Safety is, without a doubt, always a major concern when traveling anywhere in the world. As you would know, a city’s safety (or lack thereof) can make or break even the best-planned trip. Whether you’re relocating or just visiting for a few days, safety should always be a top priority.
A recent study by MoneyGeek determines the safest and most dangerous cities in the US by comparing each city’s overall cost of crime. Their analysis mainly looks at two important metrics — the violent and property crime rates.
MoneyGeek uses the FBI’s standardised crime statistics, as well as the population of each city, to determine crime rates per 100,000 people. A small disclaimer, crime rates for cities that did not have an available data set from the FBI were individually researched and determined by MoneyGeek.
And to avoid faulty (or misleading) results, MoneyGeek carefully omitted US cities that did not report rape and murder in their crime statistics.
1. Naperville, Illinois
Cost of Crime per Capita: $156
Naperville is at the top of the list of the US’ most safe cities. And although many will tell you that it is just a suburb within the Chicago Metropolitan Area, Naperville is fast becoming a city in its own right – and an extremely safe one at that.
Naperville’s historic downtown has ample stores, schools, business centers, and world-class public parks, making it a great city to live in, raise kids, and retire. The city’s crime rate is one of the lowest in the country, and its public library system is the best in the United States.
When it comes to jobs – there’s plenty to go around. One of Naperville’s best traits is its diverse employment opportunities, from retail shops to tech firms, factories, and many home-based small businesses.
2. Sunnyvale, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $156
If you’re a sucker for sunny days and lots of natural beauty, Sunnyvale is the safest city in America to visit or call home. Its family-friendly neighborhoods, ethnically diverse population, and integrated public safety system keep Sunnyvale in the top five of this list year after year.
Sunnyvale’s location at the heart of the Bay Area makes it a center for technology and innovation, so if you’re a technophile, you’ll love it here. The city is slightly more expensive than other US cities, but its $17.95 per hour minimum wage offsets the higher cost of living. And if you’re wondering, by how much? Let’s just say the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
Next Read: Bay Area – Places To Visit
3. West Covina, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $181
West Covina is one of the places in California that is frequently at the top of the list for low crime rate cities. The city’s level of crime is nearly two times lower than the national average, so you won’t need to worry about constantly looking over your shoulder.
The city’s economic landscape has rapidly shifted from being centered around walnut and citrus groves in the early 1900s to being more diversified. You’ll find a mixture of businesses in West Covina, from automotive workshops to filming locations and high-end shopping districts.
4. Carmel, Indiana
Cost of Crime per Capita: $205
Carmel has a long list of accolades. From being named one of the “best cities for veterans” to the “best place to launch a career”, the city is ideal for anyone of any age group. Carmel also has a strong sense of community which explains its low level of violent and property crimes.
The “Capital of Roundabouts’’ also looks out for its people. It has steadily reduced the number of accidents by roughly 40% by building new traffic circles and replacing signalised intersections. Carmel has over 125 roundabouts – more than any other city in America.
5. Glendale, Arizona
Cost of Crime per Capita: $210
If you like a city with historic charm and unlimited entertainment, then Glendale should be right up your alley. The city has come a long way from being run by cowboys, farmers, and ranchers. Today Glendale has a diverse economy, ranging from mining to construction.
But perhaps Glendale is most famous for being home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. The team plays at the State Farm Stadium, which has hosted numerous Super Bowls. A bonus is that Glendale is about 10 miles from Phoenix, making it a great starting point for a day trip to many Arizona landmarks.
6. Meridian, Idaho
Cost of Crime per Capita: $230
In addition to being one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Meridian is also among America’s lowest crime rate cities. The chances of falling victim to a violent crime in Meridian is one in 580, so there isn’t much to worry about when you’re exploring the city.
Like many US cities with a population of 100,000 or more, Meridian started as a small farming community. Today, the city is an entertainment hub packed with public parks, shopping centres, and locally-owned restaurants.
7. Provo, Utah
Cost of Crime per Capita: $245
Provo is Utah’s fourth largest city, with Salt Lake City – one of the most beautiful US cities — as the largest in Utah. That being said, Provo also has lots to offer. The city is synonymous with mountaineering, biking, hiking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity you can think of. So it helps that Provo is one of the safest cities in the United States.
8. Joliet, Illinois
Cost of Crime per Capita: $247
With a nickname like “Prison City”, you may find it hard to believe that Joliet is one of the safest places to live in America. Both the city’s property and violent crime rates are lower than the national average, so the chances of you falling victim to a crime are quite slim.
There’s plenty to do in J-Town. The city has something for everyone, history buffs will love strolling through the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and petrol heads will never want to leave the Chicagoland Speedway.
Top Tip: Stay west, avoid east. Joliet’s western parts are considered much safer and cleaner than those in the east.
9. Jurupa Valley, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $253
If you’re looking for the safest town in America that gives you the best of both worlds, you’ll want to swing by Jurupa Valley. The city offers a good mix of residential neighborhoods, rural farmlands, and commercial and industrial opportunities.
Despite the city’s economic growth, Jurupa Valley still maintains its “Old World” charm, with horse riding still a very big part of the residents’ everyday life.
10. Sugar Land, Texas
Cost of Crime per Capita: $260
Sugar Land is the safest place to live in the USA if you’re looking for a home less than 30 minutes from a major city. That’s right, Sugar Land is a short drive to Houston, so you can visit some of the best landmarks in Texas without worrying about time.
And if you want to avoid the big city, Sugar Land’s attractions will keep you more than busy. And if you’re a shopper, you’ll love this town, as it has over 30 shopping districts.
11. McAllen, Texas
Cost of Crime per Capita: $268
Although it often receives a bad reputation for being a border town, McAllen is one of the most welcoming communities in the region. The city’s thriving arts and entertainment scene and its pristine balmy weather draw in many seasonal tourists to the Rio Grande Valley.
McAllen is among the safest places to live in the US, so much so that many Mexican nationals often come for the day to shop and enjoy local festivities.
12. El Monte, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $277
Situated about 20 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles, El Monte is a vibrant city blessed with a rich history, diverse community, and endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation.
El Monte’s overall risk of crime is about 1.3 times lower than the national average, making the city one of the safest places in the US to live and visit.
13. Rancho Cucamonga, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $283
Known for its prime location along Historic Route 66, Rancho Cucamonga is one of California’s best-kept secrets. The city is less than an hour’s drive from LA and popular attractions like Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Rancho Cucamonga is also home to a campus of the Universal Technical Institute. Students have ample opportunities to train in the thriving industrial, robotics, and automation sectors.
You might enjoy reading my article on the safest cities in Europe.
14. Glendale, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $299
Want to move to LA but can’t afford it? Glendale might be your best bet. With a lower crime rate than the national average, Glendale prides itself on its outstanding schools and public service system. It is about 10 miles from LA, so you’ll have some of the best California landmarks right at your doorstep.
You might enjoy reading my articles on the most diverse cities in America, US polluted cities and liberal states in America.
15. Pearland, Texas
Cost of Crime per Capita: $302
Pearland is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Houston Region. The city offers everything you would need to prosper and so much more. Pearland’s safe neighborhoods, affordable housing and job opportunities attract many retirees and those looking to relocate.
With over 200 days of sunshine, Pearland is ideal for outdoor activities. The city boasts natural parks to immerse yourself in nature, a thriving culinary scene, and fabulous shopping centers.
16. Norwalk, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $328
Norwalk’s slogan, “A Connected Community”, truly captures the city’s essence. Its population of about 100,000 residents enjoy the leisures of excellent public and private schools, abundant arts and entertainment, and many job opportunities.
Norwalk also has an advancing business community, making it one of the best places to start a company in the United States.
17. Surprise, Arizona
Cost of Crime per Capita: $328
Surprise residents enjoy the best of both worlds – small-town charm and big-city amenities. The city’s proximity to Glendale and the capital, Phoenix, also makes it an ideal place to plant your roots, especially if you’re into sports and you love warm winter days.
Although there are concerns that Surprise doesn’t have the nightlife you’ll normally find in major cities, you won’t have to deal with the safety risks that come with living in big cities either.
18. Gilbert, Arizona
Cost of Crime per Capita: $333
Another one of the Grand Canyon State’s safest cities is none other than Gilbert. Besides its sought-after arts, culinary, and outdoor activities, Gilbert is also a city with a relatively low crime rate. The “Hay Capital of the World” is only a stone’s throw away from Mesa – one of the safest US vacation spots, so finding things to do won’t be a problem.
19. Thousand Oaks, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $340
Rolling green hills, balmy warm weather, and tons of natural open spaces- that’s Thousands Oaks. Home to the country’s top schools, eclectic dining scenery, and lots of shopping centers, Thousand Oaks is one of the most sought-after places to live, work, and raise a family.
With an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents, the chances of falling victim to a violent or property crime in Thousand Oaks are quite rare. And as for things to do, Thousand Oaks has plenty of gardens, museums, and art centers to explore.
20. Santa Clarita, California
Cost of Crime per Capita: $359
Although it’s popularly known for its exhilarating Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park, there is more to Santa Clarita than meets the eye. The city has about 10 movie set ranches and 30 sound stages. Its low crime rate makes it attractive to Hollywood producers.
21. Frisco, Texas
Cost of Crime per Capita: $372
If you’re a sports enthusiast, Frisco doesn’t get any better. It’s home to top-tier teams like the Dallas Cowboys and FC Dallas. Frisco’s suburban neighborhoods, impressive attractions, and a low violent crime rate of one in 989 continue to draw tourists from across the US.
22. Cary, North Carolina
Cost of Crime per Capita: $373
About 10 miles from the thriving Research Triangle Park, Cary has continuously ranked among the best places to live, work, and purchase a home. The city’s low crime rate can be attributed to its 2.5% unemployment rate, low cost of living, and family-friendly environment.
23. Allen, Texas
Cost of Crime per Capita: $388
Not to be confused with McAllen, Texas – Allen is a relatively safe place to live in comparison to other US cities of a similar size. Although the city still suffers from sporadic mass shootings, Allen’s community-centered spirit, free attractions like Celebration Park, and premium shopping outlets still draw in visitors and people looking to relocate.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.