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: 189,035 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: 148,994 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: 110,487 147 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.

Carmel Population: 101,609 66 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.18 chance of being a victim: 1 in n/a Total Crimes / 100k: 879

McKinney Population: 195,852 117 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: 151,582 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: 142,589 109 violent crimes per 100k

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

Allen Population: 107,542 106 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: 130,307 129 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.

Nampa Population: 100,694 353 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 0.97 chance of being a victim: 1 in 283 Total Crimes / 100k: 1,095

Full list of the safest cities in the US

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Worcester	189,035	16	16
2	Savannah	148,994	20	20
3	Meridian	110,487	147	718
4	Carmel	101,609	66	879
5	McKinney	195,852	117	933
6	Naperville	151,582	84	967
7	Surprise	142,589	109	985
8	Allen	107,542	106	985
9	Simi Valley	130,307	129	1,053
10	Nampa	100,694	353	1,095
11	Gilbert	255,869	132	1,100
12	Frisco	195,310	101	1,104
13	Thousand Oaks	131,108	102	1,123
14	Murrieta	117,330	184	1,127
15	Olathe	143,626	196	1,137
16	Kenosha	102,872	286	1,152
17	Vista	102,779	316	1,180
18	Coral Springs	137,865	137	1,230
19	League City	107,571	104	1,264
20	Sterling Heights	135,304	229	1,272
21	College Station	118,537	170	1,273
22	Yonkers	204,945	312	1,327
23	Santa Clarita	218,105	165	1,342
24	Palm Bay	116,937	347	1,365
25	Elgin	115,336	267	1,369
26	Stamford	133,529	158	1,383
27	Cary	173,346	71	1,388
28	Boise	234,372	294	1,404
29	Elk Grove	178,848	190	1,422
30	Broken Arrow	112,690	223	1,424
31	Carrollton	142,475	137	1,453
32	Peoria	177,686	255	1,460
33	Sugar Land	123,135	78	1,462
34	Irvine	280,132	84	1,474
35	Provo	119,883	207	1,477
36	Fontana	220,412	270	1,487
37	Chula Vista	274,613	376	1,508
38	Orange	144,054	226	1,514
39	Aurora	206,020	266	1,518
40	Rochester	121,687	154	1,522
41	Orem	101,229	174	1,534
42	Pearland	130,314	96	1,536
43	Joliet	152,137	350	1,595
44	Sandy Springs	111,012	139	1,600
45	Plano	297,929	152	1,618
46	Chandler	266,863	133	1,638
47	Roseville	143,208	219	1,640
48	West Jordan	117,770	294	1,653
49	Rio Rancho	100,592	318	1,658
50	Santa Rosa	185,280	343	1,663

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.