Back in Time Today
Every family deserves to live somewhere they feel secure. Safety impacts everything from property values to quality of life and peace of mind. Looking at crime statistics across America reveals some cities stand out for their exceptional safety records. These communities have created environments where residents can truly thrive, thanks to effective policing, strong community bonds, and thoughtful urban planning.
17. Ramapo (Town), NY: America’s Safety Champion
Crowned the safest city in America for 2025, Ramapo boasts astonishingly low crime figures that would make any mayor proud. With a crime cost of only $271 per resident annually, this New York town demonstrates what community policing done right looks like.
Violent crime sits at a mere 42.8 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime remains equally impressive at just 45.3 per 100,000. Local police credit their success to strong community partnerships and neighborhood watch programs that have created a culture where residents actively participate in keeping their streets secure.
16. Irvine, CA: The Gold Standard for Large City Safety
Palm-lined streets and master-planned neighborhoods make Irvine a standout in California’s safety landscape. This Orange County gem consistently ranks as America’s safest large city, with an annual crime cost per capita of just $324.
What makes Irvine special? The city combines thoughtful urban design with exceptional police work. Wide, well-lit streets discourage criminal activity, while community programs engage residents of all ages.
With violent crime rates significantly below national averages, families enjoy peace of mind whether visiting parks, shopping centers, or simply walking through residential areas after dark.
15. Foster City, CA: Where Violent Crime Nearly Vanishes
This Bay Area haven has achieved something remarkable – averaging just one murder per decade. Foster City’s peaceful lagoons and waterfront paths reflect its tranquil safety record, making it a unicorn in metropolitan California.
Residents enjoy near-zero violent crime rates thanks to a combination of community vigilance and responsive policing. The city’s layout, featuring numerous water features and controlled access points, naturally deters criminal activity.
Schools operate without the security concerns that plague many urban districts, allowing education to flourish. Many residents report leaving doors unlocked – a rarity in modern America that speaks volumes about Foster City’s exceptional safety.
14. Fishers, IN: Midwest Safety Powerhouse
Once a sleepy farm town, Fishers has transformed into a safety superstar while maintaining its heartland values. Ranking among the top 4 safest large cities nationwide, this Indianapolis suburb demonstrates how rapid growth and safety can coexist.
The average crime cost here? Just $337 per person annually – a fraction of what many Americans pay through taxes and insurance premiums related to crime.
Community policing takes center stage in Fishers, with officers regularly attending neighborhood events and schools. The city’s extensive trail system remains virtually crime-free, allowing families to enjoy outdoor activities without concern.
13. South Burlington, VT: New England’s Safety Haven
WalletHub crowned South Burlington as America’s safest city, and the numbers tell why. With violent crime at a mere 0.8 incidents per 1,000 residents and property crime hovering around 10.1 per 1,000, this Vermont gem sets the gold standard for community safety.
Nestled against Lake Champlain with mountain views, the city’s natural beauty matches its commitment to resident wellbeing. Local police maintain strong relationships with schools and businesses through regular community engagement programs.
The city’s thoughtful urban planning includes well-lit public spaces and active recreation areas that remain bustling with positive activity, naturally deterring crime through community presence.
12. Warwick, RI: Coastal Security Excellence
Historical charm meets modern safety in this Rhode Island coastal community. Warwick’s violent crime rate of just 1.2 per 1,000 residents places it consistently at the top of regional safety rankings.
The city’s 39 miles of coastline are enjoyed without the security concerns that plague many waterfront communities. Warwick’s police department pioneered innovative community outreach programs that have become models for other coastal cities.
Residents point to strong neighborhood bonds as a key factor in their safety success. Block parties, community clean-ups, and volunteer patrols create a network of watchful eyes that complement official policing efforts, resulting in a city where families feel genuinely secure.
11. Casper, WY: Western Frontier Safety Leader
Against the backdrop of Wyoming’s rugged landscapes, Casper stands tall as a beacon of community safety. The violent crime rate here sits at just 1.1 per 1,000 residents – remarkable for a regional hub city of its size.
Despite being the state’s second-largest city, Casper maintains the close-knit feel of a small town where neighbors look out for each other. The police department’s outdoor recreation programs build strong relationships between officers and youth, creating natural crime prevention through mentorship.
Winter brings heavy snow but minimal crime increases, unlike many northern cities where property crime spikes during colder months.
10. Burlington, VT: Community-Driven Safety Success
Vermont’s largest city proves that urban areas can achieve remarkable safety records through community involvement. Burlington reports approximately 1.4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents – a fraction of the national average for cities its size.
The secret? Burlington pioneered neighborhood-based safety committees that directly connect residents with police planning. These committees identify potential issues before they become problems.
The city’s compact, walkable downtown stays vibrant into evening hours, creating natural surveillance that deters criminal activity. University of Vermont partnerships bring innovative approaches to community policing, including mental health response teams that address root causes of potential criminal behavior before incidents occur.
9. Boise, ID: Mountain Town Safety Model
Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise combines outdoor adventure with exceptional urban safety. The violent crime rate of just 1.3 per 1,000 residents places it among America’s top 10 safest cities overall.
Boise’s extensive greenbelt trail system remains virtually crime-free despite heavy use, showcasing how thoughtful urban planning enhances security. The police department’s refugee liaison program has created strong relationships with the city’s diverse immigrant communities, ensuring everyone feels protected.
Even as Boise grows rapidly, attracting newcomers from across America, its crime rates continue trending downward – bucking the typical pattern of safety challenges during population booms.
8. Gilbert, AZ: Desert Oasis of Security
The crown jewel of Arizona safety, Gilbert ranks as the nation’s #1 safest large city according to multiple analyses. This Phoenix suburb particularly excels in preventing robbery and vehicle theft – crimes that plague many Southwestern communities.
Gilbert’s safety success stems from innovative approaches to desert community design. Neighborhoods feature strategic lighting that preserves dark skies while deterring criminal activity.
The police department’s citizen academy graduates hundreds of informed residents annually who serve as extra eyes and ears throughout the community. Schools participate in safety partnerships that extend protection beyond campus boundaries, creating seamless security for families throughout their daily routines.
7. Naperville, IL: Midwest Safety Pioneer
This Chicago suburb consistently ranks among America’s safest cities thanks to its groundbreaking approach to community policing. Naperville officers don’t just respond to crime – they’re embedded in neighborhoods, schools, and businesses as partners in prevention.
The results speak volumes: exceptionally low violent crime rates in a city of 150,000 people just 30 miles from downtown Chicago. Naperville’s riverwalk remains a crown jewel of urban planning, demonstrating how beautiful public spaces can enhance rather than compromise safety.
Technology plays a key role too. The city’s smart policing initiatives use data to deploy resources where they’re most needed while maintaining community trust through transparency.
6. Cary, NC: Mid-Sized Safety Champion
Recognition as America’s safest mid-sized city doesn’t happen by accident. Cary’s remarkable $381 per person crime cost (compared to thousands in many cities) reflects decades of intentional community building focused on security.
This Research Triangle community combines Southern hospitality with cutting-edge safety approaches. Neighborhood watch programs cover nearly 100% of residential areas, creating a seamless network of citizen engagement.
Cary’s park system incorporates safety features from lighting to sightlines without feeling restrictive or unwelcoming. The result? Public spaces that remain family-friendly at all hours. Schools report minimal security incidents, allowing educators to focus on teaching rather than safety concerns.
5. Plano, TX: Family-Friendly Safety Destination
Among America’s 20 largest cities, Plano stands out for its exceptional safety record and family-centered environment. This Dallas suburb combines Texas-sized ambition with small-town security, creating a unique blend that attracts families and businesses alike.
Violent crime remains remarkably low despite rapid growth and urbanization. Plano’s police department pioneered youth engagement programs that have been copied nationwide, building relationships with young residents before problems develop.
The city’s extensive park system incorporates natural surveillance principles, with clear sightlines and strategic activity placement that naturally deters criminal behavior while enhancing enjoyment. School safety programs extend beyond campuses into surrounding neighborhoods.
4. Round Rock, TX: Affordable Safety Excellence
Known as the “Sports Capital of Texas,” Round Rock scores equally impressive points for safety. Ranked #26 among all U.S. cities, this Austin suburb demonstrates that security doesn’t require sky-high taxes or housing costs.
The crime cost per capita sits at a modest $575 – roughly half what residents pay in many similarly-sized communities. Round Rock’s police department maintains strong relationships with the city’s growing tech sector, creating innovative public-private partnerships that enhance security.
Youth sports complexes that attract thousands of visitors remain virtually crime-free thanks to thoughtful design and community oversight. The historic downtown district stays vibrant and secure even during popular nighttime events.
3. Sunnyvale, CA: Silicon Valley Security Standout
Tech innovation meets safety excellence in Sunnyvale, a Silicon Valley city consistently ranked among America’s 32 safest communities. Despite the wealth associated with the tech industry, Sunnyvale maintains remarkably low property crime rates compared to neighboring cities.
The police department’s technology integration creates efficient response systems without compromising privacy or community trust. Neighborhood associations cover virtually every block, creating strong networks of residents who know and look out for each other.
Parks and public spaces incorporate smart design elements that naturally deter criminal activity while enhancing enjoyment. The city’s diverse population enjoys cultural celebrations year-round without the security concerns that often accompany large public gatherings.
2. Virginia Beach, VA: Coastal Safety Success Story
Miles of pristine beaches attract millions of tourists annually, yet Virginia Beach maintains safety statistics that many smaller towns would envy. With a violent crime rate of just 1.3 per 1,000 residents and property crime around 13.1 per 1,000, this coastal city defies the typical pattern of tourist destinations.
The oceanfront remains family-friendly even during peak season thanks to innovative policing approaches. Community ambassadors supplement traditional officers, creating a welcoming presence that prevents problems before they develop.
Military connections strengthen community bonds, with many residents having service backgrounds that contribute to a culture of looking out for neighbors. The result? A rare combination of vacation atmosphere and hometown security.
1. Newton, MA: Boston’s Safe Suburban Neighbor
Just seven miles from downtown Boston, Newton proves that proximity to a major city doesn’t mean compromising on safety. This historic community consistently ranks among Massachusetts’ safest cities with violent crime rates nearly 70% below national averages.
Newton’s village-centered design naturally creates community oversight, with 13 distinct neighborhoods each maintaining strong local identity and watchfulness. The police department’s mental health response team has become a national model, addressing behavioral issues before they escalate into criminal activity.
School safety extends beyond campus boundaries through innovative partnerships between education, law enforcement, and community organizations. Even Newton’s busy commercial districts maintain exceptional safety records throughout business hours.