Top 10 safest cities in the US

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

Over the past few decades, crime rates in the United States have seen a notable decline, with the trend becoming particularly evident since the 1990s. This steady reduction in crime, supported by FBI data, highlights the progress made in creating safer environments for residents across many cities. The safest cities in the U.S. have consistently managed to maintain low violent and property crime rates per 100,000 people, often thanks to a combination of strong community initiatives, effective law enforcement, and thriving local economies. These cities provide a sense of security and peace of mind, making them appealing for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

When evaluating the safest cities in the U.S., the FBI's annual crime report is one of the most reliable tools. This report uses comprehensive data to compare the frequency of crimes such as assault, robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, and other incidents. Cities that rank high in safety have lower-than-average crime rates per 100,000 residents, reinforcing their reputation as secure places to live. These cities serve as models for urban safety and community well-being, showcasing how strategic policing and engaged citizens can contribute to a lower crime rate.

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Worcester Population: 185,186 16 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.05 chance of being a victim: 1 in n/a Total Crimes / 100k: 16

Savannah Population: 145,492 20 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.06 chance of being a victim: 1 in n/a Total Crimes / 100k: 20

Meridian Population: 107,787 147 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.40 chance of being a victim: 1 in 681 Total Crimes / 100k: 718

Meridian stands out as the safest city in the U.S., largely due to its community-oriented approach to public safety and thoughtful urban planning. The Meridian Police Department is deeply integrated into the community, fostering trust through initiatives like their "Coffee with a Cop" program and regular neighborhood meetings, which help keep residents informed and engaged. Neighborhoods such as Bridgetower and Lochsa Falls are known for their quiet streets and close-knit feel, where neighbors look out for one another. The city’s numerous parks, such as Settlers Park and Bear Creek Park, are not only popular for recreation but are also designed with safety in mind, featuring well-lit paths, frequent patrols, and strong community presence. In addition, the city’s growing downtown area remains a hub of activity, but without the concerns of high crime, thanks to careful planning and active policing. Meridian's focus on maintaining a secure environment, even amid rapid growth, continues to make it a top choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.

McKinney Population: 191,197 117 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.32 chance of being a victim: 1 in 853 Total Crimes / 100k: 933

McKinney, TX, maintains its status as one of the safest cities in America through thoughtful urban planning and a community-focused approach to policing. In neighborhoods such as Craig Ranch and Adriatica Village, residents enjoy a peaceful environment due to the city’s focus on safety and its robust police presence. The McKinney Police Department regularly engages with the community through programs like Coffee with Cops and Citizens Police Academy, allowing residents to directly participate in safety discussions and initiatives. These efforts, combined with McKinney’s carefully designed parks, schools, and family-friendly amenities, contribute to the city’s impressive safety record.

Naperville Population: 147,734 84 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.23 chance of being a victim: 1 in n/a Total Crimes / 100k: 967

Naperville is frequently recognized as one of the safest cities in the U.S. due to its well-coordinated public safety programs and active community involvement. Known for its picturesque Riverwalk and historic downtown, Naperville balances vibrant city life with a secure, suburban feel. Neighborhoods like Ashbury and Tall Grass benefit from community policing efforts, where officers engage directly with residents through programs like the Citizens Police Academy. Naperville’s investment in safety extends to its public spaces, where parks like Centennial Beach are not only popular destinations but are also designed with safety in mind, making it a standout city for families and professionals alike.

Surprise Population: 139,007 109 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.30 chance of being a victim: 1 in 917 Total Crimes / 100k: 985

Allen Population: 104,040 106 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.29 chance of being a victim: 1 in 940 Total Crimes / 100k: 985

Simi Valley Population: 125,768 129 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.35 chance of being a victim: 1 in 775 Total Crimes / 100k: 1,053

Simi Valley, California consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the country, largely due to its suburban layout and effective crime prevention strategies. Nestled between the hills of Ventura County, Simi Valley is home to neighborhoods like Wood Ranch and Big Sky, where residents benefit from low crime rates and active community engagement. The Simi Valley Police Department’s efforts, including the Volunteers in Policing program, keep the community informed and involved in maintaining public safety. Additionally, the city’s expansive parks, such as Rancho Simi Community Park, offer safe spaces for recreation, making Simi Valley an ideal place for families and individuals seeking peace and security.

Gilbert Population: 248,349 132 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.36 chance of being a victim: 1 in 756 Total Crimes / 100k: 1,100

Gilbert, AZ, is one of the safest cities in the U.S., largely due to its well-structured community programs and strong sense of civic responsibility. The town, which was once a quiet agricultural community, has transformed into a thriving suburban area where public safety is a top priority. Neighborhoods like Agritopia and The Islands are known for their safe, family-oriented environments, thanks to Gilbert’s investment in community policing and crime prevention technology. The Gilbert Police Department works closely with local schools and businesses to ensure security throughout the town, while community events like "National Night Out" foster close relationships between law enforcement and residents, contributing to the city’s consistently low crime rates.

Frisco Population: 188,387 101 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.28 chance of being a victim: 1 in 991 Total Crimes / 100k: 1,104

Full list of the safest cities in the US

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Worcester	185,186	16	16
2	Savannah	145,492	20	20
3	Meridian	107,787	147	718
4	McKinney	191,197	117	933
5	Naperville	147,734	84	967
6	Surprise	139,007	109	985
7	Allen	104,040	106	985
8	Simi Valley	125,768	129	1,053
9	Gilbert	248,349	132	1,100
10	Frisco	188,387	101	1,104
11	Thousand Oaks	127,648	102	1,123
12	Murrieta	114,066	184	1,127
13	Olathe	139,216	196	1,137
14	Vista	100,659	316	1,180
15	Coral Springs	133,370	137	1,230
16	League City	105,410	104	1,264
17	Sterling Heights	132,296	229	1,272
18	College Station	115,802	170	1,273
19	Yonkers	200,183	312	1,327
20	Santa Clarita	212,519	165	1,342
21	Palm Bay	113,751	347	1,365
22	Elgin	112,062	267	1,369
23	Stamford	130,057	158	1,383
24	Cary	169,177	71	1,388
25	Boise	228,057	294	1,404
26	Elk Grove	173,370	190	1,422
27	Broken Arrow	108,875	223	1,424
28	Carrollton	137,319	137	1,453
29	Peoria	172,109	255	1,460
30	Sugar Land	118,563	78	1,462
31	Irvine	272,694	84	1,474
32	Provo	116,886	207	1,477
33	Fontana	212,704	270	1,487
34	Chula Vista	268,779	376	1,508
35	Orange	139,322	226	1,514
36	Aurora	199,326	266	1,518
37	Rochester	117,134	154	1,522
38	Pearland	125,817	96	1,536
39	Joliet	147,323	350	1,595
40	Sandy Springs	108,180	139	1,600
41	Plano	288,870	152	1,618
42	Chandler	257,076	133	1,638
43	Roseville	138,860	219	1,640
44	West Jordan	115,181	294	1,653
45	Santa Rosa	178,391	343	1,663
46	Lewisville	107,740	187	1,705
47	Carlsbad	114,411	199	1,710
48	Virginia Beach	450,882	92	1,732
49	El Paso	679,879	278	1,772
50	Green Bay	104,508	495	1,807

Methodology

The AreaVibes ranking of the safest cities in the U.S. is derived from data provided by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR Program), which offers a detailed analysis of crime patterns nationwide. By gathering crime statistics from law enforcement agencies across the country, the UCR program ensures a reliable and consistent source of crime data. The rankings are based on the latest UCR data, focusing primarily on violent crimes such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder, as well as property crimes like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft.

To make comparisons fair across cities of different sizes, crime rates are standardized and reported per 100,000 residents. This method provides a balanced view of crime levels, allowing for an accurate comparison of safety regardless of population size. By using this standardized data, the rankings offer valuable insights into public safety, helping residents, policymakers, and local authorities better understand and address crime across various regions. For this list, we used cities that have a minimum population of 100,000 people.

Map of Violent Crime By State

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The interactive map above provides a comprehensive visual representation of the safest cities in America, showcasing areas with varying levels of crime. Utilizing a simple, color-coded system, the map allows users to easily distinguish between regions with high and low crime rates. This clear design helps users quickly identify states where crime is either more prevalent or less concentrated, offering a practical tool for understanding safety trends across the country.