The U.S. crime index rose to 49.24 in 2023, compared to 47.2 amidst 2020’s pandemic. High crime rates have now influenced people’s real estate choices and prompted them to relocate to the safest cities in the US.
Living in a dangerous city can jeopardize your personal safety and have a negative impact on your mental well-being. Being aware of the safest cities can help you avoid moving to some of the most dangerous cities in the US.
🕊️ Safe and Sound cities
- Broadview Heights, Ohio is the safest place to live in the United States. It is safer than 94% of US neighborhoods.
- Violent crime rates in US have declined in the first half of 2023, but still continue to be above the levels seen pre-pandemic.
- New Jersey is home to some of the most safest places in the US including Bergenfield, Denville Township, and Pequannock Township.
Explore the 10 Safest Places to Live in the US. This list includes the population, median listing price, household income, and safety rank of these safe havens.
| City | Population | Median Household Income | Median House Value | Safety Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Broadview Heights, OH | 19,319 | $87,815 | $367,500 | 94% |
| 2. Hopkinton, MA | 19,249 | $141,713 | $828,500 | 91% |
| 3. Norton, MA | 19,108 | $99,464 | $675,000 | 87% |
| 4. Bergenfield, NJ | 27,375 | $102,724 | $575,000 | 86% |
| 5. Denville Township, NJ | 17,127 | $149,752 | $565,000 | 86% |
| 6. Madison, CT | 2,009 | $60,139 | $1,150,000 | 82% |
| 7. Harrison, NY | 28,363 | $128,393 | $1,850,000 | 75% |
| 8. Pequannock Township, NJ | 15,569 | $110,502 | $490,000 | 69% |
| 9. Bernardsville, NJ | 7,641 | $161,655 | $875,053 | 63% |
| 10. Ridgefield, CT | 7,228 | $136,094 | $1,225,000 | 25% |
*Safety rank is an index that assesses the safety of a location in comparison to other US neighborhoods.
10 Safest Cities in the US
Here’s a list of the 10 safest places to live in the US. We’ve factored in crime rates, safety programs, and what sets them apart as secure places to live.
1. Broadview Heights, Ohio
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 94% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 1.07 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Cuyahoga National Park |
Violent crimes in Broadview Heights stand at a minuscule 0.1 for every 1,000 residents. This makes it the safest place to live in the US.
Affordable housing in Broadview Heights also makes it a cheap city to live in.
2. Hopkinton, Massachusetts
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 91% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 2.22 |
| 🏃♂️ Famous For | Boston Marathon Start Point |
Family-friendly neighborhoods coupled with low crime rates, establish Hopkinton as the safest city in the US.
A steady rise in the annual population also reflects Hopkinton’s appeal to newcomers.
3. Norton, Massachusetts
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 87% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 3.11 |
| 🏫 Famous For | Wheaton College |
In 2015, the Norton Police Department formed the Problem-Oriented Policing Anti-Crime Team (POP ACT). The team takes measures to combat violent crime and criminal activities within the community.
With a property crime victim rate of only 1.35 in 1,000 residents, Norton ranks among the safest large cities in the USA.
4. Bergenfield, New Jersey
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 86% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 3.23 |
| ⛪ Famous For | St. Joseph Catholic Church |
The Bergenfield Police Department is dedicated to improving public safety through regular safety programs and surveys.
The Police Department also runs the Crime Stoppers Program. Under this program, residents can anonymously submit a crime tip and win up to $1,000. This is one of many initiatives undertaken to make Bergenfield a safe city.
5. Denville Township, New Jersey
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 86% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 3.27 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Tourne Park |
Denville Township boasts a low crime rate, where only 1 in every 8,550 residents is at risk of becoming a victim of violent crime. This affirms Denville as one of the safest places in USA.
The Denville Police Department has partnered with Ring’s Neighbors app by which residents can access real-time local crime and safety updates. The Community Services Bureau also runs several safety programs to enhance awareness.
6. Madison, Connecticut
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 82% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 4.09 |
| 🏖️ Famous For | Hammonasset Beach State Park |
The Madison Police Department ensures community safety through various safety programs and initiatives. This makes Madison one of the safest large cities in the US.
The Police Department also collaborated with Project HomeSafe to provide free gun locks to promote secure firearm storage and accident prevention.
7. Harrison, New York
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 75% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 5.18 |
| 💒 Famous For | St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site |
Harrison is a popular destination for those who seek a safe environment in the heart of NY. In Harrison, the annual violent crime rate is a meager 0.28 per 1,000 residents.
Low crime rates and effective law enforcement confirm Madison as one of the safest big cities in the US.
8. Bernardsville, New Jersey
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 69% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 6.15 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Cross Estate Gardens |
Bernardsville boasts an outstanding safety record of an annual violent crime rate of 0 per 1,000 residents. Property-related crimes also stand at a modest 6.15 per 1,000 residents.
Low crime rates and an efficient police force make it one of the safest cities in USA.
9. Pequannock Township, New Jersey
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 63% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 10.84 |
| ⛰️ Famous For | Pyramid Mountain |
Pequannock’s 6.6 violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average of 22.7, making it one of the safest places in the USA.
Picturesque landscapes, excellent schools, and a close-knit community make Pequannock an ideal place to call home in the Garden State.
10. Ridgefield, Connecticut
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 25% |
| 👮 Rate of Crime (Per 1,000 Residents) | 18.14 |
| 🖼️ Famous For | Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center. |
Ridgefield has spare crime figures, well-maintained infrastructure, and a closely connected community.
With an annual violent crime rate of only 0.40 per 1,000 residents, Ridgefield is considered one of the safest cities in America. However, exorbitant housing costs make it an expensive city to live in.
Steps to Choose a Safe City
Here’s a list of five essential steps to help you choose a safe city:
- Research Crime Rates: Examine the crime rates in potential cities and use official data sources to determine the level of safety.
- Evaluate Law Enforcement: A responsive and active law enforcement agency contributes significantly to a city’s safety. Consider crime rates, community surveys, and response times to assess the effectiveness of law enforcement.
- Consult Local Sources: Connect with the locals through online forums and social media groups. Their experiences can offer valuable insights into the city’s safety and overall living conditions.
- Visit in Person: In addition to browsing online, visit the city to experience it firsthand. Interactions with locals can go a long way and help you gauge your comfort level in the area.
- Analyze Neighborhoods: Safety can vary between neighborhoods. So, research specific areas within the city to evaluate the safety.
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The Bottom Line
The safest cities in United States have low crime rates, dedicated police forces, economic stability, and a strong sense of community. These cities prioritize the safety and well-being of their residents.
For a peaceful living, you must avoid the most dangerous cities in America. A comprehensive understanding of crime rates, community engagement, and various safety factors is instrumental to make an informed choice.
Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as crime rates, safety programs, and initiatives. We have also accounted for the population, average household income, and the median listing price in these cities.
To compile this information, we have drawn upon data from World Population Review, NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade.org, Redfin, and DataUSA.
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FAQs
What is the safest city in America?
Broadview Heights, OH is the safest city in USA. A 94% safety rank demonstrates that the city is safer than 94% of US neighborhoods.
» 10 Safest Cities in the US: Check Out the 10 Safest Cities to Live in the US!
What are the safest cities in America?
Which US state is the safest?
New Jersey is one of the safest place to live in the US. Bernardsville, Pequannock Township, Denville Township, and Bergenfield in New Jersey are places with lowest crime rate in the USA.
