When people are deciding where to live, safety and crime rates are usually top of mind—and for good reason. With violent crime on the rise in some parts of the U.S., finding a safe neighborhood has never been more important.
In this article, we’re diving into the safest cities in America—both big and small—based on the lowest rates of violent and property crime.
We’ll cover the top 10 safest cities, explain how safety is measured, share tips on picking a low-crime area, and answer some of the most common questions. Keep reading to see which city ranks as the safest in the U.S.!
How We Determine the Safest Cities in the US?
Organizations like the FBI, researchers, and local law enforcement all play a role in analyzing crime stats to figure out which cities are the safest. The methods can vary a bit, but here are some of the key things they look at:
- Violent crime rates — things like murder, assault, robbery, and rape. These are major red flags when it comes to safety.
- Property crime rates — including burglary, car theft, larceny, and arson. These matter too, but they’re usually weighed less heavily than violent crimes.
- Police reports — the number and type of crimes reported. Keep in mind, some cities might not report everything, while others are super thorough.
- Law enforcement staffing — cities with more officers per resident often see lower crime overall.
Top 10 Safest Cities in the US
When it comes to choosing a place to live, safety is a big deal—and these cities really stand out for keeping crime to a minimum. Whether they’re small towns or quiet suburbs, each of these places offers safe neighborhoods, a strong sense of community, and peace of mind.
1. Hopkinton, MA
Located about 20 miles west of Boston, Hopkinton is often ranked as the safest city in the U.S. With just 2.22 crimes per 1,000 residents, violent incidents are almost unheard of. Add in great schools and a family-friendly vibe, and it’s easy to see why this town of 19,000 is so popular with parents.
2. Broadview Heights, OH
This Cleveland suburb is home to around 19,000 people and has impressively low crime rates. Locals love the friendly neighborhoods, solid community services, and approachable police presence. It’s a great pick for anyone looking for small-town charm and safety.
3. Norton, MA
Near Providence, RI, Norton is another peaceful spot in Massachusetts. With crime rates around 3.11 per 1,000, it’s rare to hear about anything more than a handful of incidents per year. Bonus: good schools, local parks, and that classic suburban feel.
4. Bergenfield, NJ
A cozy town in Bergen County with about 27,000 residents, Bergenfield offers safe streets, easy access to NYC, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Crime is rare, though like any suburb, an occasional burglary can happen. Still, it’s one of the safest places around.
5. New Albany, OH
Just outside Columbus, this upscale suburb is home to about 10,000 residents—and hardly any crime. Thanks to active police and community watch groups, it’s a super safe place to raise kids. Add in great schools and small-town charm, and you’ve got a winning combo.
6. Provo, UT
With about 117,000 people and Brigham Young University in town, Provo keeps violent crime rates incredibly low. Property crime does exist but isn’t widespread. The city’s focus on community policing makes it one of Utah’s safest places—and a great spot for families.
7. Sunnyvale, CA
Right in the heart of Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale has around 150,000 residents and a pretty low violent crime rate. Property crime is a bit more common, but the city has invested in more officers and neighborhood watch programs. Plus, with tech jobs, parks, and a cool downtown, it’s a desirable place to live.
8. Cary, NC
This Raleigh suburb of 170,000 has some of the lowest crime rates in the state. Cary puts a lot into community services and public safety, making it a favorite for families. With great schools, museums, parks, and activities, there’s always something to do—and it’s all in a safe setting.
9. Round Rock, TX
Just north of Austin, Round Rock is home to about 130,000 people and consistently ranks among the safest cities in Texas. Violent crime is rare, and strong neighborhood watch programs help keep it that way. Great amenities and a tight-knit community seal the deal.
10. Ann Arbor, MI
A vibrant college town of 120,000, Ann Arbor is known for its low crime rates—especially for a city of its size. With the University of Michigan here, the city has put real effort into community policing. Great schools, parks, and culture make this a top choice for families.
Top 10 Safest Big Cities in the US
When it comes to big cities, safety can be harder to come by—but these 10 major U.S. cities manage to keep crime rates impressively low for their size. Big cities usually deal with more crime than smaller towns, so the fact that these urban hubs are beating the odds makes them worth celebrating.
1. San Diego, CA
San Diego might just be the safest big city in the U.S. With 1.4 million people, it has surprisingly low violent crime rates—murders and assaults are rare. Property crime has ticked up slightly, but it’s still better than most big cities. The city focuses on community policing and youth outreach to keep things in check.
2. San Jose, CA
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, has over 1 million residents and keeps crime relatively low. Violent crime isn’t a huge issue, though car theft and break-ins do happen. The city puts serious effort into crime prevention and maintaining a strong police presence.
3. New York City, NY
With 8.5 million people, NYC is the definition of a big city—and it’s a surprisingly safe one. Since the 1990s, violent crime has dropped dramatically. Petty theft still happens (it is New York), but major crimes are way down thanks to consistent efforts from the NYPD.
4. Austin, TX
Austin, home to about 1 million people, boasts relatively low violent crime. Property crime is more of a concern, but the city’s strong focus on community policing and tackling repeat offenders helps keep things under control. Plus, it’s still a magnet for young professionals.
5. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has about 900,000 residents and a reputation for low violent crime, even if property crime (like car break-ins) is a problem. Safety depends on the neighborhood, but overall, most areas are secure. Police actively track and respond to crime trends.
6. Seattle, WA
With 750,000 people, Seattle has moderate crime rates. Violent crime isn’t widespread, but theft and burglary pop up more often. The city leans on community programs and outreach to keep the peace, especially among younger residents.
7. Portland, OR
Portland’s population sits around 650,000, and it keeps violent crime to a minimum. Property crimes like car theft are more frequent, but the city’s focus on building trust between police and residents helps maintain a sense of safety.
8. Denver, CO
Denver, with 700,000+ residents, sees moderate violent crime and a bit more in the way of property crime. The police use data-driven strategies to target repeat offenders and high-crime areas, which helps keep things from getting out of hand.
9. Washington, DC
The nation’s capital has about 700,000 people and has seen a major drop in violent crime since the ’90s. Theft and burglary still happen, but community policing and youth-focused initiatives play a big role in keeping the city safer than you might expect.
10. Boston, MA
Boston, with nearly 700,000 residents, has relatively low rates of violent crime, though property crimes still occur. The city’s police force focuses on strong community relationships and smart enforcement to keep crime in check.
Top 5 Safest Large Cities in the US for Families
Looking for a big city that’s also safe for you and your family? Here are five top picks where you can enjoy urban living without the worry:
1. Irvine, CA
Irvine consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in the U.S. With carefully planned neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and tons of parks, it’s a dream for families. Plus, its low crime rates and active police presence help keep it that way.
2. Plano, TX
Just outside Dallas, Plano offers great schools, a booming local economy, and tons of parks and family activities. It’s clean, well-maintained, and known for being one of the safest spots in the area.
3. Overland Park, KS
This Kansas City suburb strikes a great balance between city convenience and suburban calm. Families love the excellent schools, low crime, and wide range of parks and rec options.
4. Seattle, WA
Seattle may be a larger city, but it still puts a big focus on safety and community. With museums, green spaces, and kid-friendly programs all over town, it’s a great pick for families looking for an active, urban lifestyle.
5. Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, low crime, and a real sense of community. With sunny weather and plenty of outdoor fun, it’s a safe and vibrant place to raise a family.
Tips for Choosing the Safest Major Cities in the US
Big cities often come with perks like top-notch hospitals, reliable public transportation, and better public services. But if safety is at the top of your list, you’ll want to dig a little deeper. Here are some smart tips to help you find a safe major city for your family:
- Check the crime stats. Look up recent crime reports for the city you’re considering—especially violent crime rates—and see how they’ve changed over the past few years.
- Look into the local police force. A well-staffed, community-focused department can make a big difference in keeping neighborhoods safe.
- Find out what community programs are in place. Things like neighborhood watch groups, youth outreach, and offender rehab programs are all signs of a city that takes safety seriously.
- Visit neighborhoods in person. Take a walk around during the day and at night. Are there people outside? Does the area feel safe and well-patrolled? Trust your instincts.
