The US crime index has stayed consistent at 49.2 for the past two years. However, this has still prompted many to relocate to the safest cities in the US. Choosing a place to live isn’t just about great schools, it’s about finding a city where your biggest concern is a rogue squirrel in the park.
Additionally, life in a dangerous city could negatively affect your mental well-being and personal safety. So, if you’re looking for a place where emergency sirens are rarer than a bad Yelp review at a five-star brunch spot, you’re in the right place!
What Are the Top 10 Safest Cities in the US?
| City | Safety Rank | Population | Median House Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ridgefield, CT | 98% | 25,053 | $845,000 |
| 2. Bergenfield, NJ | 96% | 28,282 | $650,000 |
| 3. Broadview Heights, OH | 94% | 19,820 | $325,000 |
| 4. Norton, MA | 89% | 19,270 | $592,500 |
| 5. Hopkinton, MA | 74% | 18,501 | $760,000 |
| 6. Bernardsville, NJ | 70% | 8,000 | $1,312,500 |
| 7. Madison, CT | 67% | 17,742 | $1,600,000 |
| 8. Savannah,GA | 56% | 147,930 | $357,185 |
| 9. East Stroudsburg, PA | 56% | 9,820 | $288,900 |
| 10. Birmingham, AL | 55% | 202,234 | $145,000 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
We have divided the top ten safest cities in the US based on three categories: violent crimes, property crimes, and financial crimes. Each city is evaluated based on career opportunities, lifestyle, and crime rate.
Safest Cities With Lowest Violent Crime Rate
1. Ridgefield, Connecticut
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 98% |
| 👮 Rate of Violent Crime (1,000 per resident) | 0.04 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center |
With just a 1 in 10,000 chance of violent crime, Ridgefield is much more than just one of the safest cities in America. It’s a place where law enforcement and the community go hand in hand. The RPD Citizen Police Academy’s crash course fosters a safer community.
Besides, the city is set to witness a 23.4% job growth over the next decade. The city’s Office of Emergency Management’s proactive disaster response ensures town is a well-oiled machine.
» Ridgefield, Connecticut Homes for Sale: Look for properties in one of the safest cities in America.
2. Bergenfield, New Jersey
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 96% |
| 👮 Rate of Violent Crime (1,000 per resident) | 0.14 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Bergenfield Museum |
With only a 1 in 7,069 chance of encountering violent crime, Bergenfield is one of the safest places to live in the United States. In fact, the city’s Police Department takes community safety seriously with its Crime Stoppers Program.
Residents can anonymously report criminal activity and earn up to $1,000 for tips leading to a conviction. That’s what you call smart policing. However, Bergenfield is also a place of opportunity. Compared to the U.S median of 4.1%, the unemployment rate sits at a low 3.2%.
» Bergenfield, New Jersey Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the safest places to live in America.
3. Broadview Heights, Ohio
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 94% |
| 👮 Rate of Violent Crime (1,000 per resident) | 0.15 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Cuyahoga National Park |
With just a 1 in 6,545 chance of encountering violent crime, Broadview Heights rightfully earns its name as one of the safest cities in America. The city takes safety very seriously. To avoid aimless wandering, minors between 12-15 are restricted from the streets between 10 PM to 6 AM.
However, this isn’t just about safety, it’s about moving forward. The city has a 9.76% job growth rate, with a 5.6% unemployment rate. So, whether you’re looking for career prospects or a place where crime takes a really long nap, Broadview Heights would be perfect for you.
» Broadview Heights, Ohio Homes for Sale: Find top properties in one of the safest cities in the United States.
4. Norton, Massachusetts
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 89% |
| 👮 Rate of Violent Crime (1,000 per resident) | 1.10 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Wheaton College |
With just a 1 in 912 chance of encountering violent crime, Norton knows how to nip it in the bud. The city’s Police Department launched the Problem-Oriented Policing Anti-Crime Team (POP ACT) in 2015. They identify and analyze specific crime and disorder problems within the community.
However, Norton is more than just one of the safest places to live in the US. The city boasts a projected 25.8% job growth, along with a 4.0% unemployment rate. You can build a solid career AND a secure home here. No pun intended!
» Norton, Massachusetts Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the safest towns in America.
Places With the Lowest Property Crime Rate
5. Hopkinton, Massachusetts
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 74% |
| 👮 Rate of Property Crime (1,000 per resident) | 3.58 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Boston Marathon Start Point |
Residents have a 1 in 279 chance of encountering property crimes. Even though break-ins aren’t as uncommon, crime could still sneak up on you. And if you’re worried about leaving town, the local PD’s House Check Program will put you at ease.
Officers will also keep a daily watch on your house. It’s almost like having your own personal security detail, but that’s not all. With a 33.52% job growth and a 3.1% unemployment rate, Hopkinton could be the perfect place for you!
» Hopkinton, Massachusetts Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the safest cities in the USA.
6. Bernardsville, New Jersey
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 70% |
| 👮 Rate of Property Crime (1,000 per resident) | 3.98 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary |
With just a 1 in 231 chance of encountering property crime, it is more of a what if than a what now situation. Additionally, the local PD takes it up a notch by introducing a home security checklist. With this, residents can be vigilant and protect their properties effortlessly.
The CityProtect Portal allows locals to register their security cameras, submit anonymous tips, and upload evidence to assist investigations. Apart from the safety partnership, the city has a low 3.2% unemployment. Moreover, the projected 17.3% job growth rate makes it all the more enticing.
» Bernardsville, New Jersey Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the safest cities to live in the US.
7. Madison, Connecticut
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 67% |
| 👮 Rate of Property Crime (1,000 per resident) | 4.74 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Hammonasset Beach State Park |
With just a 1 in 211 risk of encountering property crime, Madison has a few tricks up its sleeves. The city’s Police Department introduced initiatives like the Good Neighbor Program and Property Crime Prevention to ensure it is the safest town in USA.
Additionally, MPD has shared several tips on incorporating smart safety habits among the residents. However, it isn’t safety that thrives. With a 24.56% job growth and a 3.3% unemployment rate, Madison delivers peace of mind and excellent career prospects.
» Madison, Connecticut Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the safest places in the United States.
Cities With Lowest Financial Crime Rates
8. Savannah, Georgia
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 56% |
| 👮 Rate of Financial Crime (1,000 per resident) | 3.98 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences |
Savannah is one of the safest cities to live in America where you have a 4 in 1,000 chance of encountering financial crime. Even the Savannah Police Department ensures that residents stay vigilant with a list of crime prevention tips.
Apart from safeguarding their ATM cards and pins, residents have been asked to remove their mail from the mailbox as soon as they can. However, safety isn’t the only factor. Jobs in Savannah are expected to grow at 28.9%, while the unemployment rate is at 4.9%
» Savannah, Georgia Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the safest large cities in the US.
9. East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 56% |
| 👮 Rate of Financial Crime (1,000 per resident) | 3.99 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Resica Falls Scout Reservation |
East Stroudsburg is one of the safest places to live in the US with a 4 in 1,000 encountering financial crime. But smart safety habits still matter. The local PD ensure that residents stay safe with certain safety tips.
From advice about keeping the doors locked to having an escape plan ready – the local PD stays vigilant as ever. However, there’s more! East Stroudsburg’s projected job growth is 13.3%, while the unemployment rate is at 5.8%.
» East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the safest places in the U.S.
10. Birmingham, Alabama
| 🔍 Safety Rank | 55% |
| 👮 Rate of Financial Crime (1,000 per resident) | 4.00 |
| 🏞️ Famous For | Barber Motorsports Park |
With just a 4 in 1,000 chance of encountering financial crime, Birmingham is one of the safest cities to live in the United States. In fact, the city is stepping up their crime prevention game by collaborating with the FBI’s Community Outreach Program to tackle terrorism, violence, drugs, and more.
Domestic cybercrime losses hit $10.3B in 2022, so it’s not an option to stay sharp, it’s a necessity. While the city safety is in check, the job growth rate sits at 13.2%. With savvy investigators and cutting-edge tech, you can definitely take a sigh of relief.
» Birmingham, Alabama Homes for Sale: Find top properties in one of the safest places to live in the US.
How to Determine the Safest Cities to Live in America?
The safest U.S. cities are like a well-guarded treasure chest. Be it low crime, solid police forces, a stable economy, and communities that have got each other’s backs. Safety is their top priority, making them perfect for peaceful living.
For a stress-free life, skip the most dangerous cities. Keep tabs on crime rates and community vibe to make a savvy choice and enjoy a lot more peace.
Research Methodology
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on 5 parameters. Here’s the weightage assigned to each: crime rate (40%), population (15%), median listing price (15%), safety programs (20%), and initiatives (10%).
We’ve also linked the resources used in our study of the safest cities in the US:
- Redfin[1]: Median House Price
- BestPlaces.net[2]: Population and Unemployment Rate
- Neighborhoodscout[3]: Violent and Property Crime Index Score
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the city with the lowest crime rate in America?
With a violent crime rate of 0.04 per 1,000 residents, Rigdefield in Connecticut is a city with the lowest crime rate.
Which US state is the safest?
Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are some of the safest places to live in the US. Ridgefield, Madison, Norton, Hopkinton, Bergenfield, and Bernardsville are cities with some of the lowest crime rates in the US.
Where is the cheapest safest place to live in the US?
With the cost of living 25.1% below the US median, Brownsville is one of the cheapest places to live in the US. If you're a young adult looking forward to a fresh start, then this might be the perfect place for you!
What is the best safest place to live in the US?
Huntsville is one of the best places to live in the US due to the diverse career opportunities it provides.
