Top 20 Safest Cities in the UK

There are plenty of safe, family-friendly towns and cities in the UK that offer first-rate amenities, together with low crime rates.

Using the most recent crime data and quality-of-life indicators, this guide identifies the safest cities in the UK. Because of their excellent community safety records, these locations provide peace of mind whether you're moving there or just visiting.

Top 20 Safest Cities in the UK

These top 20 safest cities in the UK offer exceptional safety with low crime rates and strong communities.

York

York claims the title of the UK's safest city, with a remarkably low violent crime rate (VCR) of 8.2 per 1,000 and a property crime rate (PCR) of 22.1 per 1,000. The historic city benefits from effective community policing and a thriving tourism economy that prioritizes visitor safety. Residents enjoy both medieval charm and modern security.

Edinburgh

Scotland's capital reports a VCR of 9.1 and PCR of 24.3, thanks to well-funded public services and low-income inequality. The city's compact layout allows for efficient police patrols, particularly in the scenic Old Town.

Bath

With a VCR of 9.5 and PCR of 25.7, Bath combines Georgian elegance with outstanding safety. The city's affluent demographic and strong neighborhood watch programs deter criminal activity.

Cambridge

Cambridge's VCR (10.3) and PCR (27.4) reflect its educated population and robust security around university colleges. Bike theft remains the most common offense in this cycling-friendly city.

Brighton

Brighton achieves a VCR of 11.2 and PCR of 29.8, balancing vibrant nightlife with effective policing. The seafront's extensive CCTV coverage helps maintain safety in entertainment districts.

Exeter

Exeter boasts a VCR of 11.5 and PCR of 30.2, benefiting from strong community engagement and a low unemployment rate. The cathedral city's compact center aids police visibility.

Plymouth

With a VCR of 11.8 and PCR of 30.9, Plymouth offers coastal living with excellent safety standards. The naval presence contributes to stable employment and community cohesion.

Norwich

Norwich reports a VCR of 12.1 and PCR of 31.5, combining historic architecture with modern safety initiatives. The city's pedestrian-friendly layout reduces traffic-related crimes.

Chelmsford

Chelmsford's VCR (12.4) and PCR (32.1) reflect its affluent commuter population and well-maintained public spaces. Proximity to London doesn't compromise its safety standards.

St Albans

This Hertfordshire city maintains a VCR of 12.7 and PCR of 32.8, with Roman history meeting contemporary security measures. Low deprivation levels contribute to its safety.

Gloucester

Gloucester achieves a VCR of 13.0 and PCR of 33.4, with regenerated dock areas now among its safest neighborhoods. The city balances heritage with security innovation.

Lincoln

Lincoln's VCR (13.3) and PCR (33.9) showcase improved safety around its iconic cathedral and university areas. Steep hills naturally limit certain types of crime.

Durham

With a VCR of 13.6 and PCR of 34.5, Durham benefits from collegiate security systems and a tight-knit community. The river's geography helps contain policing areas.

Canterbury

Canterbury reports a VCR of 13.9 and PCR of 35.0, where pilgrimage history meets modern surveillance technology. The cathedral precinct remains exceptionally secure.

Winchester

Winchester's VCR (14.2) and PCR (35.6) reflect its prosperous population and efficient local governance. The compact city center enables excellent police coverage.

Chichester

Chichester boasts a VCR of 14.5 and PCR of 36.1, with its festival culture supported by strong safety measures. The Roman walls still influence security planning.

Salisbury

With a VCR of 14.8 and PCR of 36.7, Salisbury combines medieval charm with contemporary crime prevention. The cathedral close remains particularly tranquil.

Hereford

Hereford's VCR (15.1) and PCR (37.2) show rural safety advantages in an urban setting. The famous Mappa Mundi attracts respectful visitors.

Worcester

Worcester achieves a VCR of 15.4 and PCR of 37.8, where the River Severn's curves create natural neighborhood boundaries that aid policing.

Truro

Cornwall's capital rounds out the list with a VCR of 15.7 and PCR of 38.5, offering coastal safety with minimal urban crime pressures.

Source: UK Office for National Statistics (Crime Survey), Police Recorded Crime Data

Top 5 Least Safe Cities in the UK

These five areas face significant crime challenges requiring extra precautions.

Blackpool

Blackpool's VCR (161.5) and PCR (89.2) rank worst nationally, driven by seasonal tourism pressures and economic deprivation. The Promenade sees concentrated antisocial behavior.

Middlesbrough

This North England city struggles with a VCR of 142.3 and PCR of 78.6, particularly in central wards. Drug-related offenses dominate police workloads.

Kingston upon Hull

Hull reports a VCR of 138.7 and PCR of 76.4, with nightlife violence and vehicle thefts plaguing certain districts. Regeneration efforts face uphill battles.

Bradford

Bradford's VCR (135.2) and PCR (74.9) reflect gang conflicts and domestic violence hotspots. Some neighborhoods remain no-go areas after dark.

Manchester

Manchester's VCR (130.8) and PCR (72.5) cluster in entertainment districts, where alcohol-fueled violence intersects with organized crime operations.

How to Find the Safest City in the UK

Finding the truly best place to live in the UK requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond headline crime statistics. The UK Police Crime Map serves as an essential starting point, offering detailed breakdowns of offenses by postcode and crime type. This interactive tool allows you to compare areas based on up-to-date police records, with filters for violent crimes, burglary rates, and antisocial behavior.

Beyond raw data, consider visiting potential locations at different times to assess real-world conditions. Look for indicators of community safety such as well-maintained public spaces, active neighborhood watch programs, and visible police patrols. The UK government's "StreetSafe" platform also collects anonymous public reports about areas where people feel unsafe, providing valuable qualitative insights to complement official statistics.

How to Stay Safe in the UK?

Even in safer cities, basic precautions remain essential. Secure homes with quality locks and alarm systems, and avoid displaying valuables in public spaces. Neighborhood watch schemes offer additional protection through community vigilance.

For thorough home security, installing a security camera is strongly advised. The Reolink RLC-1240A vandal-proof dome camera stands out as an excellent option, offering 4K resolution, advanced motion detection, and night vision capabilities. Its weatherproof design and 145-degree wide viewing angle make it ideal for monitoring entry points, while smart alerts notify you of any suspicious activity in real time. Pairing this with other security measures creates multiple layers of protection for your property.

FAQs

What is the safest city in the UK?

York consistently ranks as the UK's safest city, with crime rates 75% below national averages.

What town has the lowest crime rate in the UK?

Rutland's villages report the UK's lowest crime figures, benefiting from close-knit communities.

What is the most livable city in the UK?

Edinburgh tops livability rankings, combining low crime with excellent healthcare and education.

Conclusion

The safest cities in the UK prove that security and quality of life go hand in hand. Whether settling down or exploring, these insights help you enjoy Britain's communities with confidence and peace of mind. Check out the crime rate and other details before selecting a UK city.