Revealed: The Hidden Gems of America's Safest Cities – Is Yours on the List?

Safety is, without a doubt, always a major concern when traveling anywhere in the world. As you would know, a city's safety (or lack thereof) can make or break even the best-planned trip. Whether you’re relocating or just visiting for a few days, safety should always be a top priority.

These 23 safest cities in America have consistently tried to curb all sorts of crime. So stick around if you’re looking to visit or relocate to a city in the US that promises you a fairly low crime rate.

Tip: If you’re travelling or relocating outside of the United States, then you should brush up on the safest cities in the world before packing your bags.

How Are the Safest Cities in the US Determined?

A recent study by MoneyGeek determines the safest and most dangerous cities in the US by comparing each city’s overall cost of crime. Their analysis mainly looks at two important metrics — the violent and property crime rates.

MoneyGeek uses the FBI’s standardised crime statistics, as well as the population of each city, to determine crime rates per 100,000 people. A small disclaimer, crime rates for cities that did not have an available data set from the FBI were individually researched and determined by MoneyGeek.

And to avoid faulty (or misleading) results, MoneyGeek carefully omitted US cities that did not report rape and murder in their crime statistics.

Photo byPhoto by Zander Betterton on Unsplash

1. Naperville, Illinois

Cost of Crime per Capita: $156

Naperville is at the top of the list of the US' most safe cities. And although many will tell you that it is just a suburb within the Chicago Metropolitan Area, Naperville is fast becoming a city in its own right – and an extremely safe one at that.

Naperville’s historic downtown has ample stores, schools, business centers, and world-class public parks, making it a great city to live in, raise kids, and retire. The city’s crime rate is one of the lowest in the country, and its public library system is the best in the United States.

When it comes to jobs – there’s plenty to go around. One of Naperville’s best traits is its diverse employment opportunities, from retail shops to tech firms, factories, and many home-based small businesses.

2. Sunnyvale, California

Cost of Crime per Capita: $156

If you’re a sucker for sunny days and lots of natural beauty, Sunnyvale is the safest city in America to visit or call home. Its family-friendly neighborhoods, ethnically diverse population, and integrated public safety system keep Sunnyvale in the top five of this list year after year.

Sunnyvale’s location at the heart of the Bay Area makes it a center for technology and innovation, so if you’re a technophile, you’ll love it here. The city is slightly more expensive than other US cities, but its $17.95 per hour minimum wage offsets the higher cost of living. And if you’re wondering, by how much? Let’s just say the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

3. West Covina, California

Cost of Crime per Capita: $181

West Covina is one of the places in California that is frequently at the top of the list for low crime rate cities. The city’s level of crime is nearly two times lower than the national average, so you won’t need to worry about constantly looking over your shoulder.

The city’s economic landscape has rapidly shifted from being centered around walnut and citrus groves in the early 1900s to being more diversified. You’ll find a mixture of businesses in West Covina, from automotive workshops to filming locations and high-end shopping districts.

4. Carmel, Indiana

Cost of Crime per Capita: $205

Carmel has a long list of accolades. From being named one of the “best cities for veterans” to the “best place to launch a career”, the city is ideal for anyone of any age group. Carmel also has a strong sense of community which explains its low level of violent and property crimes.

The “Capital of Roundabouts'’ also looks out for its people. It has steadily reduced the number of accidents by roughly 40% by building new traffic circles and replacing signalised intersections. Carmel has over 125 roundabouts – more than any other city in America.

5. Glendale, Arizona

Cost of Crime per Capita: $210

If you like a city with historic charm and unlimited entertainment, then Glendale should be right up your alley. The city has come a long way from being run by cowboys, farmers, and ranchers. Today Glendale has a diverse economy, ranging from mining to construction.

But perhaps Glendale is most famous for being home to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. The team plays at the State Farm Stadium, which has hosted numerous Super Bowls. A bonus is that Glendale is about 10 miles from Phoenix, making it a great starting point for a day trip to many Arizona landmarks.

6. Meridian, Idaho

Cost of Crime per Capita: $230

In addition to being one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Meridian is also among America’s lowest crime rate cities. The chances of falling victim to a violent crime in Meridian is one in 580, so there isn’t much to worry about when you’re exploring the city.

Like many US cities with a population of 100,000 or more, Meridian started as a small farming community. Today, the city is an entertainment hub packed with public parks, shopping centres, and locally-owned restaurants.

7. Provo, Utah

Cost of Crime per Capita: $245

Provo is Utah’s fourth largest city, with Salt Lake City – one of the most beautiful US cities — as the largest in Utah. That being said, Provo also has lots to offer. The city is synonymous with mountaineering, biking, hiking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity you can think of. So it helps that Provo is one of the safest cities in the United States.

8. Joliet, Illinois

Cost of Crime per Capita: $247

With a nickname like “Prison City”, you may find it hard to believe that Joliet is one of the safest places to live in America. Both the city’s property and violent crime rates are lower than the national average, so the chances of you falling victim to a crime are quite slim.

There’s plenty to do in J-Town. The city has something for everyone, history buffs will love strolling through the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and petrol heads will never want to leave the Chicagoland Speedway.

Top Tip: Stay west, avoid east. Joliet’s western parts are considered much safer and cleaner than those in the east.

9. Jurupa Valley, California

Cost of Crime per Capita: $253

If you’re looking for the safest town in America that gives you the best of both worlds, you’ll want to swing by Jurupa Valley. The city offers a good mix of residential neighborhoods, rural farmlands, and commercial and industrial opportunities.

Despite the city’s economic growth, Jurupa Valley still maintains its “Old World” charm, with horse riding still a very big part of the residents’ everyday life.

10. Sugar Land, Texas

Cost of Crime per Capita: $260

Sugar Land is the safest place to live in the USA if you’re looking for a home less than 30 minutes from a major city. That’s right, Sugar Land is a short drive to Houston, so you can visit some of the best landmarks in Texas without worrying about time.

And if you want to avoid the big city, Sugar Land’s attractions will keep you more than busy. And if you’re a shopper, you’ll love this town, as it has over 30 shopping districts.