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The US is No. 1 — in serial killers.
With a chilling 3,615 known serial killers to date, America has produced 66.2% of the world’s known serial killers to date — and outpace the next deadliest nations by a staggering margin.
The number of American serial killers is more than 18 times that of the No. 2 and 3 countries, Russia (196) and the UK (190).
But don’t fret, Americans are still more likely to be struck by lightning (1 in 15,300) than to live next to a serial killer (1 in 94,800).
On the other hand, you’re far more likely to live next to a serial killer than to hit the Mega Millions jackpot (1 in 292.2 million) or be bitten by a shark (1 in 11.5 million).
In what US state are you most likely to live next to a serial killer?
Wyoming, with 13.59 serial killers per one million people — the equivalent of 1 for every 73,584 residents.
For New Yorkers, the numbers may come as a surprise.
Despite producing 39 known serial killers and recording a staggering 677 known victims, New York ranks just 48th out of the 50 states for serial killer concentration.
With more than 20 million residents, the Empire State’s sheer population dilutes the per-capita figure to just 1.95 serial killers per one million people, making your chances of running into a serial killer at the corner bodega 1 in 512,821.
To find out the chances of coming face to face with a twisted murderer, PokerTube analyzed the number of total serial killers across America and broke it down to per-capita concentration in every state..
Alaska ranks second with 12.21 serial killers per one million residents – meaning the odds of your neighbor shooting you in the face for forgetting to take in your garbage cans are roughly 1 in 81,900.
Oregon lands in third place, with 32 known serial killers — translating to a rate of 7.49 serial killers per one million residents. The Beaver State has recorded 175 known serial-killer victims. Your chances of moving next door to one would be approximately 1 in 133,500.
Montana ranks fourth with 6.99 serial killers per one million residents — meaning there is roughly 1 known serial killer for every 143,062 people. The Treasure State recorded 47 serial killer victims, with a victim rate of 4.08 per 100K people.
Rounding off the top five serial killer hotspots is Missouri, with 41 recorded serial killers, equivalent to 6.54 serial killers per one million residents. The Show-Me State has recorded a staggering 350 serial killer victims.
“America’s biggest serial killer hotspots appear to cluster heavily in the West, with six of the top 10 states being western states,” James Thompson, strategist at PokerTube, told The Post. “While there is no single way to identify a serial killer before a crime occurs, concerning patterns like repeated violent behavior, a lack of empathy or remorse, manipulation and a history of harming others could be potential red flags.
“Recognizing these patterns and encouraging early intervention, support and professional help can play a role in preventing harm.”
Of course, some of America’s most notorious serial killers don’t fall into any pattern at all.
The Big Apple’s most notorious serial killer, “Son of Sam” David Berkowitz, is now serving six life sentences at Shawangunk Correctional Facility. He was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx.
Ted Bundy is from Vermont, John Wayne Gacy hailed from Illinois and Jeffry Dahmer came from Milwaukee.
New Jersey recorded 24 known serial killers and 232 known victims, but its large population leaves it with a rate of 2.51 serial killers per one million residents — placing it 36th nationally.
California has produced 128 known serial killers — more than any other state — while Texas has recorded 90 and Florida 76. But because those states also have enormous populations, they rank only in the middle of the pack on a per-capita basis.
The safest states per capita are Minnesota, which has just 1.20 serial killers per million residents, and Pennsylvania at 1.38.
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