15 Safest Cities In The US

Safety is a top priority when choosing a place to live. We’ve analyzed the 15 top safest cities in the US (out of 100 ranked) based on the data from the NeighborhoodScout Report that considered 2 main metrics: the population of every city and the crime statistics reported to the FBI.

To offer a more comprehensive picture, we also factored in financial safety and the risks of natural disasters.

Here are the findings for each city:

1. Ridgefield, CT

Living in Ridgefield (Fairfield County, Connecticut) offers a pleasant suburban feel, most residents own their homes.

According to Neighborhoodscout Research and the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Ridgefield’s population is 25,011, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 1.9, thus giving you 1 chance in 510 of becoming a victim in this city.

Niche.com data elaborate on the type and volume of crimes in Ridgefield: violent crimes (murder) per 100,000 people constitute 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1, while property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 8 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

According to Niche.com data, the median household income in Ridgefield amounts to $160,258, while its median home value is $679,200. So, you can compare how much financing you need to be able to buy a house here and what income level your neighbors might have. Both factors are crucial for determining the financial safety of the location.

Climatecheck data show that climatic conditions in Ridgefield are characterized by relatively low chances of flood and fire risks (1% and 11%, correspondingly). The facts help evaluate the possible level of natural disaster damage.

2. Franklin, MA

Franklin (Norfolk County, Massachusetts) is a home to many young professionals, most residents also own their homes. Franklin’s population is 33,036, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 2.9, thus giving you 1 chance in 344 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) committed in Franklin per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 190.3 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

The median household income in Franklin amounts up to $138,062, while its median home value is $516,500. Thus, you can estimate the financial soundness of your future neighbors and the neighborhood landscape.

Climatic conditions in Franklin are characterized by relatively low chances of flood and fire risks (1% and 5%, correspondingly).

3. Lake in the Hills, IL

Lake in the Hills (McHenry County, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois) is home to many families and young professionals living here in their own homes (renting is sparse).

Lake in the Hills’ population is 28,945, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.1, giving you 1 chance in 321 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) committed per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 58.7 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

Having a decent house surrounded by good neighbors is an important safety factor. See for yourself: the median household income in Lake in the Hills amounts up to $110,988, while the median home value is $516,500.

Climatic conditions in Lake in the Hills are characterized by low chances of flood and fire risks (1% and 1% correspondingly), and the low percentage adds a lot to the general safety.

4. Marshfield, MA

Marshfield (a suburb of Boston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts) offers its residents a lot of greenery and highly-rated public schools. Most residents own their homes.

Marshfield’s population is 25,869, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.3, thus giving you 1 chance in 300 of becoming a victim in this city.

The number of violent crimes (murder) committed in Marshfield per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents (national 6.1); property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 40.6 cases (national 500.1).

If you want to check how much money you need to buy a house here and what income level your future neighbors might have, here are the data: the median household income in Marshfield amounts up to $118,750, while its median home value is $584,400.

According to its climatic situation, Marshfield has a low flood risk and a relatively low fire risk (1% and 19%, respectively).

5. Arlington, MA

Living in Arlington (a suburb of Boston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts) offers an urban-suburban mixed feel. Many families and young professionals own their homes.

Arlington’s population is 45,617, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.4, thus giving you 1 chance in 292 to become a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) committed per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 101.7 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

The median household income in Arlington amounts to $136,312, while its median home value is $839,200. So, you can size up the amount you need to buy a good house accompanied by decent neighbors.

Climatic conditions in Arlington are characterized by low risks of flood and fire (1% and 1%, correspondingly).

6. Fulshear, TX

Fulshear (Fort Bend County, Texas) offers a rural feel to the families who live here in their own homes (renting is sparse). Fulshear’s population is 25,169, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.6, thus giving you 1 chance in 276 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) committed per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents (national 6.1); property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 55.4 cases (national 500.1).

If you want to probe the location’s financial safety, two critical factors are the median household income in Fulshear, which amounts to $170,602, and its median home value, which is $483,200.

Regarding climate, it’s necessary to underline that flood risk is low (1%); however, heat risk is extreme (99%).

7. Zionsville, IN

The families who reside in Zionsville (a suburb of Indianapolis, Boone County, Indiana) enjoy a natural suburban feel and own their homes. Zionsville’s population is 31,702, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.6, giving you 1 chance in 275 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) committed in Zionsville per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 9.2 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

The median household income in Zionsville amounts up to $152,788, while its median home value is $493,900. These data show how much the changing of houses will cost you and what income level your prospective neighbors might have.

As for climate risks, they are relatively low – 1% and 8% for flood and fire, correspondingly.

8. Lexington, MA

Lexington (a suburb of Boston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts) offers its residents a dense suburban feel. Many retirees live in Lexington and own their homes. Lexington’s population is 34,071, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.7, thus giving you 1 chance in 270 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents (national 6.1); property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 53.1 cases (national 500.1).

The median household income in Lexington is $206,323, and its median home value can reach $1,085,000. The data can help you grasp the income level of your would-be neighbors and the city’s general level of financial security.

If you worry about flood or fire risks in Lexington, they are low (1% and 1%, respectively).

9. Muskego, WI

Muskego (a suburb of Milwaukee, Waukesha County, Wisconsin) offers residents a real suburban feel. The majority of residents own their homes (renting is sparse). Muskego’s population is 25,242, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.8, thus giving you 1 chance in 265 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) committed in Muskego per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 15.7 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

For the neighborhood’s household welfare, consider the official data: Muskego’s median household income is $112,537, and its median home value equals $371,100.

Climatic conditions in Muskego are characterized by low risks of flood and fire (1% and 4%, correspondingly).

10. Rexburg, ID

Rexburg (Madison County, Idaho) sports an urban-suburban mix feel, and most residents (families and young professionals) rent their homes. Rexburg’s population is 35,300, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.9; thus, it gives you 1 chance in 253 to become a victim in this city. Unwelcome surprise is the number of violent crimes (murder) committed in Rexburg per 100,000 people – 2.8 incidents (national 6.1); however, property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for only 30.8 cases (national 500.1).

If you want to check some financial factors determining this neighborhood’s safety (house prices and neighbors’ incomes), here they are: the median household income in Rexburg amounts up to $46,286, while its median home value is $333,400.

Climate-wise, Rexburg is safe in many respects, as flood, fire, and storm risks are relatively low (1%, 1%, and 15%, correspondingly).

11. Independence, KY

Independence (a suburb of Cincinnati, Kenton County, Kentucky) has a rural feel. Its residents tend to be conservative, including families with their own homes and young professionals.

Independence’s population is 28,920, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 3.9, giving you 1 chance in 253 of becoming a victim. Unfortunately, the number of violent crimes (murder) per 100,000 people mars the impression with its 3.4 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 44.5 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

Financially, you can gauge the location’s wealth by the following numbers: the median household income of Independence residents is $92,355, while the local median home value is $225,500.

Climatically, Independence has relatively low risks of flood, fire, and draught (1%, 15%, and 15%, correspondingly).

12. Oswego, IL

Living in Oswego (a suburb of Chicago, Kendall County, Illinois) offers a distinct suburban feel to families and young professionals. Oswego’s population is 35,316, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 4.1. thus, you have 1 chance in 238 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents (national 6.1); property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 30.6 cases (national 500.1).

The median household income in Oswego amounts up to $112,109, while its median home value is $300,400. Thus, you can evaluate the level of financing you need to start a new home and the prosperity of your potential neighbors.

From a climatic point of view, relocation to Oswego is safe, as flood and fire risks are low (1% and 1%, respectively).

13. Milton, MA

Numerous green spaces add a relaxed suburban feel to living in Milton (a suburb of Boston, Norfolk County, Massachusetts). Its residents are mainly young professionals. Milton’s population is 28,388, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 4.2; thus, you have 1 chance in 233 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) committed per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 56.2 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

If you want to buy a comfortable house and have pleasant neighbors, you need to check the following: the median household income in Milton is $170,531, while its median home value is $838,100.

Milton’s climate makes flood and fire risk relatively low (1% and 15%, correspondingly).

14. Needham, MA

What does Needham (a suburb of Boston, Norfolk County, Massachusetts) have to offer its residents, who include many retirees? It has an atmospheric suburban feel, with many parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and highly-rated public schools.

Needham’s population is 32,048, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 4.2; thus, you get 1 chance in 233 to become a victim. The number of violent crimes (murder) per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents (national 6.1); property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 62.1 cases (national 500.1).

The median household income in Needham is $206,261, while the median home value amounts up to $1,076,900. These data can help you get a general understanding of the city’s financial safety.

To evaluate Needham’s climate risks, we should say that flood and fire occurrences are low (1% and 4%, respectively).

15. Avon Lake, OH

In Avon Lake (a suburb of Cleveland, Lorain County, Ohio), many families live in their own homes (renting is sparse) and appreciate a pleasant suburban feel. Avon Lake’s population is 25,588, and its total crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is 4.3, thus giving you 1 chance in 232 of becoming a victim in this city. The number of violent crimes (murder) per 100,000 people constitutes 0 incidents, as compared to the national 6.1; property crimes (burglary) per 100,000 people account for 38.7 cases, compared to the national 500.1.

The median household income in Avon Lake amounts up to $103,946, while its median home value is $318,800. The data can assist you in gauging the financial safety in the city before embarking on a home-changing journey.

An excellent point to know about the climate in Avon Lake is that flood and fire chances are low (1% and 5%, correspondingly).

Recent Data

The FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report (2024, Q1) indicates a significant decrease in crime rates, with violent crime down by 15.2%, and property crime down by 15.1% compared to the same period in 2023. The trend highlights a broader national improvement in safety, which positively reflects on the 15 safest cities in the US listed in our rankings.