Introduction to Safest Suburbs
Two popular Houston suburbs, Spring and West University Place, have been ranked among the top 25 safest suburbs in America for 2025, according to a new report by SmartAsset. Spring secured the 19th spot, while West University Place followed closely at 21st.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
To determine the safest suburbs, SmartAsset’s experts analyzed 360 U.S. towns based on several key metrics. These included violent crime rates, property crime rates, drug overdoses, traffic deaths, and the percentage of the population engaging in "excessive drinking." Crime rates were evaluated at the city level, while the remaining metrics were assessed at the county level. The report focused on suburbs located within a 45-minute driving distance of a major city, ensuring that the rankings reflected both safety and accessibility.
Top Rankings and Improvements
This is not the first time a suburb has been recognized for its safety. Lehi, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City, has retained its position as the nation’s safest suburb for the second consecutive year. For Spring and West University Place, this is their first time breaking into the top 25. In the 2024 report, Spring was ranked 147th, and West University Place was 159th, indicating significant improvements in their safety standings.
Previous Safest Cities
Other Houston-area suburbs, such as League City, Sugar Land, and Pearland, have previously been recognized as among the safest cities in America. This tradition of safety continues with Spring and West University Place’s recent rankings.
Key Findings for Spring and West University Place
According to the report, Spring boasts the lowest property crime rate out of all 360 cities analyzed. With only five property crimes reported for every 10,000 residents, Spring stands out for its low crime rate. Following Spring are the Chicago suburbs of Orland Park, Northbrook, and Elmhurst, Illinois, which also have notably low property crime rates per capita. Both Spring and West University Place have a traffic fatality rate of 11.63 per 100,000 residents and report 17.41 percent of adults in Harris County engaging in excessive drinking, based on county data.
Desirability and Cost of Living
West University Place is known for being a highly desirable and wealthy suburb. Its recognition as a safe community further enhances its appeal. The cost of living and safety of a city are crucial factors for individuals and families when deciding where to live. As SmartAsset notes, many households are willing to pay more to live in a neighborhood they feel is safe, particularly for families with children. However, safety trends can fluctuate due to various economic, legislative, and other factors.
Economic Factors
The report also provided insights into the economic aspects of the top 20 safest suburbs, including median housing costs and median household income. For Spring, the median household income is $86,888 per year, with median monthly housing costs totaling $1,583. These figures give potential residents a clearer picture of the financial commitments involved in living in these safe and desirable areas.
Other Safest Suburbs in the U.S.
In addition to the Houston suburbs, two Dallas-Fort Worth cities, McKinney and Frisco, ranked among the top 10 safest U.S. suburbs, coming in at 9th and 10th place, respectively. The top 10 safest suburbs in America for 2025 are:
- No. 1 – Lehi, Utah (Salt Lake City)
- No. 2 – Bethesda, Maryland (Washington, D.C.)
- No. 3 – Great Falls, Virginia (Washington, D.C.)
- No. 4 – Rockville, Maryland (Washington, D.C.)
- No. 5 – Dacula, Georgia (Atlanta)
- No. 6 – Buford, Georgia (Atlanta)
- No. 7 – Layton, Utah (Salt Lake City)
- No. 8 – Edgewater, New Jersey (New York City)
- No. 9 – McKinney, Texas (Dallas)
- No. 10 – Frisco, Texas (Dallas)
Conclusion
The recognition of Spring and West University Place as among the safest suburbs in America highlights their appeal to those seeking a secure and desirable place to live. With low crime rates, particularly in property crimes, and a high standard of living, these suburbs offer an attractive option for individuals and families. As safety and cost of living continue to be top priorities for many, suburbs like Spring and West University Place are likely to remain in high demand.
