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Featuring real estate articles and information to help real estate buyers and sellers. The Nest features writings from Georges Benoliel and other real estate professionals. Georges is the Co-Founder of NestApple and has been working as an active real estate investor for over a decade.

The Safest Cities in the U.S. (2025)

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Many American cities have experienced a rise in crime over the past few years. However, there are still plenty of safe places to live in the US. Here are the thirteen safest cities in the USA in 2024. Let’s go over the Safest Cities in the U.S.

1. Naperville, IL: The Safest City in the U.S.

Naperville, Illinois - The Safest Cities in the U.S.

The safest city in the United States is Naperville, located in the greater Chicago area. With a population of 149,540, Naperville is a well-maintained, family-friendly suburb that offers a variety of entertainment options.

The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, hosting events such as the Naperville Independent Film Festival and several other arts associations. Crime is nearly nonexistent in Naperville, with a crime rate of 834 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 67% below the national average.

However, one drawback of living in Naperville is the cost of housing, with average home prices around $510,477.

2. Port St. Lucie

Florida’s Port St. Lucie is recognized as one of the safest cities in America. With a population of 217,530 residents, the city has a crime rate of 919 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 61% below the national average.

Port St. Lucie is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, well-maintained neighborhoods, and strong sense of community, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

Its low crime rates contribute to a sense of security and tranquility along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

3. Cary, NC

Cary, North Carolina, is one of the safest places to live in the state and ranks among the safest cities in America. Located just southwest of Raleigh, Cary is a peaceful suburban city with a growing population of 180,338 residents.

The total crime rate in Cary is 1,035 per 100,000 people, which is 56% lower than the national average.

Though often viewed as a bedroom community, Cary’s downtown area has undergone significant revitalization, featuring a variety of new restaurants and parks. Two of the most popular parks in Cary are Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Fred G. Bond Park, which offer hiking trails and boating access.

Currently, the median home price in Cary is $593,705.

4. Frisco, Texas

Frisco, Texas, is renowned as one of the safest cities in the United States. Located in the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Frisco has a population of approximately 210,700 residents. The city is well-known for its family-friendly atmosphere, well-maintained neighborhoods, and welcoming community. Frisco boasts an impressively low crime rate, with only 1,059 incidents per 100,000 people—55% below the national average.

As a highly desirable place to live in Texas, Frisco’s real estate market reflects its appeal, with average home prices around $662,000 as of January 2024.

5. Thousand Oaks, CA

Thousand Oaks is recognized as one of the safest cities in California. With a population of 126,823, it boasts a crime rate of 1,172 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 51% lower than the national average according to police departments.

The violent crime rate in Thousand Oaks is notably low, with the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being only 1 in 1,649. In addition to being one of the safest cities in the country, Thousand Oaks is also considered one of the safest places to live in California.

6. McKinney, TX

McKinney is a city located in Collin County, Texas, renowned for its charming small-town atmosphere. With a population of 195,308, it boasts a crime rate that is 47% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in the United States.

In addition to its safety, McKinney is home to numerous historic Texan sites and has a vibrant arts scene. The city also offers numerous parks and hiking opportunities. The median home price in McKinney is currently $509,370.

7. Gilbert, AZ

Gilbert, Arizona, is recognized as one of the safest cities in the United States. This vibrant, well-maintained suburban community, located in Maricopa County, has a population of 267,918 residents. Notably, Gilbert’s total crime rate is 46% lower than the national average.

The town features lush green lawns, a rich old-western history, and picturesque lakefront views at the Val Vista Lakes community. It is an ideal place for families and retirees alike, with a median home price of approximately $547,328.

8. Santa Clarita, CA

Santa Clarita is one of the safest cities in America. Situated just outside of Los Angeles, it has a population of 228,673. Nestled in the mountains of the Santa Clarita Valley, this city boasts a crime rate that is 44% lower than the national average, according to law enforcement agencies.

Santa Clarita offers a variety of dining options and hiking trails, and it is home to a Six Flags amusement park. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment, removed from the hectic atmosphere of Los Angeles, while still having easy access to the city’s major attractions. The median home price in Santa Clarita is $763,813.

9. Sunnyvale, CA

Sunnyvale, located just outside of San Francisco, is a small and safe city with much to offer. It is home to numerous tech giants, major companies, and military installations. Despite this corporate presence, Sunnyvale retains its charming small-town atmosphere.

The crime rates in Sunnyvale are 43% lower than the national average, and the few crimes that do occur are typically low-level theft. This makes Sunnyvale one of the safest cities in America. However, this safety comes at a price, as the current median home price in Sunnyvale is $ 1.8 million.

10. Yonkers, NY

Yonkers is recognized as one of the safest cities in America, with a crime rate that is 41% below the national average. This makes it one of the safest cities of its size. Located just north of Manhattan, Yonkers has a population of 211,569 and offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger cities.

The city features various attractions, including Tibbetts Brook Park, the Hudson River Museum, Yonkers Raceway, and legalized gambling establishments. Yonkers is also an emerging neighborhood undergoing rapid revitalization. Currently, the median home price in Yonkers is $603,042.

11. Glendale, CA

Glendale, with a population of 196,543, is one of the safest cities in the United States. Located in Los Angeles County, this well-maintained suburb sits beneath the Verdugo Mountains and is conveniently close to all the major attractions in Los Angeles.

Glendale boasts a crime rate that is 34% lower than the California average, making it one of the safest cities in Southern California. As of now, the median home price in Glendale is $593,705.

12. Boise, ID

Boise is considered one of the safest cities in the United States. Nestled under the snow-capped Rockies, Boise is a rapidly growing city known for its relaxing atmosphere. It boasts some of the best breweries in the country, along with an expanding array of entertainment and nightlife options.

Nature is always close by, with the Boise National Forest just a short drive away. With a population of 235,684, Boise’s crime rate is 30% lower than the national average. The median home price in Boise is $477,792.

13. Plano, TX 

One of the safest cities in America is Plano, Texas. Located in Collin County, Plano is a medium-sized city that offers a diverse range of activities, making it an ideal destination for families. Residents and visitors can enjoy shopping, ziplining, diverse cuisine, and downtown music festivals, ensuring plenty of entertainment options.

With a population of approximately 285,494, Plano has a total crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average. The current median home price in Plano is around $508,984.

Safest Cities in the U.S. Methodology

To identify the safest cities in the USA, we analyzed crime rates and violent crime rates from 2021, 2022, and 2023, as reported by the Census Bureau.

Our analysis included local and state crime data, as well as information from the FBI’s most recent reports on violent crime. We focused solely on cities with populations of at least 125,000 residents.



Written By: Georges Benoliel

Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.

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