By Police1 Staff
WASHINGTON — Every year, WalletHub conducts a comprehensive survey of the attractiveness of law enforcement careers across the U.S., factoring in risks, compensation and work environment quality.
The survey compares states using 30 key metrics across opportunity, training requirements and job hazards. The data set ranges from the median income for law-enforcement officers to police deaths per 1,000 officers to state and local police-protection expenses per capita.
The study aims to guide those considering or currently in law enforcement toward the states offering the most favorable conditions.
As was the case in the 2022 survey, the top five locations were California, the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Maryland and Illinois.
On the other end of the scale, Arkansas was ranked the worst state to be a police officer, followed by Alaska, West Virginia, Kentucky and Nevada.
Check out each state’s ratings below. Do you agree with the findings? Email your opinions to editor@police1.com.
For further insights from the report, visit WalletHub.
NEXT: Do you want to protect and serve your community? Here’s how to become a police officer
