = most dangerous.
** The factors we considered:
- Romance scam reports
- Identity theft reports
- Fraud reports
- Number of registered sex offenders
- STD rate (including HIV)
- Violent crime reports
Top 5 Safest US States for Online Dating
The New England region distinguishes itself with three states crowned the best for online dating safety overall. However, the data shows that these states are still far from perfect in certain categories. Let’s flesh things out.
1. Vermont — The Lowest STD Rates in the U.S.
Vermont regularly appears at or near the top in the safest U.S. states rankings, and it can now add “best in online dating safety” to its wins. Our analysis shows that the Green Mountain State has the lowest per-capita rate of STDs out of any U.S. state, as well as the second-lowest number of identity theft reports.
Vermont’s high scores could come down to one important factor: It has a small population, meaning it has lower crime rates overall.
It also has a high percentage of residents over the age of 65. This age group is less likely to date online compared to younger age groups, according to a Pew Research study. Following this trend, Maine — the second state in our ranking — has the highest percentage of senior citizens in the U.S.
Vermont does fall short in one area: romance scam reports. Based on the reports, this type of scam affects seven out of every 100,000 residents, putting Vermont at rank 35 overall in this category. However, the state’s strong-to-respectable showing in all other categories swings things in its favor.
2. Maine — Setting the Standard for Physical Safety
With 103 violent crime reports per 100,000 people and an overall score of one in the category, Maine sets the standard for physical safety. Here are some more reassuring stats for those seeking love online: Maine scores points for its low STD rates (ranked third) and low number of identity theft reports (ranked fourth).
On the flip side, it ranked 18th in both the number of registered sex offenders and fraud reports. While it’s not the worst, this means things are still far from perfect. Placing 33rd overall for romance scam reports, Maine follows Vermont in ranking poorly in this area, suggesting that the New England region still has some work to do.
3. New Hampshire — Tax-Free Shopping & Low STD Rates
New Hampshire didn’t swipe any first-place spots, but it came in second and third for low STD rates and violent crime reports, respectively. The land of pretty foliage also got a respectable overall score of 12 for identity theft reports and registered sex offenders. However, it doesn’t shine in the categories of fraud (ranked 22nd) or romance scam reports (ranked 34th).
In February 2025, the New Hampshire Department of Justice warned about the “growing threat of romance scams.” Additionally, in 2024, CBS News reported a rise in romance scams in New Hampshire’s neighboring state, Massachusetts.
4. Iowa — A Top Dating State for Evading Fraudsters
Iowa secures a comfortable ranking of fourth place and breaks the Northeast’s momentum with a low number of fraud (ranked third) and identity theft reports (ranked sixth).
There were 168 fraud reports per 100,000 people, putting Iowa well ahead of the top three states in this category. What’s more, Iowa received a better score than New Hampshire in the identity theft category, with just 38 reports for every 100,000 people.
Compared to those in other states, Iowan online daters may not have to worry as much about being defrauded while searching for a partner. Its overall scores are respectable for the most part, but violent crime is still somewhat concerning. Iowa ranked 19th for violent crime reports, with 264 per capita.
5. Kentucky — Swinging It for the South
Coming up just behind Iowa is Kentucky, with a low number of fraud reports (ranked seventh) and a decent showing in the romance scams category (ranked 11th). Kentucky has the best score so far in the latter category, but it’s not all sunshine and roses: It also has the highest number of registered sex offenders and identity theft reports among the top five states.
The data reveals that there are 216 registered sex offenders per 100,000 people, but Iowa and Maine aren’t far behind. On that note, none of the top five stand out in that category. In 16th place overall, New Jersey has the honor of being the state with the lowest number of registered sex offenders, with Maryland — which ranks in the bottom 10 overall — and Massachusetts rounding out the top three.
States With the Highest Online Dating Safety Risks
Now, for the not-so-good news: Five states have been highlighted for their high risk level for cyberdaters based on the assessed factors. That said, some managed to save themselves from the bottom spot due to their exceptional scores in a couple of categories.
Brace yourself if you’re dating online in the West — the first two on this list won’t make for happy reading.
50. Nevada — Online Dating Could Be a Huge Gamble
With a shocking number of romance scams, identity theft and fraud reports, the risk of getting swindled in the Silver State is ever-present, and online daters might want to think twice about trying their luck.
Nevada rings up a grand total of 379 fraud reports, 143 identity theft reports and 11 romance scam reports per 100,000 residents. The state’s scores in other categories are nothing to be proud of either. Its best ranking — right in the middle at 25th place — is in the registered sex offenders category, with 240 per 100,000 people.
Recently, senior citizens have been the target of Nevada romance scammers. In February 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office reported that a Las Vegas woman was charged with defrauding “older men” on online dating platforms with the goal of “stealing their monies for her personal benefit.”
49. Alaska — A Shocking Number of Violent Crime Reports
Ranked 50th in this category, Alaska is the most dangerous state in terms of violent crime based on the number of reports. For every 100,000 residents, there are 730 violent crime reports. This means residents seeking connections online likely face a higher risk of offenses like threats, sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery and possibly even murder.
Its rankings for romance scam reports (49th place), registered sex offenders (48th place) and STD rates (49th place) are also abysmal. On the ever-so-slightly bright side, the Last Frontier fares better in the number of identity theft (11th place) and fraud reports (19th place), but the latter is still nothing to brag about.
48. Georgia — High Risk for Fraud
If you’re an online dater in Georgia, keep your eyes open because this state is the riskiest overall for fraud (ranked 50th). It’s also one of the riskiest states for identity theft (ranked 49th) and STDs (ranked 47th).
Our data cites 395 fraud reports per 100,000 people. This isn’t surprising given the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, which states that in 2024, Georgia potentially lost $420 million to cybercriminals, representing a 40% increase from 2023.
Given its poor performance in the fraud and identity theft categories, Georgia has one saving grace that is rather surprising: a very low rate of reported romance scams.
47. Arizona — Beware of Romance Scams
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Those using online dating platforms in Arizona should take heed because there are 14 romance scams per 100,000 Arizonans. This puts it firmly in 50th place in the romance scams category. If that wasn’t bad enough, Arizona also has an extremely high rate of fraud reports.
Saving Arizona from an even lower position is its respectable sixth-place ranking in one category: the number of registered sex offenders. Still, the high violent crime and STD rates won’t do much to reassure Arizonans hoping to find “the one” on dating apps.
46. Delaware — A Poor Showing Across the Board
While some bottom-five states redeem themselves in certain categories, the same can’t be said for Delaware. Its best ranking (32nd) is in the STD rates category, and it managed to rank 33rd in violent crime. While it’s not the worst, it also scores poorly for romance scams, fraud and identity theft reports, and registered sex offenders.
Though it avoided the bottom spot, The First State’s poor scores across the board are bound to be concerning for Delawarean love seekers.
What Has Changed Since 2024?
The PrivacyJournal team first conducted this study in 2024. While many states have maintained or stayed close to their original spots, some have jumped several spots ahead or slid down the ranking. This is what stood out to me when comparing the 2024 and 2025 data:
- Iowa rockets into the top five: While the top and bottom three states maintained their original spots, Iowa has risen from 11th to fourth place. There appear to be fewer violent crime and identity theft reports, and the STD rate has also lowered.
- Idaho knocked out of fifth place: Idaho lost its original spot to Kentucky this year, falling down to seventh place overall. While the STD rates as well as the number of identity theft and violent crime reports have dropped, Idaho has seen a climb in the number of fraud reports and registered sex offenders.
- Delaware slides to the bottom five: Due in part to a higher STD rate and number of romance scam reports compared to 2024, Delaware dropped from 44th to 46th place this year. It joins Nevada, Alaska, Georgia and Arizona in the most undesirable positions.
- Rhode Island drops several places: In 2024, Rhode Island narrowly missed out on a top-five position. However, the state has seen a surge in the number of registered sex offenders, from 129 up to 203 per 100,000 people. This caused it to drop from sixth to 14th — eight places in total.
- Washington registers more sex offenders: Like Rhode Island, Washington’s sex offenders’ register is fuller this year, with 229 per 100,000 compared to 90 per 100,000 in 2024. This has contributed to its drop from 16th to 21st place.
Identifying Patterns: Insights From Romance Scam Reports
When determining the safest states for online dating, we gave additional weight to romance scams. Romance scams aren’t just a common risk of meeting partners online — they’re a threat unique to online dating. Scam artists use the anonymity of a digital relationship to misrepresent their situation and play on the target’s emotions for personal gain.
Our team analyzed more than 400 romance scam reports submitted to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) from 2023 to present, looking for common patterns. If you notice any of the following, you might be in danger of becoming a victim.
- Persistent requests for money: Romance scammers use a fake relationship — almost always online — to extort money from their targets. Scammers usually claim they need money for a sympathetic reason, exploiting the target’s feelings for them. Requesting cryptocurrency or a gift card instead of a bank transfer or check is a big red flag.
- Excuses to not meet: Maintaining a false identity is much easier online than in real life. To maintain their illusions, romance scammers prefer to work from other states or countries and may even refuse to video chat. Beware of maintaining a long-distance relationship with anyone who constantly finds reasons not to see you in person.
- Elaborate storytelling: Romance scam artists are great at fabricating complex backstories that make victims more likely to fall for them and send money. Common elements include abuse, legal trouble, being trapped in a foreign country, or needing money for phone or internet bills so the relationship can continue.
- Secrecy and isolation: To keep the target’s friends or family members from catching on, scammers discourage their victims from telling others about the relationship. Most provide a fabricated reason, such as fear that others won’t accept their love.
- False sense of urgency: Like all con artists, romance scammers rely on bypassing your critical thinking skills and getting you to act on instinct. When asking for money, they’ll often concoct reasons why they need funds immediately, such as their phone card being minutes from running out.
Research Methodology & Sources
Here you can get an insight into how the team put together this online dating safety ranking.
How We Rated the Online Dating Safety of the 50 US States
The PrivacyJournal research team selected six key factors impacting a state’s safety level for online daters. We then collected data for each category from sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), SafeHome and more (see below).
For each factor, the team assigned weight points based on importance. Below, you can see what factors we selected and how we distributed weight points:
- Romance scam reports (20 points): The number of reported romance scams in each state.
- Identity theft reports (16 points): The number of identity theft cases reported in each state.
- Fraud reports (16 points): The number of reports in each state for various types of fraud, including phishing, online fraud, bad checks, advance fee fraud and more.
- STD cases (16 points): The number of documented cases of sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, etc.) in each state.
- Violent crime rates (16 points): The number of violent crime instances on record in each state, including sexual assault, aggravated assault, threats and robbery.
The research team followed these steps to create the rankings:
- Data was calculated per 100,000 people.
- Subfactors (HIV, chlamydia, primary and secondary syphilis, non-secondary syphilis and gonorrhea) were summed for the STD prevalence factor.
- Data was normalized on a scale of 0-1 for a fairer and simpler analysis.
- Weight scores were assigned (see above).
- A factor ranking and an overall ranking were created.
The team also analyzed romance scam reports from bbb.org dating from 2023 to present. This data gave us valuable insights into online dating safety trends and the giveaway signs of romance scams for our “Identifying Patterns: Insights From Romance Scam Reports” section above.
Our Sources
Our research team gleaned data from a variety of reputable sources, including the following:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- SafeHome
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Crime Data Explorer
- BBB Scam Tracker
- United States Census Bureau
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