A Safe Place To Call Home
What does safety really look like in a city today? When you're starting a family or relocating for work, you need a place where security and opportunity align. And today, it matters more than ever.
22. Lincoln, Nebraska
Since the cost of living is low compared to most American cities, Lincoln has always been attractive to retirees and those willing to live on a budget. Moreover, the capital of Nebraska has an average violent rate of 4 per 1,000 residents.
Collinulness, Wikimedia Commons
22. Lincoln, Nebraska (Cont.)
Although this rate is slightly higher than the national average, many consider living in Lincoln due to its growing economy and strong educational system. While property offenses occur at a rate of 27 per 1,000, Lincoln is working on its proactive law enforcement strategies and community programs.
21. Columbia, Maryland
Want to live in the Free State? Columbia is a planned community in Maryland known for its emphasis on citizen wellbeing. The city reports an offense rate of 2.16 per 1,000 and a property attack rate of 25.73 per 1,000 residents.
21. Columbia, Maryland (Cont.)
Locals consider the southwest area to be the safest, but offense rates vary by neighborhood. Overall, Columbia's well-maintained residential areas and abundant parks make it an attractive place for families and professionals seeking a secure and vibrant environment.
Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons
20. Yonkers, New York
North of New York City, Yonkers offers a suburban feel with urban conveniences, making it a desirable location for many. The city has implemented community policing strategies that have contributed to a decrease in attack rates over recent years.
ajay_suresh, Wikimedia Commons
20. Yonkers, New York (Cont.)
Yonkers has a violence rate that is reported to be 13% lower than the state average and 11% than the national average. Moreover, the city's diverse neighborhoods, quality public schools, entertainment options, and extensive public transportation options make it appealing to families who want a safe and accessible living environment.
19. Gilbert, Arizona
Many prefer living in Gilbert, Arizona, enjoying its busy downtown area, which offers a variety of dining and entertainment options. The city is also famous for its low violence rates and family-friendly atmosphere, which makes it one of the safest cities in Arizona.
Cygnusloop99, Wikimedia Commons
19. Gilbert, Arizona (Cont.)
Gilbert’s proactive community policing and neighborhood watch programs have fostered a secure environment. Locals consider Lakeview Trails one of the safest neighborhoods, and the overall violence rate is reported at 1.18 per 1,000 residents.
18. San Jose, California
Many professionals move to San Jose for Silicon Valley jobs, enjoying a relatively secure environment with a violence rate of about 2.7 to 3 per 1,000, below the national average. While some citizens consider the east part of the city safer, specific data confirming this is limited.
Terry Lucas, Wikimedia Commons
18. San Jose, California (Cont.)
On the other hand, the rate of property offenses is 26.52 incidents per 1,000. Despite the higher rate, San Jose offers a high quality of life, with diverse amenities and a strong economy driven by the tech industry.
Adam Schultz, Wikimedia Commons
17. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii, is famous for its picturesque scenery and commitment to public safety. The city’s violence rate is about 2.37 per 1,000 residents, lower than the state average of 2.67 per 1,000 and the national average of 3.6 per 1,000.
ArdentArbitration, Wikimedia Commons
17. Honolulu, Hawaii (Cont.)
However, property attacks are more prevalent, with a rate of 29.21 per 1,000, surpassing the national average. Still, Honolulu maintains a strong sense of community and offers a decent quality of life for families and retirees.
16. Boise, Idaho
With a welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to public wellbeing, Boise is considered one of the most attractive cities in Idaho. The capital city has a violence rate of 2.71 per 1,000 residents, which makes it a safe place for those living alone and older folks.
16. Boise, Idaho (Cont.)
Property attack rates are also below the national average, reported at 12.51 per 1,000 residents. Boise's dedication to public safety is evident through initiatives like the Public Crime Map, which provides citizens with transparent and up-to-date information on local assault statistics.
15. Overland Park, Kansas
For those seeking a safe community in Kansas, Overland Park can be a good choice. It’s a suburb of Kansas City known for its high standard of living. Assault rates are lower in northern areas, set at 1 in 18 and 1 in 50 in the southwest.
City of Overland Park from Overland Park, United States, Wikimedia Commons
15. Overland Park, Kansas (Cont.)
Overland Park offers excellent schools and abundant recreational facilities, which makes it a good choice for families and adults. It’s specifically attractive to outdoor lovers, with more than 80 public parks and lots of walking trails.
Benjamin White, Wikimedia Commons
14. Sugar Land, Texas
Located southwest of Houston, Sugar Land is recognized for its affluent neighborhoods and proactive approach to public wellbeing. The assault rate is about 0.78 to 0.86 per 1,000 residents, far below national averages. Locals consider the southeast part safest, though data is anecdotal.
Ed Schipul (https://www.flickr.com/people/eschipul/), Wikimedia Commons
14. Sugar Land, Texas (Cont.)
Citizens' chances of becoming a victim of attack vary by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 12 in central areas to 1 in 40 in the southeast. These figures highlight the importance of neighborhood selection within the city.
WhisperToMe, Wikimedia Commons
13. McKinney, Texas
Compared to other states, Texas seems to offer more public welfare to locals and visitors. McKinney, situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, is celebrated for its historic charm and commitment to safety, as well as for offering the benefits of southern living.
13. McKinney, Texas (Cont.)
In recent years, the city reported a violence rate of 1 to 1.05 per 1,000 residents, showing a consistent decline. Property attacks, like burglary, have also decreased, with incidents dropping from approximately 248 in 2019 to an estimated 183 by 2024 (pending full confirmation).
Mistermckinney, Wikimedia Commons
12. Round Rock, Texas
If you want to experience southern life in Texas, Round Rock would be a great place to start. It’s a rapidly growing suburb north of Austin and has garnered attention for its low attack rates and family-friendly atmosphere.
Another Believer, Wikimedia Commons
12. Round Rock, Texas (Cont.)
In 2024, the city experienced a 7% decrease in property offenses compared to the previous year, which reflects effective law enforcement efforts and community vigilance. The overall assault rate in Round Rock is 24.14 per 1,000 annually, but it’s higher in the southern neighborhoods.
Another Believer, Wikimedia Commons
11. Madison, Wisconsin
Moving to Wisconsin’s capital, Madison, guarantees one of the safest communities in America’s Dairyland. Reports suggest fluctuations in offense rates as in 2024 there was a possible 40% reduction in homicides in 2024. However, these figures await full confirmation.
Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons
11. Madison, Wisconsin (Cont.)
Property offenses remain a concern, with a rate of 24 per 1,000. Despite these challenges, Madison offers locals a high quality of life characterized by a strong sense of community engagement. The presence of the University of Wisconsin-Madison contributes to the city's economic stability.
Richard Hurd from Green Bay, USA, Wikimedia Commons
10. Scottsdale, Arizona
Compared to the national average, the violent incident rate in Scottsdale is quite low, at 1.4 to 1.65 per 1,000. Additionally, its vibrant cultural scene and diverse population further enhance its appeal and make it an attractive choice for people from various backgrounds.
10. Scottsdale, Arizona (Cont.)
Locals also enjoy a high quality of life with a strong economy that creates plenty of job opportunities and the abundance of parks and recreational facilities. These factors make Scottsdale an ideal choice for those seeking a safe and dynamic community in Arizona.
Bigmacthealmanac, Wikimedia Commons
9. Frisco, Texas
Not far away from McKinney stands Frisco, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. It has rapidly evolved into a thriving city known for its safety and family-friendly atmosphere. The city's crime rates are notably low, with proactive policing and community programs contributing to a secure environment.
williamedia, Wikimedia Commons
9. Frisco, Texas (Cont.)
Frisco is home to excellent educational institutions, including top-rated public schools and higher education campuses. The city offers a wealth of recreational facilities, such as sports complexes and entertainment venues, to cater to a wide range of interests.
Michael.Rihani, Wikimedia Commons
8. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, along the Atlantic coast, is a top destination for beach lovers. It’s also one of the safest communities on the East Coast, as it experienced about 15.3% reduction in individual assaults and 9% in property damage in 2024.
Jason Pratt (FishSpeaker), Wikimedia Commons
8. Virginia Beach, Virginia (Cont.)
These improvements reflect effective law enforcement strategies and community engagement. Virginia Beach is home to many recreational activities, including beachfront parks and cultural festivals. With a strong local economy supported by tourism and military presence, Virginia Beach provides ample employment opportunities.
Bruce Emmerling, Wikimedia Commons
7. Cary, North Carolina
Cary, near Raleigh, is known for its low offense rates and family-friendly atmosphere. The city's violence rate stands at 0.8 per 1,000, which is below average for all communities in America.
7. Cary, North Carolina (Cont.)
Worried about breaking and entering? Property offenses occur at a rate of 9 per 1,000, which indicates a relatively low incidence of such offenses. In addition to its safety, Cary offers excellent schools and a thriving local economy with a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life.
Mustang dvs, Wikimedia Commons
6. Naperville, Illinois
In 2024, Naperville reported an offense rate of 8.4 to 9 per 1,000 residents related to properties. This Chicago suburbia is specifically safe for individuals, as the violent assault rate was set to 0.6 per 1,000.
Lectrician2, Wikimedia Commons
6. Naperville, Illinois (Cont.)
This is a great place to start a family because you know your kids will be safe all the time. Moreover, the school system is of excellent quality. The city's strong community engagement and proactive policing strategies contribute to its reputation as a desirable place for families and professionals.
5. Nashua, New Hampshire
Most of the cities in New Hampshire are considered safe compared to others in the US. Nashua, located in southern New Hampshire, is no different, with the wellbeing of the locals and tourists considered a top priority.
5. Nashua, New Hampshire (Cont.)
Nashua’s violence rate is reported at 1.2 incidents per 1,000, which is below the national average. Property attacks occur at a rate of about 10.1 per 1,000 residents. These figures contribute to Nashua's reputation as a safe community for individuals and families.
User:Magicpiano, Wikimedia Commons
4. Portland, Maine
One of Maine’s largest cities, Portland, is also one of the safest. It's got the perfect blend of coastal charm and urban amenities, attracting locals and visitors. The city's violence rate stands at 1.8 to 1.83 per 1,000, significantly lower than the national median of 3.6.
Jeffrey B. Ferland, Wikimedia Commons
4. Portland, Maine (Cont.)
As for properties, offenses occur at a rate of 16.93 per 1,000, which is also below the national median. These figures indicate that Portland maintains a relatively safe environment for its inhabitants. Locals generally consider the northern part of the city to be the safest.
HillMan04101, Wikimedia Commons
3. Chandler, Arizona
Commitment to public welfare is one of the main features of Chandler, a prominent suburb of Phoenix. In 2024, the city reported a homicide rate of 0.04%, with other violent crimes, such as robbery, accounting for 1.01% and 1.45% of total incidents, respectively.
Ixnayonthetimmay, Wikimedia Commons
3. Chandler, Arizona (Cont.)
Nevertheless, the majority of reported incidents include burglary and theft. Despite these figures, Chandler's overall violence rate remains lower than many comparable cities and reflects effective law enforcement and community initiatives. Moreover, the city offers excellent schools and diverse housing options.
Peter Bronski, Wikimedia Commons
2. Irvine, California
Prefer living in California? Irvine is a safe community for families and professionals seeking a balanced and secure lifestyle. In 2023, the city reported a violent attack rate of 1 per 1,000, which indicates a low incidence of violent offenses.
2. Irvine, California (Cont.)
People can also guarantee that their properties will be somehow safe, as the city reported property violation rates of 17 per 1,000 residents. While it’s not very low, it’s still lower than the state’s average. Beyond safety, Irvine offers top-tier educational institutions, including the University of California.
1. South Burlington, Vermont
In many surveys, South Burlington consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the United States, as it offers citizens a welcoming environment. The city's violence rate is notably low, with residents facing a 1 in 397 chance of experiencing such incidents.
Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons
1. South Burlington, Vermont (Cont.)
However, property attacks are more prevalent, occurring at a rate of 54 per 1,000. Nevertheless, South Burlington maintains a strong sense of community, bolstered by active neighborhood associations and community policing initiatives.
