Cities in the U.S. with the Highest Safety Ratings
Why Choose a Safe City?
Safety often ranks near the top of relocation priorities, but it’s easy to overlook in favor of jobs, convenience, lifestyle, or housing costs. For many movers, though, feeling secure shapes daily life more than any other factor. While no city is crime-free, some stand out for low crime rates, connected neighborhoods, and active local engagement. These are places where walking home feels easy and kids play outside longer.
Top Cities with a High Safety Score
Irvine, California
Irvine has long been ranked as one of the safest large cities in the U.S. Its safety comes from intentional urban design, master-planned neighborhoods, and strong homeowner associations that discourage crime. The city also invests heavily in community policing and youth programs, which keep crime rates consistently low. For families, the combination of safe streets and steady economic growth makes Irvine an enduring favorite.
What Works: Irvine’s structure does most of the work. Sidewalks, parks, and lighting were planned for visibility, and the police department focuses on prevention, not reaction. Add a stable economy and excellent schools, and you have one of the most dependable safety profiles in the country.
Naperville, Illinois
A Chicago suburb, Naperville consistently shows up on “safest cities” lists, and that reputation is well-earned. Police-community partnerships and strong civic engagement both play a role. Downtown Naperville, with its Riverwalk and central shopping district, is a hub where people feel comfortable walking at night. Excellent schools and stable property values reinforce the sense of security that families prioritize.
What Works: Safety here feels cultural. Naperville’s residents invest time in volunteer programs and neighborhood watch groups. The city’s well-funded schools and parks foster connection, which keeps streets active and crime low.
Cary, North Carolina
Cary, in the Research Triangle, is one of the Southeast’s safest midsize cities. Residents often point to the town’s culture of involvement, from neighborhood associations to frequent town events, as a reason crime remains low. Cary also benefits from careful planning and zoning, which reduces high-crime pockets and spreads resources more evenly. Families say they feel secure letting their kids bike to parks or attend local sports programs without worry.
What Works: Cary’s predictability creates comfort. From well-lit sidewalks to active homeowners’ groups, the infrastructure encourages visibility and connection. The result is a place where parents trust their community, and crime stays low.
Frisco, Texas
Frisco has grown rapidly but has managed to keep crime low, no small task. The city prioritizes safety through proactive policing and strong partnerships between schools, police, and parents. Frisco ISD and community sports programs keep kids connected, which residents often say helps reduce crime. Parks and neighborhood centers add to a sense of order and shared responsibility.
What Works: Frisco’s “grow smart” philosophy keeps infrastructure ahead of population growth. Neighborhood patrols, parks, and community events foster daily connection. It’s a modern suburb where engagement, not enforcement, keeps the peace.
Gilbert, Arizona
Once a farming town, Gilbert has grown into one of the country’s fastest-growing midsize suburbs. Despite the growth, crime remains low. City leadership credits this to sustained investment in policing and community involvement in school and church networks. Gilbert’s family-oriented culture reinforces a sense of accountability, keeping crime rates among the lowest in Arizona.
What Works: Gilbert’s strength is in consistency. Civic and family life overlap; people know their neighbors and participate in local schools and sports. The city’s balanced development has avoided the social fragmentation that often increases crime elsewhere.
Fremont, California
Fremont’s size might suggest higher crime, but the city consistently rates as one of the safest large cities in California. Community policing strategies and outreach to Fremont’s diverse population have built strong trust between residents and law enforcement. Fremont’s economic stability, driven by proximity to Silicon Valley jobs, also contributes to lower crime. Residents describe their neighborhoods as both safe and welcoming.
What Works: Fremont combines prosperity with presence. Officers engage directly with residents, schools partner with safety programs, and the city’s diversity fosters cultural connection instead of division. That social cohesion drives the data.
Round Rock, Texas
North of Austin, Round Rock has invested heavily in keeping neighborhoods safe as the city has grown. City planning emphasizes parks, trails, and well-maintained public spaces, which create natural gathering places and help deter crime. The police department also emphasizes visibility and proactive communication with residents. Families appreciate that the city feels safe while still being affordable.
What Works: Round Rock’s parks, trails, and visible policing create daily contact between residents and law enforcement. The cost of living is manageable, the schools are strong, and people actually use public spaces, all key ingredients for community safety.
Sunnyvale, California
Sunnyvale, in the heart of Silicon Valley, benefits from a strong local economy and well-resourced public services. Its Department of Public Safety combines police, fire, and emergency response, which leads to quick and coordinated service. Safe neighborhoods and high community engagement keep Sunnyvale near the top of safety rankings. The strong job base also contributes to stability, further reducing crime pressures.
What Works: Sunnyvale’s model is unique, with integrated emergency services and an economy that supports investment in safety. The city’s wealth is evenly distributed through neighborhoods, reducing the disparities that often drive crime.
Is a Safe City Right for You?
If peace of mind is a major factor in your move, choosing a city with a high safety score is a smart path. These communities often combine low crime with excellent schools and active neighborhoods, qualities that interest both families and individuals.
Tip: Pair this guide with our Guideline for Best Cities for Public Schools and Guideline for Most Family-Friendly Cities to get a fuller picture of where to raise your family.
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FAQs for Safest Cities
Q: What makes a city “safe”?
A: Low crime rates matter, but so do community design, lighting, and engagement. Cities that invest in public spaces, parks, and youth programs often see better outcomes.
Q: Are safe cities always suburbs?
A: Not necessarily. Many smaller metros — like Cary or Fremont — blend suburban peace with urban access. What matters most is stability and planning, not size.
Q: How can I compare safety between cities?
A: Use data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program and local law enforcement dashboards. Look at violent and property crime rates per 100,000 residents.
Q: Do safer cities cost more to live in?
A: Often, yes. High-demand safe areas like Irvine or Naperville carry price premiums, but others, like Round Rock or Gilbert, balance affordability with safety.
Q: What role does community involvement play?
A: A major one. Neighborhood groups, schools, and local businesses help prevent crime by creating familiarity and shared responsibility.
Q: Which regions tend to have the safest cities?
A: The Midwest and Mountain West often rank well for safety, followed closely by suburban communities in the Southeast and West Coast tech corridors.