Safest cities in Nevada

Known as the 'Silver State,' Nevada is famous for its vibrant entertainment scene, vast deserts, and stunning landscapes. Located in the western United States, Nevada is characterized by its arid climate, rugged mountains, and expansive valleys. The state's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, gaming, and mining, with Las Vegas and Reno being major economic and cultural hubs. Las Vegas, in particular, is renowned for its world-class entertainment, casinos, and dining experiences. Nevada is also home to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and exploring the natural beauty of places like Lake Tahoe and Red Rock Canyon.

The safest cities in Nevada offer residents a high quality of life with low crime rates, enhancing the overall livability of these communities. Safety is a crucial factor in fostering strong, thriving neighborhoods where residents can feel secure. Factors contributing to the safety of Nevada's cities include effective law enforcement, community policing efforts, and active local involvement in public safety initiatives. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring an accurate assessment of safety. With this focus on security, residents can fully enjoy Nevada's natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities without the constant concern of crime.

Boulder City Population: 16,048 1,062 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 175 Property Crime / 100k: 887 chance of being a victim: 1 in 94
Boulder City proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Nevada. With only 1,062 crimes per 100,000 people, Boulder City has a crime rate that is 85% lower than the Nevada average. This equates to an average of 0.43 crimes per day and a 1 in 94 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.
Mesquite Population: 19,087 1,387 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 189 Property Crime / 100k: 1,198 chance of being a victim: 1 in 72
Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Mesquite comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Nevada with a crime rate of 1,387 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 286 counts of burglary, 836 counts of theft, 75 counts of vehicle theft, 145 counts of assault, 31 counts of robbery, 13 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Mesquite, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.
Fallon Population: 8,540 1,494 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 137 Property Crime / 100k: 1,357 chance of being a victim: 1 in 67
With a population of 8,540 and a total crime rate of 1,494 per 100,000 residents, Fallon is the 3rd safest city in Nevada. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 90% lower than the Nevada average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.
Elko Population: 20,396 2,220 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 527 Property Crime / 100k: 1,693 chance of being a victim: 1 in 45
With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Elko is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 2,220, 79% lower than the Nevada average. This amounts to 1.27 crimes per day and a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Elko a highly desirable and safe place to call home.
North Las Vegas Population: 247,248 2,343 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 262 Property Crime / 100k: 2,080 chance of being a victim: 1 in 43
Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, North Las Vegas consistently ranks high in safety. In North Las Vegas, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 2,343, which is 191% higher than the state average.
Henderson Population: 309,955 2,349 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 293 Property Crime / 100k: 2,055 chance of being a victim: 1 in 43
Henderson has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Nevada. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 2,349 crimes per 100,000 people, 238% higher than the Nevada average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 246 reports of burglary, 1,303 reports of theft, 506 reports of vehicle theft, 203 reports of assault, 60 reports of robbery, 27 reports of rape and 3 reports of homicide.
Sparks Population: 102,895 2,653 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 389 Property Crime / 100k: 2,264 chance of being a victim: 1 in 38
Sparks ranks as the seventh safest city in Nevada and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 7.95 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Sparks’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Nevada.
Winnemucca Population: 7,752 2,673 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 644 Property Crime / 100k: 2,028 chance of being a victim: 1 in 37
Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Winnemucca is the 8th safest city in Nevada. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 92% lower than the Nevada average, reporting a total of 2,673 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.
Reno Population: 250,903 3,235 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 596 Property Crime / 100k: 2,639 chance of being a victim: 1 in 31
Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Reno is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Nevada, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 3,235 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 178% higher than the state average.
Las Vegas Population: 644,594 3,552 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 470 Property Crime / 100k: 3,082 chance of being a victim: 1 in 28
Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Nevada, is Las Vegas. With a low rate of crime that included 525 burglaries, 1,681 thefts, 876 vehicle thefts, 335 assaults, 78 robberies, 50 rapes and 8 homicides, the overall crime rate was 1570% higher than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Nevada

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Property Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Boulder City 16,048 175 887 1,062
2 Mesquite 19,087 189 1,198 1,387
3 Fallon 8,540 137 1,357 1,494
4 Elko 20,396 527 1,693 2,220
5 North Las Vegas 247,248 262 2,080 2,343
6 Henderson 309,955 293 2,055 2,349
7 Sparks 102,895 389 2,264 2,653
8 Winnemucca 7,752 644 2,028 2,673
9 Reno 250,903 596 2,639 3,235
10 Las Vegas 644,594 470 3,082 3,552

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Nevada is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Nevada cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.