A new survey from U.S.News and World Report says Maine takes the top spot for safest state in the nation.

It may come as a surprise for some that, at a time when many Mainers feel crime is on the rise, the Pine Tree State has ranked as the number one safest state in the nation. The survey measured both violent crime and property damage crime, per 100,000 people, as measured by the FBI in 2016. 'Violent Crime' refers to things like murder, forcible rape, non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, and aggravated assault. 'Property damage' crime includes motor vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny theft.

Maine earned a violent crime rank of 1 and a property crime rank of 5. That was enough to edge out Vermont, which fell to second place with a low violent crime rank of 2 and a property crime rank of 6. The states taking up the 3rd through 5th spots include New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Idaho.

So, while we may feel like crime is on the rise in Maine, these statistics show living here is still 'The Way Life Should Be.'

Of course, the news isn't all great. Maine is in 22nd place for health care, 19th place for education, and 26th place for opportunity.

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