Top 10 Safest Cities in the US: Where to Live for Low Crime

People consider the safety of the city and the rates of crime while choosing a place to live in is one of the significant factors. Since violent crime is on the rise in some parts of the United States, it is increasingly more important to seek out a safe neighborhood. This article will focus on the safest cities in the US, looking at the places with the least amount of violent and property crime.

We will discuss the list of the top 10 safest small and big cities, how safety is calculated, how to choose a city with low crime rates, and the answers to some of the most common questions. Keep on reading to find out the safest city in America.

How We Determine the Safest Cities in the US?

Law enforcement agencies, researchers, and groups like the FBI work to analyze crime data and rank the safest cities in America based on their rates. While exact methodologies vary, some major factors considered include:

• Violent crime rates for offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. These are considered key indicators of safety.
• Property crime rates for burglary, vehicle theft, larceny, and arson. These are considered but weighted lower than violent crimes.
• Police reporting data on the number and types of crimes committed. Some cities may underreport while others are more meticulous.
• Law enforcement staffing levels relative to the population. More police per capita generally equates to lower crime.

Top 10 Safest Cities in the US

Talking about the safest places to live in America, these safest cities to live in the US are noteworthy because of the extremely low level of criminal activity. They may be small towns or small cities, but they provide safe neighborhoods, a sense of community, and security.

1. Hopkinton, MA

You can consider Hopkinton as the safest city in US. The town of Hopkinton is relatively small and is situated only twenty or so miles west of Boston, and has a population of approximately 19,000. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the US with 2.22 crimes per 1000 people. Violent crimes are very limited, with few robberies or cases of assault being reported in a year. Safe from crime, Hopkinton has strong schools, which makes it a perfect place for families to live in.

2. Broadview Heights, OH

Broadview Heights is a small Cleveland city with population of approximately 19,000 residents. This place has very low violent crime and property crime rates. People appreciate the services, security in the neighborhoods and the friendly environment for families in the city. The police force is very active and easily approachable. It is one of the most safest cities in the US.

3. Norton, MA

Another small town in Massachusetts is Norton with the population of about 19 000 people, situated near Providence, RI. The crime rate is low standing at 3.11 per 1000 people. They are not very common with normal violent crimes and normally the number of robberies is usually a few per year. Norton provides such suburban amenities as good schools and parks.

4. Bergenfield, NJ

Bergenfield is a suburban town in Bergen County, New Jersey with a population of about 27,000 people. This is a typical suburban railhead with very low incidence of violent crime and the town’s crime index is 3.23 per 1000. It is important to understand that burglaries do happen but are not very frequent. Safe streets, family activities, and the proximity to New York City make Bergenfield an ideal place for families.

5. New Albany, OH

New Albany is a wealthy suburb of Columbus, Ohio with approximately 10,000 residents. The violent and property crime rates are very low, due to the energetic police force and the existence of the neighborhood watches. New Albany has excellent schools, great family facilities, and a genuine small town feel.

6. Provo, UT

Provo, with a population of about 117,000, is home to Brigham Young University. Murder and other violent crimes are very limited, thus making Provo one of the safest cities in Utah. Yes there is property crime, but it is not very rampant. Provo emphasis the concept of community policing and has been ranked among the best city to raise a family in America.

7. Sunnyvale, CA

Sunnyvale is a city in California’s Silicon Valley with a population of approximately 150000 residents. The violent crime rate is relatively low while property crimes such as car-jacking and robbery exist. In response to this, Sunnyvale has hired more police officers and community watch programs. It has well paying tech jobs, good parks, and great downtown.

8. Cary, NC

Cary, a Raleigh suburb, has a population of approximately 170,000. This state has very low rates of violent crime and extremely low rates of property crime. Cary spends a lot of money on police and other community services. It is safe for families with good schools, parks, museums, and recreational options available for the family.

9. Round Rock, TX

About 130,000 people live in Round Rock, which is located to the north of Austin. It always features among the safest cities in the state and has a small number of violent crimes and burglaries. Round Rock has its own police force and residents have formed neighborhood watches to curb crime. It has great quality of life, and particularly has very good social amenities and a strong feeling of togetherness.

10. Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor is a city of about 120000 inhabitants that hosts the University of Michigan. Notably, violent and property crimes are extremely low for a city of its population density. Ann Arbor spends a lot of time and money on community policing and crime prevention. Having great schools, facilities and other attractions, Ann Arbor is the perfect place for families.

Top 10 Safest Big Cities in the US

When considering safest major cities in the US, these 10 stand out for lower-than-average crime rates given their size and densities. Big cities generally have more crime than smaller towns, so these safest major US cities are relative success stories in keeping violent and property crime rates down.

1. San Diego, CA

San Diego can be the safest big city in America. With 1.4 million people, San Diego has relatively low crime, especially violent crime like murder and rape. Property crime rates have increased slightly in recent years but remain below other big cities. San Diego prioritizes community policing and youth outreach programs.

2. San Jose, CA

The Silicon Valley hub of San Jose has over 1 million residents. Crime rates are fairly low for such a major tech city. Violent crimes are not common, although vehicle theft and burglary do occur. San Jose invests heavily in crime prevention and policing.

3. New York City, NY

America's largest city with 8.5 million inhabitants, New York is considered quite safe given its enormous size. Violent crime rates have dropped dramatically since the 1990s. Minor property crimes remain common, but NYPD data shows major felonies are down.

4. Austin, TX

Austin has about 1 million residents. Violent crime rates are relatively low, although property crime is more common. Austin prioritizes community policing and has initiatives to reduce repeat offenders. The lively city remains popular with young professionals.

5. San Francisco, CA

Though property crime is an issue, San Francisco has low rates of violent crime compared to other major cities. With around 900,000 people, safety varies by neighborhood but most areas are relatively secure. SFPD actively monitors crime hotspots.

6. Seattle, WA

Seattle has roughly 750,000 residents and moderate crime rates for a city of its size. Violent offenses don't happen often, although property crimes like vehicle theft and burglary are more common. Seattle has community and youth outreach programs.

7. Portland, OR

With around 650,000 people, Portland sees fairly low levels of violent crime like murder and rape. Property crimes like car theft and burglary are more prevalent. Portland prioritizes community-oriented policing programs to build trust.

8. Denver, CO

Denver has about 700,000 residents. Violent crime rates are moderate, while property crimes are more common. Denver PD engages in intelligence-led policing to target crime hotspots and repeat offenders.

9. Washington, DC

The nation's capital has around 700,000 inhabitants. Violent crime has dropped significantly since the 1990s, although theft and burglary remain issues. Washington uses a community policing model and youth outreach to promote safety.

10. Boston, MA

Metro Boston is home to nearly 700,000 people. Violent offenses don't happen often, though property crimes remain common. Boston PD focuses on community relations to gather intelligence and earn trust. Targeted enforcement helps deter crime.

Top 5 Safest Large Cities in the US for Families

If you're looking for the safest large cities in America for you and your family, here are five top choices to consider.

1. Irvine, CA

Irvine ranks as one of the safest large cities in the U.S. This city is known for its master-planned communities, excellent public schools, and numerous parks, perfect for families. It also has low crime rates and proactive law enforcement.

2. Plano, TX

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Plano boasts a strong economy, top-rated schools, and a variety of family-oriented activities. The city has low crime rates and offers numerous parks and recreational facilities.

3. Overland Park, KS

As a suburb of Kansas City, Overland Park offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban comfort. The city is known for its excellent public schools, low crime rates, and numerous parks and recreational facilities.

4. Seattle, Washington

Seattle provides a vibrant urban environment with a strong emphasis on community safety. The city offers numerous family-friendly activities, including museums, parks, and educational programs. While larger than the other cities on this list, Seattle maintains a focus on safety and quality of life.

5. Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale is known for its high standard of living, excellent schools, and low crime rates. The city offers a variety of family-friendly activities and a strong sense of community.

Tips for Choosing the Safest Major Cities in the US

Major cities often have better infrastructure, with improved access to healthcare, transportation, and public services. However, if low crime rates are a priority for your family, it's essential to consider factors like community engagement and law enforcement. Here are some tips for choosing the safest major cities in America:

• Research recent crime statistics for any city you're considering. Pay special attention to violent crime rates and multi-year trends.
• Evaluate the size and engagement level of the local police force. Well-staffed departments with strong community ties typically have better safety.
• Look at community programs aimed at crime prevention, youth engagement, neighborhood watch groups, offender rehabilitation, and building trust between residents and law enforcement.
• Tour potential neighborhoods during the day and at night to gauge your comfort level. Do you see people out and about? Does law enforcement patrol regularly?

FAQs

What city has the lowest crime rate in the US?

Based on FBI data, Lewisboro, New York has the lowest crime rate in the country. Located in upscale Westchester County, Lewisboro is a small town with just over 13,000 residents.

Where is the safest place to live in the US?

There are many extremely safe small towns and cities spread throughout the US. But according to most rankings, the safest overall metro area is the Amherst-Buffalo region of western New York state.

What state has the lowest crime rate?

Maine has the lowest overall crime rate of any state, according to FBI statistics. The violent crime rate in Maine is 115 incidents per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 379.

Conclusion

Selecting a low-crime city in which to reside can be highly beneficial in terms of safety and security. The crime rate, especially violent ones, in the smaller suburban communities across the United States is relatively low than in the large metropolitan areas.

No community is immune to crime but through research you can be able to identify a city that has leaders who take the issue of safety seriously. It will also assist in preventing the disruption and loss that crime brings to both your family and property by targeting areas with low and decreasing crime rates. Do you find this article useful? Share your thoughts in the comment section below! Let's discuss together!