Buzz
Despite what some media outlets might suggest, America is far from spiraling out of control. While pockets of radical protesters, rioters, and self-styled vigilantes make headlines, they do not represent the much quieter, peaceful majority of the population.
In a previous exploration, we took a look at America’s ten most dangerous cities. While it's true that the US struggles with urban decay and violence in certain areas, it's equally important to note that violent crime overall has been on the decline for the past 30 years. With that in mind, it's time to shine a light on cities that exemplify safety in this broader context.
Similar to our dangerous cities ranking, this list is based on violent crime rates (including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) as per the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most recent data from 2018. Only cities with populations of 200,000 or more were considered for this list.
10. Laredo, Texas
Mayor: Pete Saenz (Democrat) Population: 261,639
Laredo, a predominantly Latino city, is both one of the least racially diverse and safest cities in America. With a violent crime rate of just 377 incidents per 100,000 people, it's 11% below the national average and 18% lower than the Texas state average. Situated on the Mexican border across from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, Laredo challenges the typical image many Americans have of major cities. In 2018, the city recorded only 10 homicides.
Though not wealthy – with a median household income of $39,400, which is $14,000 below the national average – Laredo boasts a lively restaurant scene, featuring authentic Mexican fare. Texas A&M International University is located here, and despite being the tenth-largest city in Texas, Laredo is home to its own philharmonic orchestra and a popular semi-professional soccer team.
Laredo is home to more than 20 Catholic churches, each offering Mass in Spanish. Every winter, the city hosts a renowned birdwatching festival and a lively Mardi Gras-style celebration for George Washington’s birthday, complete with colonial costumes, pageants, balls, and parades. Muy bueno… y muy segura.
9. Anaheim, California
Mayor: Harry Sidhu (Republican) Population: 352,005
Despite the widespread, totally understandable desire to banish Mickey Mouse, Anaheim, California – home of the original Disneyland theme park – barely edges out Laredo for the #9 spot. In 2018, the city recorded just seven murders, less than half the national average of five per 100,000 people.
Anaheim is an affluent city, with a median household income nearing $60,000. Few major cities exceed the national average in income, as most high earners typically move to the suburbs. However, with California's population of 39.5 million – roughly 12% of the U.S. population – Anaheim, located just ten miles southeast of Los Angeles, functions as a hyper-urban suburb. Its density and wealth support two professional sports teams: the baseball Angels and the hockey Mighty Ducks.
Nonetheless, Disneyland remains the heart of Anaheim, drawing in tourists, major business conventions, and hospitality dollars that drive the local economy. In fact, considering the 28,000 employees of Disneyland and the thousands of additional jobs it creates, the park contributes an estimated $5.7 billion annually to the Southern California economy.
Tourism naturally leads to an increase in robbery (defined as theft through violence or the threat of violence – essentially mugging). Anaheim's robbery rate of 114 per 100,000 residents is 28% higher than the national average – the only violent crime in Anaheim that exceeds the national norm.
8. Lexington, Kentucky
Mayor: Linda Gorton (Republican) Population: 323,780
Located in the heart of the state known for bourbon whiskey and bluegrass music, Lexington, Kentucky, consistently earns praise for its public schools and safety, often landing on lists of the best metro areas to live in.
Although Kentucky's signature event, the Kentucky Derby, takes place 80 miles west in Louisville – the state's largest city – Lexington’s main attractions include the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm, international equestrian competition venue, and living museum. The city is also home to the University of Kentucky, one of the top public colleges in the United States.
Lexington’s presence on this list raises some doubts. It made the cut because, in 2018, only 295 assaults were reported, equating to 91 assaults per 100,000 people. This number seems unusually low when compared to the national average of 247 assaults per 100,000. Furthermore, assaults are the most common violent crime in the U.S., far surpassing robbery, which is reported at 86 incidents per 100,000. If Lexington's 2018 assault statistics are accurate, the city would have had fewer assaults than robberies (422) and nearly as many rapes (243) as assaults.
7. Boise, Idaho
Mayor: Lauren McLean (Democrat) Population: 228,790
Boise, Idaho’s largest city and capital, is the first city on this list to report a violent crime rate under 200 per 100,000 residents. With a rate of 277 per 100,000, Boise’s crime rate is 27% lower than the national average. In 2018, the city had only one reported murder.
In addition to its strong safety record, Boise is known for its affordable housing and top-rated public schools, which helped it secure the #17 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best metro areas to live in the country. Boise’s nickname, the City of Trees, originates from the vast forests that early settlers found impressive when surveying the surrounding Treasure Valley. Today, it is also home to one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the nation.
Ironically, one of Boise’s few challenges stems from its own appeal: the city’s high standard of living has attracted a wave of newcomers, leading to what many are calling the city’s potential 'Californiacation.' This term describes a scenario where increased demand raises housing prices, causes traffic congestion, and, through larger class sizes, diminishes the quality of public education. The Boise metro area, currently home to about 700,000 people, is projected to grow by 15%, reaching nearly 800,000 residents by 2025.
Unfortunately, Boise’s mayor, Lauren McLean, is facing a recall effort due to leaked reports about policies that aim to defund law enforcement and establish sanctuary city status.
6. Irving, Texas
Mayor: Rick Stopfer (Republican) Population: 242,242
Irving, Texas, located near a major city in the nation’s second-most populous state, enjoys a similar advantage to Anaheim, California. As a sprawling suburb of Dallas, much of Irving, like Disneyland in Anaheim, is a carefully planned community with the benefit of foresight. It’s easier for a city to make the safe cities list when its urban blight is relegated to the larger, older city just outside its borders, a city whose violent crime rate is twice the national average.
Credit where credit is due: Irving stands out as a beautiful city with a remarkable safety record. With a violent crime rate of 209 incidents per 100,000 residents, it is 45% lower than the national average, and nearly half the crime rate of Texas as a whole. Additionally, Irving benefits from being part of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, where unemployment rates were under 3% before the pandemic, making it one of the top places to relocate for career opportunities.
And let’s not forget Irving’s claim to fame: it houses the world’s largest horse sculpture, a distinction so unique that it must be mentioned, no matter the context. It’s also the location of the Ruth Paine House, where Lee Harvey Oswald stayed with his wife, Marina, the night before he assassinated President Kennedy.
5. Henderson, Nevada
Mayor: Debra March (Democrat) Population: 310,390
Henderson serves as the quieter counterpart to the notorious nightlife of Las Vegas. Located just southeast of the Strip, Henderson is a vast, well-planned suburb that has grown into Nevada’s second-largest city. It offers easy access to the entertainment capital, while also boasting outdoor activities like Lake Mead and Clark County Wetlands Park, providing a well-rounded lifestyle.
Henderson enjoys all the perks of Las Vegas, such as high-paying jobs, diverse dining options, and world-renowned entertainment, without dealing with its downsides. The constant influx of tourists and endless partying can lead to crime, with Vegas having rates of robbery and rape that are more than double the national average. In contrast, Henderson’s violent crime rate is 188 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average. Its assault rate of 92 per 100,000 is 63% lower than the national figure.
Due in large part to Las Vegas’ long-standing growth, Henderson has become quite wealthy. Its median household income of $72,884 is over $13,000 higher than the national median, and the average property value approaches $340,000, reflecting a strong demand for real estate as newcomers continue to move to one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country.
4. Scottsdale, Arizona
Mayor: Jim Lane (Republican) Population: 255,310
Much like Henderson, NV, Scottsdale, Arizona is part of a larger metropolitan area but stands as a sought-after destination in its own right. Famous for its luxurious resorts and immaculate golf courses, Scottsdale is a desert haven located 12 miles east of Phoenix, a rapidly growing city with 1.6 million residents and the fastest-growing population in the U.S.
Scottsdale is just as safe as it is picturesque. With a violent crime rate of 166 incidents per 100,000 residents, it is 57% lower than the national average. In 2018, the city recorded only seven murders, and considering Scottsdale attracts nine million tourists annually – 36 times its population – its robbery rate of 34 per 100,000 is remarkably low, less than half the national average.
As expected, Scottsdale is also notably affluent. Like Henderson, the median household income exceeds $72,000, and a remarkable 81% of residents own their homes, a significant indicator given the city’s substantial median home value of $483,000.
3. Irvine, California
Mayor: Christina Shea (Republican) Population: 282,572
Irvine is a model of urban planning at its finest. Established by the Irvine Company in the 1960s, this city in Orange County sits in the southeastern part of the Los Angeles metro area, just outside its neighboring city, Anaheim.
Whatever the original plan was for this 66-square-mile city, it certainly succeeded: Irvine stands as America’s safest urban environment. With only 56 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, its rate is less than half that of the city in second place and 85% lower than the national average. In fact, in 2018, none of the four major violent crimes—murder, rape, robbery, and assault—reached triple digits in Irvine, and there wasn’t a single murder reported that year.
Irvine’s well-balanced appeal stems from its mix of business, culture, and outdoor activities. The Irvine Spectrum Center is one of Southern California’s premier spots for shopping, dining, and entertainment, and its Pretend City Children’s Museum is regularly featured in top parenting lists. Additionally, the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is among the most highly praised outdoor destinations in the region.
Irvine is home to several major tech companies, as well as the headquarters for Taco Bell (yuck) and In-N-Out Burger (yum). The city’s median income of $95,573 surpasses the national average by more than 50%.
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Mayor: Bob Dyer (Republican) Population: 442,707
Virginia Beach, the largest city in the state, is home to a stunning three-mile boardwalk that stretches across some of the East Coast’s most picturesque beaches. Drawing nearly 20 million visitors annually, it ranks as one of the top family vacation destinations. In a sea of beach town resorts, the boardwalk itself stands out as a unique spot, offering theme parks, arcades, fishing piers, games, and even a guided dine-around experience.
The presence of tourists, particularly distracted families, tends to attract criminals looking to take advantage of the situation. This has been a concern since leisure travel began, but Virginia Beach defies expectations with its impressively low violent crime rate of just 117 incidents per 100,000 residents, nearly 70% lower than the national average. The city’s robbery rate is less than half of the national norm, assaults occur over four times less frequently, and there were only seven murders reported in 2018.
What stands out as a key indicator of Virginia Beach’s safety is the rarity of one particular non-violent crime: theft. Despite being a prime target for pickpockets, thanks to its tourism-driven economy, the city’s theft rate remains lower than the national average.
Virginia Beach’s economic outlook mirrors its low crime rates: the median household income is $75,623, well above the national average. Additionally, the average home sale price of $315,000 (and climbing) is notably high, considering a significant portion of these sales involve vacation condo units rather than traditional family homes.
1. Plano, Texas
Mayor: Harry LaRosiliere (Republican) Population: 288,061
Plano is a rare example of a city that functions both as an independent medium-sized urban area and as a suburban extension of a major metropolis. Situated just 20 miles north of Dallas, it benefits from proximity to this bustling city while maintaining its own self-sufficient economy. As home to major corporations like Dr. Pepper-Snapple and Alliance Data, Plano thrives on a strong economic base while offering easy access to Dallas' high-rise offices. This combination of factors contributes to low unemployment and high-paying jobs, with a median income of $93,012, ranking it among the wealthiest cities in the nation.
Thanks to its favorable circumstances, Plano is incredibly safe. The city's violent crime rate is just 139 incidents per 100,000 residents, a staggering 64% lower than the national average. In 2018, only five murders occurred, and its assault rate of 72 per 100,000 is roughly times lower than the national figure.
Plano is home to several delightful attractions. The Heritage Farmstead Museum offers a glimpse into the past with a meticulously restored 19th-century farm, complete with original furnishings and tools, plus a replica of an 1895 schoolroom. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on a vintage rail car at the Interurban Railway Museum, or explore the scenic trails of Oak Point Park nature reserve. Just outside the city, Southfork Ranch, the legendary location of the TV series “Dallas,” adds a dash of iconic history to the area.
