A new WalletHub study ranks California, Connecticut, and Illinois as the best states for police officers in 2025. The report evaluates all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 30 key metrics, including salary, training, and job risks.

The study highlights the wide disparities in law enforcement career conditions across the country. States that offer competitive pay, require strong training, and invest in officer safety tend to rank highest.

Top 10 best states for police officers

California leads the nation thanks to strong pay, heavy investments in public safety, and rigorous training requirements. Officers in the Golden State earn a median annual wage of nearly $85,600 (adjusted for cost of living) and complete extensive basic and field training before serving.

Connecticut follows closely, requiring the most training hours in the country and offering one of the safest environments for law enforcement officers. Illinois rounds out the top three, offering the highest median salary for officers at over $101,700.

Key factors in WalletHub’s rankings

The presence of policies like red flag laws, strong body-worn camera legislation, and mental health training requirements also influenced scores.

States with the most and fewest officers

Washington, D.C., New Mexico, and Louisiana have the most law enforcement officers per capita. In contrast, Oregon, Washington, and Iowa have the fewest.

Where officer salaries are highest

Illinois, Washington, and Michigan offer the highest median salaries for police officers, after adjusting for cost of living. Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi offer the lowest.

Why it matters

The quality of a law enforcement career varies widely depending on location. High salaries, extensive training, and officer protections contribute to safer, more effective policing — benefiting both officers and the communities they serve.

As national debates about police reform and officer retention continue, states investing in better conditions are likely to attract and keep top talent in law enforcement.

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