Have you noticed how we casually toss out “Be safe” every day? If someone’s off to work, school, or just running errands, it’s like a reflex. I guess it makes sense—safety feels precious now more than ever.
There’s no shame in being cautious. “Better safe than sorry” didn’t become a cliché for nothing! From natural disasters to health scares and even things like violent attacks or traffic accidents, the threats to safety in the U.S. are endless. Financial risks like inflation, identity theft, or skipping health insurance are just as real. Have you ever wondered which places in America are the safest?
We all do our best to stay out of harm’s way, but sometimes, a little extra planning goes a long way to help you find peace of mind. These U.S. cities ranked at the top for safety, according to a new report. Did your city make the cut?
South Burlington, Vermont
Does a smaller city always mean a safer city? Well, in South Burlington, it does! It’s the safest town in America out of 180 cities. South Burlington has your money protected with the nation’s lowest unemployment rate at 1.9%, the second-lowest share of underwater mortgages, and the third-fewest bankruptcies per capita over the past year. No stress of unpaid bills, losing property, or homelessness.
It’s unlikely you’ll face major natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, or wildfires. Plus, it has one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates and plenty of EMTs and paramedics on hand.
Casper, Wyoming
Casper is the kind of city where you can feel safe walking alone, day or night. Some residents even keep their doors unlocked at all times! Besides the North Platte River and Casper Mountain, the city boasts one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates and the 32nd-lowest aggravated assault rate. The unemployment rate is below the national average, and residents are protected from fraud with the fewest identity theft and second-fewest fraud complaints per capita.
You’ll love the sunshine here, too, with 220 sunny days each year. It has the sixth-lowest risk of hail and low chances of flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Winters can be harsh, though!
Warwick, Rhode Island
The saltwater beaches surrounded by rich history are part of why this city stands out. But it’s the safety rankings that have people sleeping soundly at night. Warwick has the fewest murders and the second-lowest rate of aggravated assaults per capita. You won’t have to worry much about severe weather either: no extreme hail, wildfires, tornadoes, or earthquakes. Just remember that it rains quite a bit, with up to nine rainy days a month.
Your bank account will likely be comfortable here, too. The city has the seventh-lowest uninsured rate and the sixth-lowest poverty rate, with an average wage of $64,000.
Burlington, Vermont
You may have heard about Burlington’s green initiatives, bike paths, and walkable neighborhoods. However, the city also prioritizes safety just as much. Crime rates are much lower than other cities of its size, and downtown is well-patrolled. Burlington has minor flood risks and an unemployment rate of just 1.80%. The stats aren’t kidding: it ranks fourth overall for safety, sixth for natural disaster risk, and seventh for financial security.
Moving here means joining a community known for its warm, welcoming locals. People in Burlington are generous and always willing to lend a hand!
Boise, Idaho
What sets this city apart from others is its incredibly low traffic fatalities and crime rates. You’ll often find local events, farmers markets, and neighborhood gatherings, showing how safe and family-oriented it is. The job market is booming, and with an unemployment rate of 3.7%— below the national average—you’ll spot plenty of career opportunities.
While Boise offers an excellent quality of life, the temperature swings may not be for everyone. Winters can be super cold, and summers can be hot and dry.
Yonkers, New York
Who knew that you could find the sixth safest city in America right outside bustling New York City? Yonkers is often called the “City of the Seven Hills” or “The Sixth Borough.” Nestled along the Hudson River, it ranks third in home and community safety, with a violent crime rate of just 3.25 per 1,000 residents. Neighborhoods like Getty Square, Dunwoodie, and Lincoln Park South are some of the safest.
But navigating those hills during snowstorms can be a challenge. Yonkers gets about 28 inches of snow annually and even more rain. Expect a steep price tag, too. Homes here average around $500,000!
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
If you’re looking for a place with great schools, plenty of shopping, and diverse neighborhoods, Cedar Rapids might just be it. Better yet, it ranks 10th in home and community safety, offering a welcoming vibe with a mix of thriving industries like manufacturing and bioscience.
Crime in Cedar Rapids is trending down. A recent 2024 report shows drops in homicide, aggravated assault, burglary, and theft compared to last year and the five-year average. Sounds promising, doesn’t it?
Columbia, Maryland
Eighth place overall isn’t too shabby, but when it comes to home and community safety, Columbia takes the top spot. It’s safer than 23% of U.S. cities, with a low violent crime rate of 2.36 per 1,000 residents. Plus, its natural disaster risk ranks 11th safest, with flooding being the biggest concern.
Fun fact: Oprah Winfrey and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian have both called Columbia home. Maybe safety played a big role in their choice, too!
Portland, Maine
Need a quick answer as to whether you should move to Portland, Maine? Just check out the city’s slogan: “Yes. Life’s good here.” The city blends charm with safety—violent crime is under 2%, and property crime stays below 17%. Its cozy population of 66,000 fosters tight-knit relationships and a love for local businesses, the arts, and the natural beauty all around.
Portland ranks ninth overall but stands strong in financial safety, right behind South Burlington. Impressively, it has the second-highest percentage of households with emergency savings.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hurricanes, flooding, and those relentless mosquitoes might make you hesitate, but Virginia Beach still ranks 15th in home and community safety, with impressively low assault rates per capita. Neighborhood watch programs and community policing help keep things secure, making it a welcoming place to live.
This year, violent crime has dropped significantly compared to 2023. Overall, crime is down 16% from the three-year average. Not bad, right?
Source: WalletHub
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