Big cities are often densely populated landscapes and therefore, have higher crime rates than smaller cities. Even though crime rates tend to be higher in larger cities, some big cities have found a way to reverse the trend and are much safer than others.
To find the top 10 safest cities, AreaVibes analyzed more than 320 cities with a population over 100,000, to find the safest 10 based on the 2021 FBI Uniform Crime Report. From smaller cities like League City, TX to larger metropolitan areas like Virginia Beach, VA each of these cities offers a unique combination of safety and quality of life for their residents. These are the top 10 safest cities in the USA based on the number of violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, and assault) per 100,000 people.
- Carmel, IN
- Sugar Land, TX
- Cary, NC
- Concord, NC
- League City, TX
- Frisco, TX
- Pearland, TX
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Provo, UT
- Gilbert, AZ
- 1. Carmel, IN
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Carmel, IN is the safest big city in the United States, based on violent crime per 100,000 people. The city had only 48 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a total crime rate that is more than three times less than the national average with only 703 crimes per 100,000 residents. There was also only 1 murder reported. Residents of Carmel, IN enjoy a safe and secure community with plenty to do for families, retirees, and young professionals. The city has also experienced economic growth in recent years, with an abundance of new businesses, jobs, housing developments and cultural festivals adding to the vibrant atmosphere.. Learn more about Carmel, IN crime.
- 2. Sugar Land, TX
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With only 65 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Sugar Land, TX is the 2nd safest big city in the United States. The total crime rate of only 1,312 crimes per 100,000 people comes in at almost half of the national average. Even more reassuring is that there was only 1 murder reported in 2021. Sugar Land is a great place to raise a family, with numerous parks and trails, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor entertainment options. With a strong economy and job market, Sugar Land is worth considering when looking for a safe city to live in.. Learn more about Sugar Land, TX crime.
- 3. Cary, NC
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Cary, NC is the 3rd safest city in the United States and it's easy to see why. This North Carolina city had 73 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a total crime rate of only 1,035 crimes per 100,000 people. There were a total of 4 murders reported in the city, which is very low for a city of this size. With a population of almost 180,000 people, Cary is small enough to feel cozy and friendly yet big enough to offer plenty of big-city amenities. Residents here enjoy a lower cost of living compared to many other cities in the US as well as easy access to nearby beaches and mountains.. Learn more about Cary, NC crime.
- 4. Concord, NC
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Concord, NC is the 4th safest city, reporting 81 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a total crime rate of only 1,277 crimes. In addition to its low crime rate, Concord also reported only 4 murders in 2021. This makes Concord one of the safest big cities in the United States. As an added bonus, Concord is also a great place to live, with beautiful parks and trails, top-rated schools and plenty of entertainment options. With its easy access to Charlotte and Raleigh, Concord is an ideal spot for commuters as well as families looking for a safe city to call home.. Learn more about Concord, NC crime.
- 5. League City, TX
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League City, TX is the 5th safest city in the United States with 84 violent crimes and a total crime rate of only 1,181 crimes per 100,000 people, with a total of 3 murders reported in 2021. League City is also a great place for families, with numerous parks and trails and highly rated schools. With its close proximity to Houston and Galveston, League City offers both the safety of small-town living with all the amenities of a big city.. Learn more about League City, TX crime.
- 6. Frisco, TX
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Frisco, TX is the 6th safest city in the United States and scores very well in almost every Livability category. With 95 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 902 property crimes and a total crime rate of only 996, Frisco is incredibly safe and secure for a city of more than 220,000 people. There were 3 murders reported in 2021. Frisco has become a popular destination for families, retirees and young professionals due to its excellent schools, plentiful entertainment options and vibrant economy. It is no surprise that Frisco is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.. Learn more about Frisco, TX crime.
- 7. Pearland, TX
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Pearland, TX is the 7th safest city in the United States and an ideal spot for anyone looking for a safe place to call home. With only 107 violent crimes per 100,000 people and only 1,447 property crimes per 100,000 people, Pearland has an incredibly low total crime rate of only 1,554 crimes per 100,000 people. There was 1 murder reported in 2021, making it an exceptionally safe big city. Residents of Pearland enjoy a lower cost of living compared to many other big cities in the US, as well as plenty of entertainment options and easy access to nearby Houston.. Learn more about Pearland, TX crime.
- 8. Virginia Beach, VA
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Virginia Beach, VA is the 8th safest city in the United States and the largest city on our list. With only 93 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a total crime rate of only 1,153, Virginia Beach has one of the lowest crime rates of any big city in the US. Aside from low crime, Virginia Beach offers plenty of outdoor fun for residents such as beautiful beaches, trails, hiking and numerous attractions. With its easy access to both Washington D.C. and Norfolk, it's no wonder why so many people are calling this city home.. Learn more about Virginia Beach, VA crime.
- 9. Provo, UT
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Provo, UT is the 9th safest big city in the US and offers residents a safe and secure environment to call home. With only 117 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a total crime rate of 1,462 per 100,000 people, Provo is an incredibly safe place to live for a city of its size. Even more impressive is the fact that there were no murders reported in 2021. In addition to its low crime rate, Provo also offers residents a high quality of life with excellent schools and plenty of things to do. Furthermore, its easy access to Salt Lake City makes it an ideal spot for commuters.. Learn more about Provo, UT crime.
- 10. Gilbert, AZ
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Gilbert, AZ is the second largest city on our list and the 10th safest city in the United States. With 119 violent crimes per 100,000 people and only 1,069 property crimes per 100,000 people, Gilbert has an incredibly low total crime rate of only 1,188 crimes per 100,000 people. There were 3 murders reported in 2021, which is less than half the national average. Gilbert is an ideal place for young professionals and singles, with a bustling downtown, plenty of entertainment and easy access to nearby Phoenix. With its low crime rate and great quality of life, it's no surprise why so many people are calling Gilbert home.. Learn more about Gilbert, AZ crime.
No matter where you choose to live in the United States, safety should always be a top priority. These ten cities offer residents an incredibly low crime rate and plenty of amenities for everyone from young professionals to retirees. From Virginia Beach’s beautiful beaches to Gilbert's bustling downtown area, each city has something unique to offer its residents. With their great quality of life and safe environment, these cities are all excellent places to call home.