10 Safest Cities in US

Feeling safe in your community is a key priority for most American families choosing a place to settle down.

While no location is completely immune from crime or disaster, some U.S. cities stand out for lower incidence of violence, thoughtful infrastructure planning, and engaged residents who watch out for one another.

Across factors ranging from strong policing and low unemployment to robust emergency response capabilities and family-friendly neighborhoods, the towns explored below have each earned recognition among the safest in the nation.

10 Safest Cities in US ( United States )

1. Columbia, Maryland

What makes Columbia, Maryland one of the safest cities in the US? Some key factors that contribute to Columbia’s safety include strong community safety initiatives, excellent education systems, and abundant family-friendly recreation options.

Community Safety Initiatives

Columbia has over 60 neighborhood watch groups that work closely with local law enforcement to prevent crime. These groups help neighbors get to know one another and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.

The city has invested heavily in outdoor lighting, surveillance cameras, and other infrastructure to deter criminal activity. Well-lit neighborhoods, parks, parking lots, and walking paths help residents feel safe.

Various nonprofits in Columbia provide community safety education, women’s self-defense training, home security assessments, and other resources for vulnerable groups.

Education and Safety

Columbia’s high-ranking public schools help promote safety by keeping youth engaged and setting them up for future success. The graduation rate is over 95%.

After-school programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and abundant internship opportunities give local teens positive ways to spend their time outside of class.

Family-Friendly Activities

Columbia offers families over 100 miles of walking/biking paths, 3 major sports parks with programmed leagues and classes, and dozens of playgrounds and pocket parks located throughout the city.

Easy access to safe recreation and enrichment activities helps form a sense of community and prevents boredom that can sometimes lead to mischief in younger residents.

2. Naperville, Illinois

With a population over 147,000, Naperville has exceptionally low crime rates for a suburb of its size. So what’s behind such positive statistics? The answer lies in proactive public safety measures, community watch programs, and engaged citizens.

Crime Rates and Statistics

According to NeighborhoodScout, Naperville enjoys violent crime rates that are 79% lower than the US average. The chances of becoming a victim are a mere 2 in 1,000.

Strong local economic growth combined with community programs that target at-risk youth have contributed to declining crime over the past decade.

Public Safety Measures

All public parks close at dusk and police patrol them regularly when open. Well-lit streets, public buildings, walking paths, and parking garages help deter crime.

Naperville has an extensive system of emergency call boxes, security cameras, and monitored alarm systems networked across the city to facilitate rapid response to threats.

Neighborhood Watch Programs

Over 140 active neighborhood watch groups coordinate with police to report suspicious activity in their zones. Some groups even have patrols.

By fostering communication and familiarity between residents, these groups help provide security that extends beyond what law enforcement alone can offer.

3. Cary, North Carolina

Boasting low and declining crime rates, involved citizens, and modern emergency facilities and protocols, Cary frequently tops lists of the safest US cities. But what specific factors make day-to-day life so secure for Cary residents?

Emergency Services

Three top-tier fire stations, six emergency medical stations, and two police stations provide extensive infrastructure to respond quickly to crises 24/7.

Cary employs the latest technology for municipal emergency alert systems, integrated radio communications, and coordinated data analysis to enhance protection for residents.

Safe Recreational Activities

With over 900 acres of public parks and greenways, Cary offers families abundant safe spaces for sports, games, picnics, and community events during the day and evening hours.

Park facilities like restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, picnic shelters, grills, and lighting increase comfort and security for residents making use of recreational spaces and walking trails.

Safety in Schools

All Cary public schools have secured entryways, visitor check-in protocols, surveillance systems, and regular emergency response training for staff to protect students.

Anti-bullying programs, youth counseling services, and active parent-teacher organizations help maintain safe, positive school climates for local children and teenagers.

4. Gilbert, Arizona

While once a small farm town, Gilbert now ranks as one of the fastest-growing and safest places to live in Arizona. Low crime rates persist thanks to proactive initiatives implemented by local government, law enforcement, businesses, and private citizens alike.

Local Law Enforcement

Gilbert’s police force maintains average response times of under 7 minutes for emergency calls by using centralized communications infrastructure and systematic deployment of patrol units.

Traffic safety receives special emphasis given Gilbert’s rapidly expanding roads and intersections. The town utilizes education, DUI task forces, speed control devices, and other enforcement measures to protect motorists and pedestrians.

Safety in the Workplace

Gilbert’s low unemployment rate and abundance of advanced corporate campuses, technology hubs, and business parks provide economic and physical security for professionals in the area.

Strict occupational safety regulations, security systems, hazardous material controls, and emergency planning requirements help keep local work sites free of accidents and crime.

Traffic and Road Safety

Gilbert has state-of-the-art Intelligent Transportation Systems incorporating traffic cameras, dynamic message signs, and centrally coordinated traffic signal timing to facilitate safe, efficient flows of vehicles.

Biking in Gilbert remains safe thanks to abundant dedicated bike lanes, driver awareness campaigns, and enforcement of laws protecting cyclists on roadways.

5. Frisco, Texas

Frisco’s extremely low crime levels and modern development make it one of the safest places to live not just in Texas, but the entire southern United States.

Frisco maintains such positive public welfare through proactive health and safety institutions, secure residential planning, and a strong spirit of community involvement.

Public Health and Safety

Frisco’s state-certified Emergency Management Office coordinates directly with state and federal agencies to plan responses to large-scale disasters and threats of terrorism.

The city also provides free community emergency response training programs, including CPR certification and disaster preparedness education.

Safe Housing Developments

Most Frisco neighborhoods have single entrance/exit access points with no external traffic, providing natural security benefits.

Frisco’s strict building codes require ample outdoor lighting, fire safety measures like sprinkler systems and alarm monitoring, and security standards for locks, landscaping, and construction quality.

Community Involvement in Safety

Over 150 active neighborhood watch groups and regular citizen police academy training sessions ensure strong civic participation in public safety.

Frisco’s population includes people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. The resulting diversity and community cohesion help prevent social alienation that enables crime in some cities.

6. Irvine, California

Consistently ranked one of America’s safest cities year after year, Irvine continues to impress with its sustainable safety success.

Ongoing safety planning, environmental stewardship initiatives, and abundant controlled attractions offer families wholesome recreation.

Safety Regulations and Compliance

As a master-planned municipality, Irvine’s local government exerts considerable control over zoning, construction standards, and code enforcement for both private and city properties.

This high degree of regulation allows city officials to mandate fire prevention measures, emergency access, structural integrity, community healthcare accessibility, and law enforcement agency oversight.

Environmental Safety

Strict emissions standards, extensive parklands and wildlife preserves, noise reduction protocols, hazardous waste controls, water quality monitoring, and public awareness campaigns make Irvine a national leader in environmental safety.

Safe Tourism and Attractions

Irvine’s pedestrian-friendly entertainment centers, outdoor shopping districts, golf courses, sports parks, and maintained wilderness areas offer visitors abundant safe leisure destinations.

Venues like Irvine Spectrum Center provide onsite security staff, surveillance systems, and coordinated emergency planning to enable large volumes of guests to safely enjoy attractions.

7. Sudbury, Massachusetts

Sudbury is the quintessential New England town–peaceful, affluent, scenic, and safe. Generations-old community ties combined with modern small-town governance allow residents to enjoy secure public areas, beloved local events, and trusted neighborhood businesses.

Safety in Public Spaces

An active safety committee oversees maintenance issues like lighting, waste removal, erosion control, and dead tree removal in Sudbury’s public parks, conservation lands, and recreation areas.

Sudbury’s Public Works department uses road safety audits, integrated GIS tracking, and careful planning reviews to protect drivers and pedestrians on local streets and intersections.

Community Safety Events

The Sudbury Police Department directly engages with citizens young and old through frequent community outreach programs like child car seat safety checks, blood drives, food drives, and National Night Out block parties.

These repeated positive interactions between residents, police, fire, and EMS personnel establish bonds of familiarity and trust that enhance public safety town-wide.

Safety Measures in Local Businesses

Nearly all shops and restaurants located downtown participate in the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce’s Crime Watch, posting notices that they have surveillance systems and alerting each other to suspicious activity.

Strict licensing and inspection processes also require basic safeguards for fire, health, and accessibility standards before businesses can operate in Sudbury.

8. Weston, Connecticut

Safety in the Education System

Weston’s school district has implemented secured vestibules with visitor badging protocols, digital surveillance systems, and emergency radios in every classroom.

Close collaboration with law enforcement and consistent safety drill practice ensure schools can effectively shelter students, restrict access to strangers, and execute lockdowns if threats arise.

Public Transport Safety

Though lacking a metro system, Weston’s small size allows the town to provide residents door-to-door bus services to nearby cities like Norwalk and Stamford.

Strict licensing, insurance requirements, and vehicle maintenance procedures apply to all buses and livery vehicles permitted to operate in Weston.

Emergency Preparedness

Weston maintains an active Community Emergency Response Team that educates residents about disaster preparedness and volunteers to support first responders during major events like storms, floods, and wildfires.

The town also utilizes an emergency notification system to alert citizens about public safety concerns, road closures, evacuation notices, and other time-sensitive warnings.

9. Zionsville, Indiana

Zionsville ranks not only as one of Indiana’s safest towns but also one of the most secure places to live nationwide.

Robust crime prevention initiatives, controlled growth policies, and an emphasis on recreation and enrichment programs bolster public welfare across this charming village.

Crime Prevention Programs

Zionsville sponsors free community shredding events several times a year to help residents avoid identity theft.

Citizens can register their home security cameras with the police department to expand the village’s virtual eyes on local streets.

Safety in Sports and Recreation

Recently constructed sports complexes feature ample lighting, central monitoring rooms, and integrated camera systems to protect children and adult league players.

Zionsville’s Parks Department follows established policies to inspect playground equipment, athletic courts, trails, shelters, and other park infrastructure for hazards every week.

Safe Senior Living

Regular wellness checks from police and fire crews, daily meal services, home health aides, and access to emergency monitoring devices allow Zionsville’s elderly residents to maintain independence safely in their own homes.

For more frail seniors, Zionsville’s retirement facilities provide state-of-the-art security features like restricted access, wander detection systems for memory care, 24/7 onsite nursing, and backup generators.

10. Ridgefield, Connecticut

This affluent Connecticut bedroom community shines as one of the Nutmeg State’s most secure places to put down roots.

Attentive local leadership, family-first values, and conscientious citizens make Ridgefield a haven for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Child Safety Programs

Ridgefield sponsors regular fingerprinting events for children and distributes kits for dental and DNA identification.

School crossing guards, bicycle safety rodeos to teach riding skills, and the Eddie Eagle gun safety mascot instill caution in Ridgefield’s youngest residents.

Safety in Local Government

Ridgefield’s planning and zoning commission maintains strict codes and thorough review processes to protect property values and ensure safe, orderly growth.

Local emergency management agencies keep Hazard Mitigation Plans up to date and leverage technology like social media alerts and improved 911 systems to react quickly during storms and other events.

Safe Cultural and Historical Sites

Museums and colonial historical sites have recently upgraded to more energy-efficient and code-compliant lighting, exits, accessibility infrastructure, and climate control systems.

Security staffing, fire suppression tools like extinguishers and sprinklers, and surveillance cameras have also improved to protect Ridgefield’s treasured cultural heritage against manmade and natural threats.

Final Words