Mr. Scott Morgan himself has this to say about our Most Dangerous title: "The story for Nevada remains the same as in previous years," Morgan, president of Morgan Quitno Press, says in the most dangerous cities report.
"As a rapidly growing state, it struggles with crime and other problems. It has some of the highest murder, robbery and motor vehicle theft rates in the country."
But hey, let's look at the bright side. We're not No. 1 in rape; that distinction goes to Alaska. We're not No. 1 in murder; Maryland wins there. We're not No. 1 one in robbery; Maryland wins there, too.
All numbers crunched, the safest state is North Dakota—and who the hell wants to live in North Dakota?
Other stats of note:
New Mexico is the second most dangerous state; Arizona is third. Something about the West's growth, huh?
New England fares well in the crimeless rankings: Vermont is the second safest state, followed by Maine, which has the least auto theft in the nation.
So if it's risky business to live in Nevada, that's a chance plenty are obviously willing to take, as this is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. We'll take Nevada over North Dakota any day.