Safest Small Towns in the US
If you’re ready to trade in car break-ins and police sirens for a slice of small-town living, you may want to set your sights on the quaint communities of New England or the quirky architecture mecca of Indiana.
MoneyGeek’s Analysis
MoneyGeek, a personal finance site, analyzed last year’s FBI crime data of more than 1,000 small towns and cities where the population is between 30,000 and 100,000. The researchers used research by professors at the University of Miami and the University of Colorado Denver to calculate the cost of crime in each town. The cost of crime includes direct losses suffered by victims, resulting medical care costs, property loss, the cost of putting a suspect on trial, and more.
The Safest Small Cities
When all the calculations were done, they found the safest small city in the country is Columbus, Indiana. The city south of Indianapolis had the lowest property crime rate of all the smaller towns and cities and among the lowest violent crime rates. Violent crime is even lower in several spots in the Northeast, which dominates the list of top 20 safest small towns and cities. Two are in Connecticut, three are in New Jersey, four are in New York, and three are in Massachusetts.
The Top 20 Safest Small Towns and Cities
Here is the list of the top 20 safest small towns and cities in the US:
| Rank | City | Crime cost per capita | Violent crime rate (per 100k residents) | Property crime rate | Total crime cost (in millions) |
|---|
National Crime Trends
The FBI reported that the country is getting safer from violent crime, with overall violent crime dropping 3% from the year before. Murders and non-negligent manslaughter rates dropped even more. However, motor vehicle theft was up about 13% in 2023.
FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program
The FBI’s nationwide analysis depends on its Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Since not all agencies in the U.S. participate, the data is incomplete. However, it’s pretty thorough. Last year’s reported included data from 16,000 agencies around the country.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a safe and peaceful place to live, consider one of the top 20 safest small towns and cities in the US. From New England to Indiana, there are many charming communities that offer a low crime rate and a high quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the safest small city in the US?
A: Columbus, Indiana, has the lowest property crime rate and one of the lowest violent crime rates.
Q: Which states have the most safe small towns?
A: The Northeast, specifically Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts, have the most safe small towns.
Q: Is the country getting safer?
A: Yes, according to the FBI, the country is getting safer from violent crime, with overall violent crime dropping 3% from the year before.
