A Guide To Blue States

Whether you are looking to move states, or take a vacation, this guide will help you pick a good location for your needs.

The state images are from the results of the 2024 election. This will help you get a good idea what individual parts of the state are safe.

Washington State

Trans laws: prohibits discriminating against any LGBTQ+ person based on their gender expression or identity when they’re at work, attending public school, seeking housing, using a restroom that aligns with their gender identity, or accessing public services, among other areas. can also change the gender noted on their birth certificates with a notarized and signed form. X gender marker available. state leaders passed the Gender Affirming Treatment Act to ensure that gender-affirming surgeries, some of which insurance companies often consider cosmetic procedures, are covered by health insurance. allows someone to change their name anywhere in the state and simultaneously seal the records to protect their privacy.

Reproductive rights: My Health, My Data Act, sets up safeguards for health information that consumers provide to companies — such as makers of period-tracking apps — and prohibits zeroing in on the location of health providers via geofencing in order to find and collect health data about consumers. SHIELD Law, aims to protect patients from persecution and other legal action originating in other states for seeking gender-affirming care and reproductive health services, including abortions.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Washington is 17% higher than the national average. Housing is 29% higher than the national average, while utilities are 7% lower.

Crime rate: In 2023, the crime rate in Washington state was 77.86 per 1,000 people. Hate crimes increased 6% in 2023. Violent crime rates in Washington have increased 19.6% over the past five years, which is higher than the national rate of 4.1%The murder rate in Washington has increased more than five times faster than the national rate.The property crime rate in Washington is the worst in the US.

Weapon laws: Washington prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of assault weapons, but you can still possess them. It is illegal to buy or sell magazines that hold more than 10 bullets. You can carry a concealed pistol outside of your home or place of business if you have a CPL. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess for self-defense, without a license.It is legal to openly carry knives, including dirks, daggers, Bowie knives, and stilettos, as long as it doesn't alarm others. It is illegal to own switchblades or other spring blade knives.

a graph alongside a map that shows the hate crime incidents in Washington State

Oregon

Trans laws: Oregon law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. Oregon law recognizes hate crimes motivated by gender identity or sexual orientation. Oregon health insurance plans cannot discriminate against people based on gender identity. Adults and minors in Oregon can change their gender, and adults and minors can also use the gender marker X

Reproductive rights: Oregon has abortion shield laws that protect health care providers, patients, and others from out-of-state investigations and other restrictions

Cost of living: The cost of living in Oregon is 10% higher than the national average. Housing is 22% higher than the national average, while utilities are 3% lower.

Crime rate: Oregon's violent crime rate is 342 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 4.0.Oregon's violent crime rate increased from 2020 to 2021, but flattened between 2021 and 2022. Oregon's most populated cities saw an 11% decrease in violent index crime from 2022 to 2023.

Weapon laws: The state enacted a prohibition on untraceable ghost guns and 3-D printed guns in 2023 Open carry of firearms is legal statewide without a permit. However, Oregon law allows a city or county to regulate open carry of loaded firearms in public places, but holders of concealed carry permits are exempt. All knives are legal to own and possess in Oregon, with the exception of convicted felons.

a graph alongside a map that shows the hate crime incidents in the state of Oregon

California

Trans laws: The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. This includes the right to be hired, promoted, and paid equally, and to not be harassed or fired. The Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex (TGI) Inclusive Care Act protects the right to access gender-affirming health care services. The Equal Restroom Access Act requires schools to mark single-user restrooms as "all gender". SB 760, a new law, requires most schools to provide at least one all-gender restroom by July 1, 2026. The law streamlines the process for Californians to apply to change their gender markers and creates a nonbinary gender category (the letter “x”) on California birth certificates, drivers' licenses, identity cards, and gender-change court orders. Assembly Bill 1955 will prohibit school districts from requiring staff to share information with parents about a student's gender identity.

Reproductive rights: Prohibits California law enforcement from cooperating with out-of-state prosecutions related to abortion. It also allows California providers and patients to sue anyone who interferes with their right to obtain or provide abortion care. Prohibits police from arresting people who aid or obtain abortions in California.

Cost of living: The cost of living in California is 38% higher than the national average. Housing is 97% higher than the national average, while utilities are 24% higher.

Crime rate: In 2023, California's violent crime rate increased by 1.7% to 503 crimes per 100,000 residents. This is still up 15.4% from 2019, but below the 1992 peak of 1,104. In 2023, California's homicide rate decreased by 15.8% to 4.8 per 100,000 residents.

Weapon laws: California law prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, loaning, and transfer of assault weapons and .50 Browning Machine Gun rifles. However, in June 2021, a federal judge overturned California's ban on assault weapons, ruling that it violated the Second Amendment. California is appealing the ruling, and assault weapons remain illegal while the appeal is being heard. A Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC Card) is required to purchase a handgun in California. The HSC Card shows that the buyer has basic knowledge of handgun safety and California law. Imposes an excise tax in the amount of 11% of the gross receipts from the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition. Dirk knives and daggers are illegal to carry concealed. Switchblades with a blade 2” or longer are illegal to carry. California Penal Code 21510 prohibits switchblades, ballistic knives, shurikens, and more.

New York

Trans laws: 2019 amendment to the New York State Human Rights Law (HRL) protects people from discrimination based on their gender identity or expression. GENDA applies to many areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. Sex reassignment surgery not a requirement for changing birth certificatesNew York City Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order to "protect access to transgender care for people by preventing the use of city resources to detain, prosecute or investigate any individual who is providing or receiving gender-affirming health care services" In June 2021, the state passed the Gender Recognition Act, which allowed the use of "X" as a gender marker on drivers licenses and made it easier to seal records of name and gender changes on official documents. In New York, coverage is available for hormone therapy (including cross-sex hormones and pubertal suppressants), surgeries, and other procedures. In order to receive coverage, you have to have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and your doctor has say that the treatment you seek is medically necessary.

Reproductive rights: New York Passes Bill to Shield Abortion Providers Sending Pills Into States With Bans. you can get an abortion up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, you can still get an abortion if your health or pregnancy is at risk.

Cost of living: The cost of living in New York is 26% higher than the national average. Housing is 75% higher than the national average, while utilities are 3% higher.

Crime rate: New York City has a murder rate of 6.3 per 100,000.

Weapon laws: To own a handgun, you need a valid City handgun license. To own a rifle or shotgun, you need a City-issued permit. New York has the second-strongest gun laws in the country, with one of the lowest rates of gun violence and gun ownership. You may not load more than ten rounds in any rifle magazine. several self-defense weapons are legal for civilian possession and use, including pepper spray, stun guns, and Tasers. prohibits carrying a knife that can be seen in public, including wearing a knife outside of your clothing. This applies to all knives, even if the blade is not exposed. When any portion of the knife is visible, such as the clip, hinge or top, this is considered in public view. The possession of switchblades, ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and cane swords by the non-exempted is prohibited.

Maine

Trans laws: nearly all health plans cannot discriminate on the basis of sex allows for people who are at least 16 years old to receive non-surgical gender-affirming hormone therapy — not gender reassignment surgery – without a parent's consent Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in the areas of employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. In April 2024, a bill passed and signed within Maine - by both the Governor and Legislature “protects, defends and safeguards gender-affirming healthcare explicitly” (alongside abortion). Maine residents no longer require certification from a medical provider in order to change the gender marker on their driver's licenses and state ID cards. Three sex options are available on driver's licenses and state ID cards, that being "male", "female" and "X" In January 2024, following right wing backlash, Maine Democrats voted unanimously to strike a bill which would've provided sanctuary protections to trans minors.

Reproductive Rights: Maine is now one of more than a dozen states to put a shield law into effect.Maine law protects your right to an abortion.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Maine is 10.2% higher than the national average

Crime rate: Maine has the nation's lowest rate of violent crime overall with 103 incidents per 100,000 people.

Weapon laws: Open and concealed carry are legal in Maine without a permit​. 72-hour waiting period for certain sales of firearms. Gun registration is NOT required in the State of Maine. In Maine, it is legal to own any type of knife and openly carry all knives. But it is illegal to carry concealed dirks, stilettos, or any knife designed primarily as a weapon against humans.

Delaware

Trans laws: Delaware will change a person's gender marker on their birth certificate if they provide an affidavit from a licensed medical or mental health professional. The affidavit must state that the applicant has received treatment for gender transition.Delaware prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in insurance contracts, including sex reassignment surgery.Delaware includes transgender healthcare in state Medicaid.The State of Delaware vigorously promotes equal employment opportunity and workplaces free of unlawful or improper discrimination.

Reproductive rights: Delaware's shield law protects abortion providers, patients, and supporters from out-of-state investigations, prosecutions, and civil liability. Delaware allows abortion up to viability, which is usually around 24 weeks. Minors need parental consent to get an abortion, but there is a judicial bypass process for minors who can't get consent.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Delaware is 2% higher than the national average. Housing is 2% lower than the national average, while utilities are 2% lower.

Crime rate: 384 violent crimes per 100,000 people

Weapon laws: Delaware prohibits the ownership or possession of certain weapons, including: Assault weapons, High-capacity magazines, Sawed-off shotguns, Machine guns, Silencers. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit in most of the state. Pepper spray can also be carried without a permit. Gun owners are legally allowed to openly carry handguns in the state without a permit. It's illegal to conceal carry any knife that's not a pocket knife or has a blade of 3 inches or more. It's an unclassified misdemeanor to sell, offer for sale, or have in possession a switchblade knife.

Michigan

Trans laws: can formally change sex without sexual reassignment surgery. plans were announced to begin offering an "X" marker on driver licenses at an unspecified future date.[124] In November 2021, the Secretary of State said the option would be available "soon" On October 11, 2022, House Bill 6454 was introduced in the state legislature. If the bill passes, any parent or physician who "consents to, obtains, or assists with a gender transition procedure for a child" will face life in prison for the felony of child abuse in the first degree. Your plan covers certain gender dysphoria treatments, such as bottom surgery, when guidelines are met. It does not cover face and neck surgery for gender dysphoria.

Reproductive rights: Abortion is legal throughout pregnancy in Michigan – there is no ban or limit on abortion in Michigan based on how far along in pregnancy you are. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must give you permission to get an abortion in Michigan. May not have shield laws in place.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Michigan is 4% lower than the national average. Housing is 13% lower than the national average, while utilities are 2% lower.

Crime rate: Murder rates vary widely across Michigan, with Dearborn having a rate of 2.1 per 100,000, while Detroit has a rate of 43.5 per 100,000

Weapon laws: You must have a concealed pistol license (CPL) to carry a handgun concealed in Michigan, except at your home, on your land, or at your place of business. It's illegal to carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument, or other dangerous weapon concealed on your person or in a vehicle you're operating or occupying. It's illegal to conceal carry a knife with a blade of 3 inches or more. Requires that firearms be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition in certain circumstances Bars people from having guns after a hate crime conviction.

New Mexico

Trans laws: Right to change legal gender in New Mexico is legal, no restrictions.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned statewide in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. Conversion therapy for minors is prohibited in New Mexico.New Mexico is one of 20 states without an explicit policy on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care. However, federal law prohibits discrimination in health care based on gender identity. This means that Medicaid cannot deny coverage for gender-affirming care based on gender identity, and that "blanket bans" on transition-related care are considered discriminatory.

Reproductive rights: New Mexico's shield laws provide protections against out-of-state investigations and prosecutions, professional discipline, and civil liability. New Mexico's shield laws also provide protections for consumer data related reproductive and gender- affirming care. People over the age of 13 can get an abortion without permission from their parents. Abortion is private and protected, just like other medical services.

Cost of living: The cost of living in New Mexico is 5% lower than the national average. Housing is 8% lower than the national average, while utilities are 10% lower.

Crime rate: New Mexico's violent crime rate is 781 per 100,000 people, which is more than double the national rate. This makes it the state with the highest violent crime rate in the country. New Mexico's reported crime rate is 6,462 per 100,000 residents, which is more than double the bottom 11 states.

Weapon laws: New Mexico residents need a state-issued Concealed Handgun License (CHL) to carry a concealed loaded handgun in public. Non-residents can carry a concealed loaded firearm if they have a permit from a state that New Mexico honors. Licensees can only carry one concealed handgun at a time. New Mexico residents who are at least 19 years old and can legally possess a firearm can openly carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in public without a license. There are also prohibitions on gun possession for domestic abusers, fugitives from justice, people convicted of hate crimes, and people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution. It is illegal to own any type of automatic knife, such as a switchblade or butterfly knife It is illegal to carry, open or concealed, a knife larger than 5 inches without a permit. For knives greater than 12 inches, you need a weapons permit.

Colorado

Trans laws: The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (“CADA”) prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, housing, and employment based on protected characteristics, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. all public accommodations must allow individuals the use of gender-segregated facilities (like restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms, and dormitories) that are consistent with their gender identity.Fair housing laws were enacted to ensure everyone has equal access to the housing of their choice.The law also prohibits redlining, steering, misrepresenting availability, advertising with a discriminatory preference or limitation, applying unequal terms or conditions of sale or rental, and other discriminatory conduct based on a protected characteristic.

Jude’s Law generally allows transgender and nonbinary Coloradans of any age to have accurate, reflective identification documents (IDs). This means that you can update your birth certificate, driver’s license, or Colorado state ID with the options male (M), female (F), or non-binary/gender-nonconforming (X).

Reproductive rights: In 2022, Colorado enacted a statutory protection for abortion as a fundamental right and, in 2023, Colorado enacted a comprehensive shield law.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Colorado is 6% higher than the national average. Housing is 20% higher than the national average, while utilities are 8% lower.

Crime rate: In 2022, Colorado's violent crime rate was 500 per 100,000, which is nearly 30% higher than the national rate. In 2023, Colorado's violent crime rate was the 8th highest in the nation.

Weapon laws: if you are not barred under state statute from openly carrying a firearm, you can do so without obtaining a concealed carry permit. prohibits a person from manufacturing, importing, purchasing, selling, offering to sell, or transferring ownership of an assault weapon. Illegal to conceal a knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches without a permit, unless it's a hunting or fishing knife. Any non-ballistic knife with a blade not exceeding 3 ½ inches is lawful to carry, whether concealed or openly, including on school grounds.

Minnesota

Trans laws: Minnesota as now a “Trans Refuge” state due to a new law that prevents out-of-state laws from interfering in the practice of gender-affirming health care here. The state's Medicaid policy covers care related to transgender people. Minnesota law prohibits health insurance providers from excluding coverage for transgender-specific care or discriminating against transgender patients. The Driver and Vehicle Services will issue an "M", "F", or "X" on a license or state ID upon request of the individual. No documentation is required.

Reproductive rights: Minnesota Supreme Court found that the Minnesota Constitution guarantees the right of every Minnesotan to terminate a pregnancy. there is no ban or limit on abortion in Minnesota based on how far along in pregnancy you are. Parental involvement is not required in Minnesota. Has a shield law in place to protect patients and providers

Cost of living: The cost of living in Minnesota is 4% lower than the national average. Housing is 15% lower than the national average, while utilities are 4% lower.

Crime rate: 280.6 per 100,000 people

Weapon laws: A permit to carry is required to carry a handgun in public, and also allows the holder to purchase the weapon. A permit to purchase is also required to buy certain semi-automatic military-style assault weapons, most pistols, and some shotguns. It's illegal to possess a switchblade knife, which has a blade that opens automatically.

Illinois

Trans laws: an amendment to state law allows people to change the gender on their birth certificate by signing a statement affirming their gender designation or intersex condition. discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations The Illinois Senate has amended a gender-neutral restroom bill to require such bathrooms to remove urinals. Illinois has required all single-occupancy bathrooms, defined as a room that can be locked with only one sink, toilet stall, and urinal, in public buildings to be designated for all genders since 2020. Health plans cannot categorically exclude transition-related care, such as hormones, counseling, or surgery.

Reproductive Rights: Illinois enacted an interstate shield law protecting providers, patients, and people who help others access abortion and gender affirming care from licensure consequences and the reach of out-of-state investigations and legal actions.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Illinois is 8% lower than the national average. Housing is 21% lower than the national average, while utilities are 8% lower.

Crime rate: 38.77 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.

Weapon laws: You must have a FOID card to purchase or possess a firearm or ammunition in Illinois. To qualify, you must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. You must have a CCL to carry a concealed firearm in Illinois. To qualify, you must be at least 21 years old and complete a 16-hour firearms training course. Illinois banned the sale of assault weapons on January 10, 2023 Illinois banned the sale of magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for handguns.You must store firearms in a locked container or vehicle if you leave them unattended. it is unlawful to have or carry any firearm in or on any vehicle or conveyance unless unloaded and enclosed in a case.