Threats to our safety come in many forms, from pandemics to natural disasters to mass shootings and traffic incidents. There are many ways people can come to feel unsafe that exist outside the realm of bodily injury. For instance, having the confidence to take out an affordable second mortgage or forgoing medical care due to a lack of health insurance can be challenging.
There is no surefire way to stay safe all of the time, but levels of risk vary significantly across the US. To better understand where residents feel the most secure, WalletHub compared hundreds of cities using 41 key indicators for safety. Their data set ranges from traffic fatalities per capita and assaults per capita to the unemployment rate and the percentage of the uninsured population. Those factors are used to come up with an overall safety score for a city. We’ve got the 100 safest ones to share with you below!
1-4
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 1 | Nashua, NH | 86 | 8 | 27 | 8 |
| 2 | Columbia, MD | 85.97 | 1 | 63 | 85 |
| 3 | South Burlington, VT | 85.18 | 21 | 36 | 1 |
| 4 | Gilbert, AZ | 84.24 | 10 | 14 | 56 |
5-8
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 5 | Warwick, RI | 84.03 | 9 | 22 | 68 |
| 6 | Portland, ME | 83.99 | 32 | 11 | 2 |
| 7 | Casper, WY | 83.92 | 27 | 20 | 11 |
| 8 | Yonkers, NY | 83.76 | 4 | 39 | 122 |
9-12
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 9 | Burlington, VT | 83.70 | 28 | 37 | 10 |
| 10 | Scottsdale, AZ | 83.63 | 17 | 53 | 28 |
| 11 | Laredo, TX | 82.98 | 19 | 24 | 80 |
| 12 | Virginia Beach, VA | 82.95 | 11 | 44 | 63 |
13-16
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 13 | Lewiston, ME | 82.43 | 45 | 12 | 20 |
| 14 | Chandler, AZ | 82.35 | 29 | 8 | 54 |
| 15 | Bismarck, ND | 82.09 | 47 | 64 | 6 |
| 16 | Cape Coral, FL | 81.67 | 6 | 111 | 132 |
17-20
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 17 | Brownsville, TX | 81.45 | 34 | 2 | 116 |
| 18 | Raleigh, NC | 81.41 | 42 | 55 | 34 |
| 19 | Chesapeake, VA | 81.31 | 20 | 69 | 97 |
| 20 | Boise, ID | 81.30 | 38 | 71 | 27 |
21-24
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 21 | Worcester, MA | 81.21 | 35 | 17 | 57 |
| 22 | Madison, WI | 81.13 | 44 | 89 | 13 |
| 23 | Cedar Rapids, IA | 81.13 | 26 | 101 | 46 |
| 24 | Manchester, NH | 80.70 | 58 | 30 | 9 |
25-28
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 25 | Aurora, IL | 80.63 | 12 | 91 | 134 |
| 26 | Winston-Salem, NC | 80.63 | 51 | 40 | 82 |
| 27 | Nampa, ID | 80.62 | 39 | 49 | 67 |
| 28 | Peoria, AZ | 80.45 | 40 | 26 | 94 |
29-32
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 29 | Pearl City, HI | 80.41 | 5 | N/A | 3 |
| 30 | Pembroke Pines, FL | 80.33 | 15 | 48 | 163 |
| 31 | Fargo, ND | 80.18 | 52 | 77 | 25 |
| 32 | Mesa, AZ | 79.96 | 50 | 18 | 70 |
33-36
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 33 | Irvine, CA | 79.86 | 2 | 150 | 126 |
| 34 | Cheyenne, WY | 79.83 | 62 | 97 | 4 |
| 35 | Henderson, NV | 79.82 | 13 | 95 | 151 |
| 36 | Grand Prairie, TX | 79.62 | 22 | 112 | 104 |
37-40
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 37 | Juneau, AK | 79.44 | 86 | 50 | 21 |
| 38 | Tempe, AZ | 79.36 | 70 | 9 | 45 |
| 39 | Grand Rapids, MI | 79.03 | 73 | 7 | 41 |
| 40 | Sioux Falls, SD | 79.00 | 56 | 103 | 24 |
41-44
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 41 | Missoula, MT | 78.91 | 59 | 108 | 15 |
| 42 | Durham, NC | 78.89 | 74 | 42 | 31 |
| 43 | Vancouver, WA | 78.82 | 67 | 87 | 30 |
| 44 | Fort Wayne, IN | 78.80 | 61 | 59 | 75 |
45-48
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 45 | Charlotte, NC | 78.75 | 65 | 57 | 42 |
| 46 | Providence, RI | 78.59 | 54 | 10 | 123 |
| 47 | Glendale, CA | 78.51 | 7 | 151 | 138 |
| 48 | Lincoln, NE | 78.46 | 64 | 105 | 19 |
49-52
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 49 | Fremont, CA | 78.42 | 25 | 157 | 33 |
| 50 | Salem, OR | 78.39 | 83 | 70 | 35 |
| 51 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 78.08 | 18 | 159 | 74 |
| 52 | Las Cruces, NM | 77.81 | 66 | 66 | 111 |
53-56
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 53 | Omaha, NE | 77.73 | 60 | 107 | 39 |
| 54 | Chula Vista, CA | 77.67 | 37 | 132 | 77 |
| 55 | Bridgeport, CT | 77.59 | 57 | 16 | 159 |
| 56 | Irving, TX | 77.40 | 41 | 125 | 98 |
RELATED: 25 Best Small Towns to Raise a Family In That Are in Close Proximity to Big Cities
57-60
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 57 | Augusta, GA | 77.40 | 69 | 61 | 153 |
| 58 | Tallahassee, FL | 77.39 | 71 | 28 | 139 |
| 59 | Santa Clarita, CA | 77.37 | 3 | 168 | 171 |
| 60 | Newport News, VA | 77.19 | 78 | 21 | 113 |
61-64
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 61 | Santa Rosa, CA | 77.15 | 36 | 153 | 55 |
| 62 | Rochester, NY | 77.13 | 91 | 4 | 62 |
| 63 | Spokane, WA | 76.97 | 108 | 19 | 32 |
| 64 | Hialeah, FL | 76.87 | 14 | 128 | 176 |
65-68
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 65 | Oxnard, CA | 76.75 | 33 | 148 | 109 |
| 66 | North Las Vegas, NV | 76.73 | 24 | 99 | 179 |
| 67 | Oceanside, CA | 76.72 | 43 | 144 | 73 |
| 68 | Tampa, FL | 76.54 | 75 | 92` | 84 |
69-72
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 69 | San Diego, CA | 76.51 | 53 | 130 | 72 |
| 70 | Huntington Beach, CA | 76.35 | 30 | 170 | 90 |
| 71 | Port St. Lucie, FL | 76.21 | 16 | N/A | 92 |
| 72 | Fontana, CA | 75.97 | 31 | 163 | 119 |
73-76
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 73 | Glendale, AZ | 75.83 | 102 | 13 | 95 |
| 74 | Norfolk, VA | 75.67 | 82 | 81 | 125 |
| 75 | Salt Lake City, UT | 75.62 | 107 | 116 | 5 |
| 76 | Plano, TX | 75.31 | 95 | 113 | 43 |
77-80
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 77 | Moreno Valley, CA | ||||
| 78 | Greensboro, NC | ||||
| 79 | San Antonio, TX | ||||
| 80 | Amarillo, TX |
81-84
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 81 | Dover, DE | 74.97 | 111 | 1 | 144 |
| 82 | Overland Park, KS | 74.81 | 109 | 121 | 22 |
| 83 | Ontario, CA | 74.76 | 46 | 156 | 133 |
| 84 | Mobile, AL | 74.75 | 97 | 43 | 148 |
85-88
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 85 | Arlington, TX | 74.50 | 79 | 122 | 105 |
| 86 | Gulfport, MS | 74.47 | 92 | 56 | 157 |
| 87 | Montgomery, AL | 74.43 | 80 | 93 | 174 |
| 88 | West Valley City, UT | 74.38 | 48 | N/A | 26 |
89-92
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 89 | Huntsville, AL | 74.38 | 77 | 142 | 76 |
| 90 | Des Moines, IA | 74.27 | 76 | 143 | 71 |
| 91 | Jacksonville, FL | 74.22 | 106 | 62 | 142 |
| 92 | Rapid City, SD | 74.08 | 112 | 129 | 17 |
93-96
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 93 | Colorado Springs, CO | 73.97 | 88 | 126 | 86 |
| 94 | Honolulu, HI | 73.84 | 49 | N/A | 23 |
| 95 | Lubbock, TX | 73.74 | 114 | 114 | 58 |
| 96 | Columbus, GA | 73.69 | 96 | 38 | 177 |
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97-100
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Home & Community Safety | Natural Disaster Risk | Financial Safety |
| 97 | Minneapolis, MN | 73.51 | 116 | 131 | 12 |
| 98 | Garden Grove, CA | 73.39 | 55 | 171 | 131 |
| 99 | Charleston, WV | 73.32 | 139 | 45 | 18 |
| 100 | Billings, MT | 73.28 | 137 | 58 | 37 |
There you go! How did these cities stack up? We hope you enjoyed learning more about the safest cities. Some places are just easier than others. For even more exciting cities, keep reading. We have the best small towns for raising a family to share with you.
25. South Russell, Ohio
-Population: 3,962
– Location: Suburb of Cleveland, OH
South Russell, Ohio, located at the western edge of Geauga County, is a charming village in the Cleveland metropolitan area. Home to approximately 4,000 residents, this suburb is recognized as one of Ohio’s best places to live. The town spans an area of 4 miles long by 1 mile wide. The town is close to many parks, Stacker notes. The prairie trails at Frohring Meadows and historic sandstone ledges in the West Woods are just a stone’s throw away.
24. Bradford Woods, Pennsylvania
-Population: 1,226
– Location: Suburb of Pittsburgh, PA
Bradford Woods, Pennsylvania, is a small borough nestled in Allegheny County. This Pittsburgh suburb offers residents a mix of suburban and rural living, making it one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Bradford Woods, incorporated in 1915, is known for its strong community spirit, evident in its active local government and engaged citizens. The town features a variety of homes for sale, catering to diverse real estate needs. It also boasts beautiful green spaces for outdoor activities such as birding, short hikes, and fishing, with the Bradford Woods Reserve being a notable local attraction.
23. Essex Fells, New Jersey
-Population: 2,270
– Location: Suburb in New Jersey
Essex Fells, New Jersey, is a charming borough nestled in Essex County. This suburb of New York City offers an idyllic, small-town atmosphere often likened to a “Norman Rockwell” painting. With top-ranked public schools like Essex Fells School, the town provides excellent educational opportunities for its residents. Beyond its quiet residential areas, the borough hosts various community events, enhancing its friendly and welcoming environment.
Harrington Park, New Jersey
-Population: 4,801
– Location: Suburb in New Jersey
Harrington Park is a charming town located in Bergen County in New Jersey. This idyllic town is well-loved for its peaceful atmosphere and welcoming community, making it one of the best places to live in the county. The borough boasts plenty of green spaces for exploration and relaxation. Harrington Park also has a robust education system, with the Harrington Park School District leading the way in providing quality education to its students.
21. Brookville, New York
-Population: 2,937
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
Brookville is a serene village in the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County on the North Shore of Long Island, New York. Known for its suburban charm, Brookville has a population of approximately 2,937 residents and is considered one of the best places to live in New York. Getting into the city from Brookville is extremely easy, which feels like a world away.
20. Tower Lakes, Illinois
-Population: 1,340
– Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL
Tower Lakes is a charming village located in the southwest corner of Lake County, Illinois. The village, which was incorporated in 1966, has a rich history dating back to its first permanent settler, Hugh Davlin, in 1836. Tower Lakes offers a suburban lifestyle with a close-knit community fee.
19. East Williston, New York
-Population: 2,637
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
East Williston is an incorporated village in the Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County on Long Island, New York. This suburb of New York City is home to a population of approximately 2,637 people and is considered one of the best places to live in the state. East Williston offers a high-quality lifestyle with its robust educational system led by the East Williston School District. The village also hosts several events and boasts various local restaurants, contributing to its lively community spirit.
18. Aspinwall, Pennsylvania
-Population: 2,901
– Location: Suburb of Pittsburgh, PA
Aspinwall is a friendly and vibrant borough located on the Allegheny River in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and is part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. With a population of 2,901, it’s recognized as one of the best places to live in the state. The community is known for its pedestrian-friendly commerce, featuring independent groceries like Patty’s Farm Market and numerous gourmet adventures. Just 10 miles from Pittsburgh, it is also exceedingly convenient.
17. Haworth, New Jersey
-Population: 3,341
– Location: Suburb in New Jersey
Haworth is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, with a population of less than 4,000. This friendly community, situated just 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, offers its residents the charm of a ‘true hometown’ feel while conveniently close to the city. Known for its tranquility and suburban lifestyle, Haworth is ranked as one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
16. Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey
-Population: 4,248
– Location: Suburb in New Jersey
Ho-Ho-Kus is a charming borough located in Bergen County, New Jersey. Known for its tight-knit community and welcoming atmosphere, it has a population of just over 4,000 residents. Ho-Ho-Kus is primarily an upper-class and upper-middle-class suburb of New York City, ranked 15th in New Jersey in terms of per-capita income. The borough is bisected by Route 17, a major route connecting northeast New Jersey, making it conveniently accessible.
15. Narberth, Pennsylvania
-Population: 4,467
– Location: Suburb of Philadelphia, PA
Narberth is a borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia. With a population of around 4,295, it’s known for its small-town charm and vibrant community life. Narberth is rich in history and culture, with many buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The downtown area is filled with local businesses, including unique shops, eateries, and a classic movie theater. The borough also boasts several parks, providing ample recreational opportunities for residents.
14. Searingtown, New York
-Population: 4,553
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
Searingtown is a census-designated place and hamlet in the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, on Long Island, New York. With a population of 4,553, it’s considered one of the best places to live in New York. Searingtown offers a suburban lifestyle while being near New York City.
13. Rose Valley, Pennsylvania
-Population: 1,116
– Location: Suburb of Philadelphia, PA
Rose Valley is a small, historic borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Covering an area of 0.73 square miles, it boasts a tight-knit community with approximately 1,116 residents. As a suburb of Philadelphia, Rose Valley offers a unique living experience and is considered one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. The borough is characterized by its rich history, with many of its homes reflecting its past.
12. Kildeer, Illinois
-Population: 4,093
– Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL
Kildeer is a picturesque village located in southwestern Lake County, Illinois. It’s a suburb of Chicago. Known for its natural setting, Kildeer boasts spacious lots and is ranked as one of the top suburbs to live in Illinois. The village is also recognized for its rich, rolling, heavily forested land, with streams and small lakes.
11. Ardsley, New York
-Population: 4,984
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
Ardsley is a charming town in Westchester County, New York. As part of the town of Greenburgh, Ardsley is home to a close-knit community of under 5,000. This small but vibrant suburban village is known for its spirited atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Ardsley offers the best of both worlds – the tranquility of suburban living and easy access to the bustling city life of New York. The village’s schools are part of the Ardsley Union Free School District, known for its competitive math competitions.
10. Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
-Population: 4,464
– Location: Suburb in New Jersey
Mountain Lakes is a scenic borough located in north-central New Jersey, where the rolling hills of the state’s Piedmont region meet the rocky outcroppings. This welcoming and walkable community with roughly 4,500 residents is known for its upscale vibe and rich history. The borough is notable for its many man-made lakes, including Birchwood Lake, Crystal Lake, Mountain Lake, Shadow Lake, Sunset Lake, Wildwood Lake, and Cove Lake. The borough is also home to the Mountain Lakes Club, which offers members year-round casual dining, events, swimming, tennis, and boating. Its architecture is distinctive, with many Arts and Crafts inspired houses built as summer homes for wealthy New Yorkers.
9. Cordaville, Massachusetts
-Population: 2,776
– Location: Suburb of Boston, MA
Cordaville is a pleasant, diverse community and census-designated place in the town of Southborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts. With a population of around 2,776, it’s considered one of the best places to live in Massachusetts and is a suburb of Boston. Known for its wide range of offerings for its citizens.
8. Kenilworth, Illinois
-Population: 2,423
– Location: Suburb of Chicago, IL
Kenilworth is a picturesque village in Cook County, Illinois, nestled approximately 17 miles north of downtown Chicago. With a population of just over 2,400 residents. Kenilworth offers a tight-knit community feel. The village is one of the suburban North Shore communities bordering Lake Michigan and is known for its affluent status. Renowned for its high-quality lifestyle, Kenilworth is often cited as one of the best places to live in Illinois. It boasts homes designed by esteemed architects, contributing to the village’s unique charm.
7. Herricks, New York
-Population: 4,163
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
Herricks, New York, is a charming hamlet and census-designated place in Nassau County on Long Island. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 4,398. Herricks is known for its excellent quality of life, making it one of the best places to live in New York. The Herricks Union Free School District serves the community, which contains five schools and caters to over 4,000 students.
6. Berwyn, Pennsylvania
-Population: 3,620
– Location: Suburb of Philadelphia, PA
Berwyn, Pennsylvania, is a delightful census-designated place in Chester County. In the Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships, Berwyn is a suburb of Philadelphia and has a population of approximately 3,620. Despite its small size, Berwyn is noted for its rich rural charm and is considered one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Attractions include the Jenkins Arboretum & Garden and the Eagle Village Shops, offering residents and visitors a variety of experiences. With a great sense of community, Berwyn is a small town that displays big character.
5. Great Neck Gardens, New York
-Population: 1,258
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
Great Neck Gardens, also known as Allenwood, is a town on the Great Neck Peninsula in Nassau County, New York. It’s a vibrant suburb of New York City, boasting a population of around 1,258 residents. Known for its beautiful homes and real estate, the area offers a variety of options for prospective homeowners. The community is highly regarded as one of the best places to live in Nassau County, offering a blend of urban conveniences and suburban tranquility. Living in Great Neck Gardens provides a unique lifestyle where residents can enjoy the perks of city life while being part of a close-knit community.
4. Princeton Junction, New Jersey
-Population: 2,208
Princeton Junction is a quaint, unincorporated community and census-designated place in West Windsor in Mercer County, New Jersey. Despite its small population of around 2,208, it’s considered one of the best places to live in the state. The area is well-known for its Princeton Junction Station, which offers convenient transit solutions for residents and visitors alike. The community is strategically located halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, making it an ideal home base for commuters.
3. Lake Success, New York
-Population: 2,856
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
Lake Success is a charming village tucked within the Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County, New York. This peaceful suburb of New York City, located on the North Shore of Long Island, boasts a population of approximately 3,000 residents. It’s recognized as one of the best places to live in New York, offering its inhabitants a tranquil atmosphere amidst natural beauty. The village holds historical significance as it once served as the temporary headquarters for the United Nations. Today, it offers a range of amenities for its residents. Lake Success lives up to its name.
2. Kensington, New York
-Population: 1,299
– Location: Suburb of New York City, NY
Kensington, New York, is a serene village in Nassau County on the North Shore of Long Island, with a small population that underscores its peaceful atmosphere. This Kensington is known for its suburban tranquility and high-quality living standards. It’s recognized for its diversity, walkability, and the beautiful old Victorian homes lining its quiet streets. Kensington offers a blend of residential appeal and urban convenience.
1. Devon, Pennsylvania
-Population: 1,981
– Location: Suburb of Philadelphia, PA
Devon, Pennsylvania, is a charming census-designated place nestled in Easttown Township, Chester County. It is a small, upscale community well-known as the home for the Devon Horse Show and celebrated for its rich history and culture. With a population of around 1,981, it’s considered one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Located just outside of Philadelphia, Devon offers easy access to all the attractions in the city while maintaining the tranquility of suburban life. Popular attractions include the Jenkins Arboretum & Garden, Valley Forge Music Fair, and Anthropologie. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to call home or a vibrant community with cultural attractions, Devon, Pennsylvania, has something to offer everyone.
There you go! Now you know the best small towns that are pretty close to big cities that are best for raising families. If you’re looking for a change of pace and thinking about settling down and putting some roots down, each place is worth considering.