NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A first-ever ranking lists Tennessee 49th nationally in the level of peace.

The U.S. Peace Index is based on homicide rates, violent crimes, percentage of the population in jail, number of police officers and availability of small arms.

The rankings were created by the Institute for Economics and Peace, a think tank that also sponsors the annual Global Peace Index.

Maine was listed as the most peaceful; Louisiana was the least.

The index, released in Washington, said the total cost of violence per person in Tennessee is $1,844. This is based on the cost of correctional and policing services, judicial system and medical needs associated with violent crime and homicide, and lost productivity and wages.