Safety can mean different things — low crime, financial stability, or the odds you’ll avoid a tornado.
Depending on the measure, America’s safest cities range from sleepy small towns to well-run suburbs to mid-sized metros with a knack for keeping trouble at bay.
Here’s where you’re most likely to sleep easy.
Small-Town Fortresses
Places like Campton Hills, IL; Pingree Grove, IL; and Hawthorn Woods, IL post near-zero violent crime rates, giving residents a rare bubble of security.
Mid-Sized Gems
South Burlington, VT; Casper, WY; Warwick, RI; and Boise, ID rank high for community safety, financial health, and low disaster risk.
Big-City Standouts
Even large metros have safe pockets — Nashua, NH; Madison, WI; Honolulu, HI; and Virginia Beach, VA lead the charge for major city safety.
Suburban Strongholds
Ramapo Town, NY; Frisco, TX; Fishers, IN; and Lakewood Township, NJ combine low crime rates with thriving economies.
Irvine, California
A recurring champion — low violent crime, top schools, and strong infrastructure make it a perennial safest-city contender.
Family-Friendly
Johns Creek, GA; Centreville, VA; and Newton, MA top U.S. News’ safest places to live list for family comfort and stability.
Cost-of-Crime Champions
Frisco, TX; Cary, NC; and Gilbert, AZ keep crime-related financial losses low, protecting residents’ wallets as much as their safety.
Nature-Resilient Picks
Burlington, VT and Portland, ME rank high for safety plus climate resilience — less exposure to major natural disasters.
Underrated Safe Havens
Columbus, IN; Wallingford, CT; Zionsville, IN; and Monroe Township, NJ quietly deliver top safety without national headlines.
Choosing Your Safety Fit
Small towns offer calm, mid-sized cities give balance, and safe suburbs offer big-city access without the risk — pick your lane based on lifestyle.
Takeaway
Whether it’s Vermont’s charm, California’s planning, or Illinois’ small-town watchfulness, America’s safest spots prove you don’t have to trade comfort for security — you just need to know where to look.
