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[LAS VEGAS, NV] — Nevada has emerged as the US state with the highest frequency of reported partner violence during major holiday periods, according to a statistical analysis of 2025 crime data. The findings, which examined 32 eligible states, indicate a stark geographic divide in reported incidents of assault and intimidation, providing a critical data point for public safety officials and the hospitality sector as the 2026 holiday season approaches.
The study focused on four primary holiday windows in 2025, utilizing official FBI statistics to determine the rate of incidents per 100,000 residents. The data reveals that reported violence is not distributed evenly across the country, with significant spikes in specific regions, while other states maintained substantially lower reporting numbers.
Nevada and Alabama Record Highest Reported Rates
Nevada topped the list of all analyzed states, reporting 9.434 incidents per 100,000 covered residents. The reliability of this figure is bolstered by the fact that participating law enforcement agencies in Nevada represented 99.5% of the state's total population, ensuring a nearly comprehensive data set for the region.
Alabama followed as the second-highest state, with a reported rate of 7.137 incidents per 100,000. New Mexico ranked third, recording 6.548 incidents. These figures highlight a trend of higher reported holiday violence in specific Western and Southern corridors.
Tennessee followed closely in fourth place with 6.544 incidents per 100,000—a difference of only 0.004 compared to New Mexico. South Carolina rounded out the top five, reporting 6.064 incidents per 100,000 residents. Industry observers suggest that the narrow margins between these states indicate that regional trends are more significant than isolated state-level anomalies.
Top 10 US States for Reported Partner Violence During Major Holidays
| Rank | State | Incidents per 100,000 | Population coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | 9.434 | 99.5% |
| 2 | Alabama | 7.137 | 94.4% |
| 3 | New Mexico | 6.548 | 89.1% |
| 4 | Tennessee | 6.544 | 97.5% |
| 5 | South Carolina | 6.064 | 91.2% |
| 6 | Illinois | 5.907 | 90.1% |
| 7 | Missouri | 5.713 | 88.8% |
| 8 | Kansas | 5.628 | 84.1% |
| 9 | Texas | 5.592 | 97.3% |
| 10 | Arkansas | 4.982 | 94.7% |
Source: Analysis of FBI-reported crime data for four major holidays in 2025.
Michigan and Massachusetts Report Lowest Rates
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Michigan recorded the lowest reported rate of holiday partner violence among the eligible states, with 2.536 incidents per 100,000 covered residents. This creates a significant gap of 6.898 incidents per 100,000 when compared to the rates found in Nevada.
Massachusetts reported the second-lowest rate at 3.034, nearly identical to Utah, which registered 3.035. Minnesota and Washington followed with 3.176 and 3.212 incidents per 100,000, respectively.
Despite these lower overall rankings, the data suggests that specific holidays can still trigger sharp increases in violence regardless of a state's average. Washington provides a notable example; while it ranked 28th overall, its reported rate on New Year’s Day was 74.3% higher than on comparable non-holiday days. This suggests that seasonal volatility can affect even the lowest-ranked states.
Impact on Holiday Travel and Tourism Infrastructure
These findings are particularly relevant as the US enters the peak season for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. These periods are characterized by massive surges in domestic travel, family reunions, and hotel occupancy, all of which can place additional strain on public safety resources.
For the hospitality industry, this data underscores the necessity of robust emergency response protocols. Hotels, short-term rental providers, and transport operators are encouraged to ensure their staff are trained to recognize signs of distress and know how to direct guests to professional support services.
However, reports emphasize that these statistics should not be viewed as "tourist crime rates." Because partner violence typically occurs within established personal relationships, the higher rates in states like Nevada or Alabama do not necessarily mean that a visitor is at a higher risk of being targeted by a stranger. Instead, the data reflects the broader social environment during high-stress holiday periods.
FBI Data Context and Reporting Limitations
The analysis relied on full-year 2025 FBI crime statistics, which were released in August 2026. By using this standardized data, researchers were able to compare holiday periods across different jurisdictions with a degree of consistency.
While population coverage exceeded 84% in every state within the top 10, the report notes that these figures represent reported incidents. This is a critical distinction, as the actual prevalence of partner violence may be higher due to underreporting, varying local policing procedures, and differences in how victims interact with law enforcement.
The study does not attempt to identify the root causes of these disparities. Factors such as demographic shifts, socioeconomic conditions, and state-specific reporting laws likely influence the final numbers. Consequently, the data serves as a comparative statistical tool rather than an absolute measure of safety.
Why This Matters: The Traveler's Perspective
For the average traveler, these statistics highlight the importance of situational awareness during high-stress travel windows. While the data focuses on partner violence, the broader implication is that holiday periods correlate with increased volatility in several US regions.
From a logistical standpoint, this creates a need for "safety-first" travel planning. Travelers visiting high-ranking states during the holidays should be aware of local emergency resources and support networks. For those in the hospitality sector, the "Information Gain" here is clear: safety is not a static metric. A state that appears safe on average may experience extreme spikes on specific days, such as the New Year's Day surge seen in Washington.
Ultimately, this data shifts the conversation from general safety to seasonal risk management. By recognizing that certain times of the year increase the likelihood of reported violence, community organizations and tourism boards can better allocate resources to protect both residents and visitors during the busiest weeks of the year.
