Turn on the news, and it can feel like we're living through a crime wave. But the data tells a very different story. According to the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the violent crime rate in the United States has fallen more than 50% since its peak in the early 1990s. In 2024, the national violent crime rate sat at 359.1 incidents per 100,000 people — the lowest recorded since 1969. Murder rates dropped 14.9% in 2024 alone, and property crime fell 9% in the same year.
The 1990s were the peak of gang violence, crack cocaine epidemics, and urban disorder. Roughly 24,700 people were murdered across the country in 1991. By 2024, that number had dropped to about 16,935 — even as the U.S. population grew from 253 million to over 340 million. That's a staggering improvement by any measure. Robbery rates have fallen 74% since 1993, and burglary rates have dropped 75% in the same period, according to Pew Research Center analysis of FBI data.
Modern technology has made it easier to report crime quickly and publicly, which creates a perception of rising danger. But the trend lines in the data are unmistakable: American cities are significantly safer today than they were a generation ago. Some cities, however, stand out as truly exceptional — places where crime rates fall far below even the already-improving national average. These are those cities.
Ramapo Town, NY
Topping many safety rankings is Ramapo Town, New York, nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley. Its crime cost per capita sits at just $271 per resident per year — a fraction of the national average. Though within viewing distance of New York City, Ramapo's smaller population makes it far easier to control crime than its sprawling neighbor. Residents enjoy both small-town security and proximity to New York City's energy.
Frisco, TX
Part of the booming Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Frisco has grown rapidly while keeping crime remarkably low. It consistently ranks among the top safest large cities in the country, with violent crime rates well below the Texas and national averages. With top-tier amenities including the National Soccer Hall of Fame and a thriving local economy, Frisco has found a way to grow fast without sacrificing safety.
Fishers, IN
With just over 100,000 residents, Fishers has been recognized as one of the top five safest cities in the U.S. by multiple major rankings. Its violent crime rate is a fraction of the national figure of 370.8 per 100,000, and its property crime numbers are similarly low. The city pairs those statistics with a lively community, from kayaking on Geist Reservoir to the Nickel Plate District entertainment corridor.
Cary, NC
Located just outside Raleigh in North Carolina's Research Triangle, Cary has one of the fourth-lowest violent crime rates of any mid-sized city in the country. The presence of major research universities and tech employers correlates strongly with Cary's safety — higher education levels and economic stability are consistently among the strongest predictors of low crime. Cary's manicured parks, top-rated schools, and thriving downtown arts scene back up the data on the ground.
Pembroke Pines, FL
Pembroke Pines, just north of Fort Lauderdale, ranks among the top ten safest cities in the nation. Its violent crime rate sits well below the Florida state average, which itself exceeded the national average in 2024. The city's proactive community policing strategy and investment in recreational infrastructure have kept crime low even as South Florida's broader metro area has faced challenges. The Frank Art Gallery and miles of tree-lined streets reflect a community that invests in quality of life.
Plano, TX
Plano, a Dallas suburb of about 285,000 people, has a total crime rate approximately 27% lower than the national average. It holds the fourth-lowest violent crime rate among large U.S. cities. Plano's combination of a strong local economy, high median household income, and active community engagement has helped it maintain safety even as it has grown. Whether you're at downtown music festivals or ziplining through local parks, the city backs up its statistics with livability.
Naperville, IL
Consistently rated among the top three safest cities in the United States, Naperville's crime rate of approximately 834 incidents per 100,000 people is 67% below the national average. The Chicago suburb of around 149,000 residents has topped MoneyGeek's national safety rankings in recent years, driven by low violent and property crime alike. Over 70% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher — a demographic factor strongly associated with reduced crime rates. The famous Naperville Riverwalk is safe by reputation and by the numbers.
Chandler, AZ
One of four Phoenix suburbs to make the top ten safest large cities in the country (alongside Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Mesa), Chandler has grown to a population of about 275,000 while maintaining structured, well-policed neighborhoods. The city's major semiconductor and technology employment base drives strong economic stability — a key driver of low crime. Chandler's violent crime rate consistently falls well below both the Arizona and national averages.
Overland Park, KS
Part of the Kansas City metro area, Overland Park stands out as one of the safest cities in the Midwest, performing well across crime, economic stability, and environmental quality metrics. The city's unemployment rate runs consistently below the national average, and that economic strength directly correlates with its low crime figures. Residents enjoy excellent schools, clean neighborhoods, and a thriving job market that gives the community long-term stability.
Allen, TX
Another standout in the Dallas-Fort Worth corridor, Allen ranks eighth among similar-sized U.S. cities for both its violent crime and property crime rates. With around 114,000 residents, Allen has a violent crime rate of approximately 111 per 100,000 — a number that compares favorably even to Naperville and other nationally recognized safe cities. Its proximity to Plano and Frisco creates a connected suburban ecosystem that prioritizes safety and community investment.
Sugar Land, TX
Located about 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston, Sugar Land has built a reputation for planned development and exceptional public services. With a population of around 111,000, Sugar Land's violent crime rate falls well below the Texas state average. The city's strong local governance and efficient policing strategies have made it one of the standout safe cities in a state that has several such communities concentrated in the Dallas and Houston metro areas.
Carmel, IN
By some measures, Carmel, Indiana, is the single safest city in the United States. MoneyGeek's 2026 rankings, based on FBI 2024 crime data, ranked Carmel first, with an estimated annual crime cost of just $186 per resident. It has the lowest violent crime rate of any mid-sized city in the country, at approximately 49.5 incidents per 100,000 people — compared to the national rate of 370.8. That's a violent crime rate more than seven times lower than the national average. Its fourth-place finish in property crime and consistently high school graduation rates round out a picture of a community that invests in safety at every level.
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove, a Sacramento suburb, has earned its place as one of the top ten safest cities in California and the broader nation, a notable achievement given that California's violent crime rate exceeded the national average in 2024. Elk Grove's community-focused policing and strong school system have helped keep crime low as the city has grown. Families are drawn to its safe neighborhoods and scenic outdoor spaces.
Surprise, AZ
Surprise, Arizona, rounds out the list of Phoenix-area suburbs with exceptional safety records. With extensive recreational facilities and a growing economy built around healthcare and retail employment, Surprise has maintained violent crime rates well below the national average. The city's investment in family-friendly infrastructure — from Surprise Stadium to wildlife preserves — reflects a community that pairs livability with safety.
Sterling Heights, MI
Michigan's largest suburb, Sterling Heights, sits comfortably among the nation's top ten safest cities — a standout in a state where Detroit's crime statistics can skew perceptions. With a booming local economy, a culturally diverse population, and a police force that emphasizes community engagement, Sterling Heights has violent and property crime rates significantly below the national average. Dodge Park and an active festival circuit reflect a city that keeps its residents both safe and engaged.
Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie has the eighth-lowest violent crime rate and fourth-lowest property crime rate among large U.S. cities, making it a consistent fixture on national safety rankings. With a population of about 245,000, it punches well above its weight on safety. The city's waterways, golf courses, and Savannas Preserve make it a draw for retirees and families alike — people who specifically choose it for its combination of outdoor amenities and documented safety.
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert leads all Phoenix suburbs — and often all large U.S. cities — in safety rankings. Its violent crime rate consistently sits near the very bottom of large-city comparisons, and its property crime numbers are similarly impressive. The city's Heritage District downtown, with its farm-to-table restaurants and locally owned shops, is the kind of walkable, vibrant urban space that thrives precisely because residents feel safe enough to be out in it. Gilbert's excellent schools and low unemployment reinforce the conditions that keep crime low.
Pearland, TX
Just 20 minutes from downtown Houston, Pearland has the ninth-lowest violent crime rate of any mid-sized U.S. city, and it ranks eighth in income equality metrics — a factor strongly associated with reduced crime. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Pearland's ability to maintain low crime while expanding rapidly is particularly notable. Centennial Park and a robust community events calendar reflect a city that understands safety is built through community investment, not just policing.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale rounds out Arizona's remarkable run of safe cities, ranking as the seventh-safest large city in the country according to major analyses. Its violent crime rate falls well below both the Arizona state average and the national benchmark. The city's high median household income and strong tourism economy — driven by luxury spas, golf courses, and the arts district — create a stable, well-resourced community with an outsized interest in maintaining safe public spaces.
Coral Springs, FL
Coral Springs is one of Florida's safest cities, ranking near the top of national lists despite being situated in a state where crime rates exceeded the national average in 2024. The city's proactive approach to community policing and its well-maintained parks and recreational facilities have helped it sustain low crime rates across both violent and property categories. Located just above Miami, Coral Springs offers safety statistics that stand in sharp contrast to much of South Florida.
New York City, NY
Despite its outsized presence in crime-focused media coverage, New York City has a combined violent and property crime rate of fewer than 20 incidents per 1,000 residents — a figure that compares favorably to many smaller cities. NYC deploys more police officers per capita than virtually any other American city. The city's transformation since the early 1990s — when it recorded over 2,000 murders annually — is one of the most dramatic crime declines in American urban history. By 2024, the murder rate in New York remained well below the national average.
San Diego, CA
San Diego draws more than 30 million visitors per year, and the city works hard to back up its reputation as one of California's safest major cities. Its violent crime rate sits below the California state average, which itself ran above the national average in 2024. Property crime is San Diego's bigger challenge — a common pattern in high-tourism coastal cities — but violent crime remains comparatively low. With the Pacific as a backdrop and a police force scaled for its population, the city delivers a safety profile that matches its appeal.
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach has made consistent progress: its violent crime rate now runs approximately 20% below the national average, a significant improvement from earlier decades. The city's sustained investment in community policing and neighborhood engagement programs has yielded measurable results year over year. For a coastal city of nearly 500,000 people, those numbers reflect a genuine institutional commitment to public safety.
San Jose, CA
San Jose maintains one of the lowest violent crime rates among major California cities — an impressive feat in a state where crime rates run above the national average. Its high median household income and concentration of technology sector employment create the kind of economic stability that research consistently links to reduced crime. U.S. News has consistently ranked San Jose among the best places to live in the country, and its crime figures substantiate that designation.
Tampa, FL
Tampa offers a crime profile that surprises many visitors expecting a typical large Florida city. While its neighbor, Orlando, sees significantly higher crime rates despite drawing nearly 70 million tourists annually, Tampa has maintained a comparatively safe environment. The city's investment in waterfront revitalization and community policing has contributed to a downward trend in violent crime over the past decade.
El Paso, TX
El Paso consistently defies expectations for a major U.S. city sitting directly on the Mexican border. Its violent crime rate has historically run below the national average despite its proximity to Juarez, which faces significantly higher crime levels. Researchers attribute El Paso's safety in part to its high concentration of law enforcement presence — the border location that some see as a liability functions as a security asset, with multiple federal, state, and local agencies operating throughout the city.
Boston, MA
One of America's oldest cities and the birthplace of the Revolution, Boston has managed to maintain a comparatively low crime profile for a major Northeast metropolitan area. The Northeast as a region recorded the lowest murder and violent crime rates of any U.S. region in recent FBI data. Boston's dense concentration of universities and hospitals creates a highly educated, economically stable population — exactly the demographic conditions associated with lower crime rates.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu's violent crime rate sits significantly below the national average, a consistency that holds up year after year in FBI data. The city's island geography limits the kind of transient population movement associated with spikes in certain crime types, and its police force maintains a strong clearance rate — meaning crimes that are committed are solved at a higher rate than many mainland cities. Whether you're visiting for the Ironman or considering a permanent move, the numbers support Honolulu's safe reputation.
Henderson, NV
Henderson has been among the safest large cities in Nevada — and the nation — for years. With a population approaching 320,000, its violent crime rate averages just over 2 incidents per 1,000 residents, roughly half the national average. A Henderson police official has noted that the city treats crime as a community issue rather than solely a police issue, and the results show in the data. Property and violent crime both run substantially below national benchmarks.
Irvine, CA
Irvine has been recognized as one of the safest large cities in the United States for decades. Its master-planned community design and strict zoning regulations have contributed to a consistently low crime environment. In the 1970s, when Irvine's population was around 30,000, crime rates were much higher. Today, with over 300,000 residents, violent and property crime are dramatically lower in both absolute and per-capita terms — a reversal that stands as one of the more remarkable urban safety stories in California history.
(featured image: SeanPavonePhoto / Adobe Stock)
