Moving to a new city, especially as an international student, comes with many questions: Is it safe? Will I be able to focus on my studies without worrying about crime? Which neighborhoods offer both safety and convenience? Safety is one of the most important factors when choosing where to live, and the good news is that many U.S. cities provide excellent security measures, low crime rates, and safe environments for residents. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 safest cities in the U.S., including key statistics and what makes each city stand out. Whether you’re planning your study abroad journey or just curious about safe places to live, this guide will give you a clear picture of where safety truly comes first. Let’s explore!
Safest Cities in the US: Top 11 List For Quick Check
- Lehi, Utah
- Bloomington, Illinois
- Johns Creek, Georgia
- Bryan, Texas
- New Rochelle, New York
- Flower Mound, Texas
- Naperville, Illinois
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Fishers, Indiana
- Carmel, Indiana
- O’Fallon, Missouri
Why are these Cities the Safest in the US?
Wondering how safe a city really is? One simple way to measure it is by looking at crime rates and the economic impact of crime. In other words, the fewer violent and property crimes there are, and the less they cost residents in terms of money and safety, the safer the city is. According to MoneyGeek’s 2023 data, the average cost of crime per person in U.S. cities is around $2,318, with $2,156 coming from violent crimes and $215 from property crimes. Violent crimes account for only 17.9% of all crimes, while property crimes make up 82.1%. These numbers show that while property crimes happen more often, violent crimes carry a bigger threat and cost to residents’ lives.
So, what about the safest cities? In these cities, the violent crime rate is just 1.0 per 1,000 people, 73% lower than the national average of 4.0. The property crime rate is 9.9 per 1,000 people, which is 52% lower than the national average of 20.7. In other words, the safest cities not only have lower crime rates but also lower economic losses from crime, making them more secure places to live.
These safest cities have an average population of around 80,501 people. Taking all these factors into account, the safest city in the U.S. is Lehi, Utah, which tops the list thanks to its low crime rates and minimal economic impact from crime.
Top 11 Safest Cities in the US: Updated Ranking
Before we dive into the full list, it’s worth noting that safety isn’t just about low crime rates, but it’s also about the economic impact of crime, the effectiveness of local law enforcement, and how comfortable residents feel in their daily lives. In the following ranking, you’ll find the top 11 safest cities in the U.S., complete with key statistics and a brief snapshot of what makes each city stand out. Whether you’re an international student planning to study in the U.S., parents looking for a safe city to live in, or simply curious about how different cities rank in terms of safety, this list gives you a clear picture of where safety really comes first.
1. Lehi, Utah
Population: 77,110
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 8.62
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 1.8
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 23.5
Total Score: 94.55
Lehi is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States. Lehi is home to Thanksgiving Point, 501 outdoor farm, garden, and museum complex which also serves as an extension of Utah State University. The rapid growth in Lehi is due, in part, to the rapid development of the tech industry region known as Silicon Slopes. Lehi ranks top 1 safest cities in America and one of safest places to live in the US due to crime index by city and crime demographics by city.
2. Bloomington, Illinois
Population: 78,788
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 20.31
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 12.1
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 41
Total Score: 93.56
Bloomington is a city in and the county seat of McLean County, Illinois, United States. The 2024 census showed the city had a population of 78,788, making it the 13th-most populous city in Illinois and the fifth-most populous outside the Chicago metropolitan area. It is adjacent to the town of Normal, and is the more populous of the two principal municipalities of the Bloomington – Normal metropolitan area. Bloomington is home to Illinois Wesleyan University and the headquarters for State Farm and Country Financial. Bloomington is considered as 2nd safest place to live in USA and least dangerous cities in the US.
3. Johns Creek, Georgia
Population: 82,230
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 9.89
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 4.1
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 47.3
Total Score: 93.12
Johns Creek is a city in Fulton County, Georgia, United States. The city is a northeastern suburb of Atlanta. Johns Creek has metro Atlanta’s only part-time, fully professional symphony orchestra, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. The Johns Creek Police Department launched April 27, 2008, and the fire department launched October 27, 2008. The police department was certified by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement within two years of the department’s formation. Johns Creek is regarded is 3rd safest cities in America and one of safest places to live in the US.
4. Bryan, Texas
Population: 84,820
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 19.35
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 9.9
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 56.9
Total Score: 92.82
Bryan is a city in and the county seat of Brazos County, Texas, United States. It is located in the heart of the Brazos Valley (East and Central Texas). Bryan borders the city of College Station, which lies to its south. Together they make up the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area, the 15th-largest metropolitan area in Texas with 269,362 people as of 2024. Bryan is considered as one of least dangerous cities in the US and one of safest places to live in the US due to criminal statistics by city and other data.
5. New Rochelle, New York
Population: 80,828
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 24.21
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 7.8
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 70.8
Total Score: 92.70
New Rochelle is a city in Westchester County, New York, United States. It is a suburb of New York City, located approximately 17 miles (27 km) from Midtown Manhattan. New Rochelle has been home to a variety of industries over the years, including Thanhouser Film Studios, Terrytoons Studios and P.J. Tierney Diner Manufacturing. New Rochelle’s “sister city” is La Rochelle, France, a city and commune of western France. There has been a “friendly relationship” between the two cities since 1910. New Rochelle is listed in one of safest city in the United States and one of safest place to live in USA.
6. Flower Mound, Texas
Population: 76,630
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 17.27
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 4.8
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 79.2
Total Score: 92.65
Flower Mound is an incorporated town located in Denton and Tarrant counties in the U.S. state of Texas. Located northwest of Dallas and northeast of Fort Worth adjacent to Grapevine Lake, the town derives its name from a prominent 12.5-acre mound located in the center of town. Flower Mound is one of safest places in America according to crime demographics by city and crime index by city.
7. Naperville, Illinois
Population: 149,089
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 17.7
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 5.2
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 81.3
Total Score: 92.85
Naperville is a city in DuPage and Will counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is a southwestern suburb of Chicago located 28 miles west of the city on the DuPage River. The city was established by the banks of the DuPage River and was originally known as Naper’s Settlement. Naperville is home to Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon, one of the world’s four largest carillons. It is also home to an extensive parks and forest preserve network, including Centennial Beach. The city has two school districts, 203 and 204. Naperville is generally regarded as one of safest communities in America and one of safest places to live in the US.
8. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Population: 76,555
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 22
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 8.8
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 89.7
Total Score: 91.92
Bethlehem is a city in Northampton and Lehigh Counties in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2024 census, Bethlehem had a total population of 76,555, making it the second-largest city in the Lehigh Valley after Allentown and the seventh-largest city in the state. Bethlehem lies in the geographic center of the Lehigh Valley, a metropolitan region that is Pennsylvania’s third-most populous metropolitan area and the 68th-most populated metropolitan area in the U.S. Bethlehem has a long historical relationship with the celebration of Christmas. Bethlehem is listed as one of safest place to live in USA and least dangerous cities in the US.
9. Fishers, Indiana
Population: 99,041
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 13.21
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 8.1
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 77.9
Total Score: 91.79
Fishers is a city in Fall Creek and Delaware townships, Hamilton County, Indiana, United States. Fishers is located in the southeast corner of Hamilton County along the West Fork of the White River. One attraction in Fishers is Geist Reservoir, offering activities like fishing and waterskiing. Fishers is twinned with the town of Billericay, Essex, United Kingdom. Fishers is generally regarded as one of safest cities in the US.
10. Carmel, Indiana
Population: 99,453
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 14.84
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 6.6
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 82.6
Total Score: 91.76
Carmel is a suburban city in Hamilton County, Indiana, United States, immediately north of Indianapolis. With a population of 99,453 as of the 2024 census, the city spans 49 square miles across Clay Township and is bordered by the White River to the east and the Boone County line to the west. Carmel is listed as one of safest big cities in the U.S.
11. O’Fallon, Missouri
Population: 91,825
Police Officers Per 10,000 People: 16.19
Violent Crimes Per 10,000 People: 9.8
Property Crimes Per 10,000 People: 74.9
Total Score: 91.49
O’Fallon is a city in St. Charles County, Missouri, United States. It is part of the St. Louis metropolitan statistical area, located along Interstates 64 and 70 between Lake St. Louis and St. Peters. O’Fallon’s namesake in St. Clair County, Illinois, is also part of the St. Louis region. The two cities are one of the few pairs of same-named municipalities to be part of the same metro area. O’Fallon was the home of the River City Rascals independent Frontier League baseball team. O’Fallon is involved in one of safest places in America due to criminal statistics by city.
Conclusion
So far, there are the safest cities in the US. While the top-ranked cities on our list are celebrated for their low crime rates and overall safety, international students face an additional challenge: finding a secure and comfortable place to live far from home. Even in a safe city, a reliable apartment is essential for focusing on studies, feeling at ease, and enjoying life abroad. That’s where uhomes.com can help, offering fully furnished, affordable, and safe student accommodation in these safest cities across the U.S., making your transition smoother and your study journey more enjoyable.
FAQ
Maine consistently has the lowest crime rates in the nation. Common offenses in Maine are typically minor, with property crimes like larceny and burglary being more prevalent than violent crimes. The state’s violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place for residents and visitors.
New Mexico consistently ranks highest in violent crime rates, with incidents such as aggravated assault, robbery, and rape being prevalent. The state has a violent crime rate of 780 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average. Factors like poverty, unemployment, and population density contribute to these high crime rates.
Greenwich is a city in the United States with the lowest crime rate based on 2024 data. Its violent and property crime rates are a fraction of the Connecticut state averages, which are already lower than the national average.
Detroit, Michigan, tops the list with a staggering violent crime rate, followed by cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Baltimore, Maryland.
New Mexico, the most dangerous state, has more than six times the rate of violent crime per 1,000 people than New Hampshire, the least dangerous state.
According to the Global Peace Index, the United States ranks 128 out of 163 countries. The US has terrorist attacks, mass shootings, hate crimes, and natural disasters, all of which can endanger citizens and visitors.
The United States maintains strong economic and national security partnerships with its allies around the world. From free trade pacts, to defense agreements, to our membership in organizations like NATO, the United States is the key actor on the world’s stage.
Despite being one of the world’s most developed countries, the United States ranks 52nd, with a Crime Index of 47.81.
New York tops the list with 18 recorded serial killers, followed by California, which recorded 15 known serial killers.
