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WalletHub recently released its report on the safest cities in the US, ranking 182 cities based on 41 safety-related metrics. These metrics spanned three main categories: home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety.
The report analyzed key factors, such as crime rates, traffic fatalities, and the number of active emergency responders, alongside economic indicators like unemployment rates and housing affordability. Natural disaster risks were also considered, including exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Keep reading to discover which cities made the cut and why they stand out.
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South Burlington, Vermont
South Burlington is the safest city in the US for 2024. This beautiful northeastern city scored within the top ten for the safety of its roads, the percentage of uninsured motorists, and the number of paramedics per capita.
Natural disasters such as flooding and tornadoes are rare, and earthquakes are almost unheard of. The city’s only true environmental risk is severe winter weather, but locals know how to stay safe during blizzards and high winds.
The city was pushed to the top of the list because it has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. This metric indicates that the city has plenty of employment opportunities for each sector of society, keeping crime and drug use down.
Casper is a small city in the rural state of Wyoming. According to Wallethub’s list, it is the second-safest city in the US.
The city enjoys a low pedestrian fatality risk, low natural disaster risks, and the 32nd lowest risk for aggravated assault. It’s also fourth for safety walking alone during the day and second for walking alone at night.
The city lies near the North Platte River and has plenty of natural resources nearby. It is low risk for natural disasters and has high financial safety scores across the board.
Warwick is a beautiful maritime city with historical sights and a bustling economy. Because of several factors, it ranks as the third safest city in the country.
It has the lowest murder rate and number of thefts in the country. The city enjoys the second-lowest number of aggravated assaults, making it an extremely safe place to live and visit.
Most of Warwick’s residents have access to incredible healthcare and high-paying jobs. The city also has high traffic safety and a low risk of natural disasters.
According to the report, Burlington is the fourth safest city in the country. The city’s low murder and assault rate, coupled with its high financial security, make it an ideal place to live.
The city sits on the shores of Lake Champlain and has the sixth lowest risk of natural disasters. It ranks seventh highest for financial safety and remains one of the best cities in the nation for work-life balance.
The city has minimal violent crimes, making it safe to walk alone during the day and at night. Its residents have access to high-paying jobs and good economic security, which helps keep crime, including theft and burglary, low.
According to the report, Yonkers, New York, is the sixth safest city in the US. It enjoys high road safety and low crime, especially given its proximity to New York City.
It ranks third for the home and community safety metric. People in Yonkers can walk around day and night without fear of becoming a crime victim.
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Natural disasters are relatively rare, aside from rare tropical storms. Most of all, the city has low rates of traffic accidents and well-maintained roads, making it one of the safest cities to drive in.
According to the report, Cedar Rapids is the seventh safest city in the country. This small city in the plains of Iowa has a great economy and enjoys low poverty and crime rates.
It ranks tenth for home and community safety and has one of the lowest murder and theft rates. Road safety, access to good healthcare, and a low unemployment rate keep people healthy.
The city ranks 43rd for natural disaster risks. Floods and tornados are an occasional concern, but major disasters are rare.
Columbia ranks as the eighth safest city in the country because of its home and community safety, strong economic stability, and low crime rate.
The city ranks first for home and community safety. Residents do not worry about burglaries and thefts and can walk throughout the day and night without worrying.
It also ranks as number 11 for natural disaster risks. The city sits far inland, away from potential tropical storms. It has a shallow risk of wildfires, floods, or earthquakes, making it a secure place to buy a home.
Portland is a coastal city in Maine that enjoys few natural disasters, low crime rates, and strong financial stability. Because of these metrics and high standings in most, it ranks as the ninth safest city in the US.
The city comes in at number two for financial safety. Residents enjoy great job opportunities with high wages. With a strong economy, there are plenty of opportunities for work in multiple sectors.
The city also ranks high in home and community safety. It is ranked 23rd for natural disaster risk, with few earthquakes, fires, floods, or major storms.
According to the study, Virginia Beach is the tenth safest city in the US. It has great road safety, very low crime rates, and good healthcare.
The coastal city ranks 15th for home and community safety. Residents and visitors can walk throughout the city without worrying about becoming victims of crime.
It ranks 53rd for natural disaster risks and 64th for financial safety. Road accidents are also rare, and the city invests heavily in its infrastructure.
Fargo sits comfortably at the number 12 spot on the list of safest cities in the US. It scores high because of its low crime rates and home and community safety.
People living in Fargo enjoy great road safety and access to good jobs. It ranks 30th for financial safety, making it a great place to work and live. Property crimes, including theft and burglary, are rare, and people can walk safely day and night.
The city ranks 74th for natural disaster risks. Like most cities in the Great Plains, tornados and severe thunderstorms are occasionally a concern. Winter snowstorms can also bring heavy snow, which can cause severe traffic accidents.
Matt Dursum is a writer from Michigan. His work has appeared in dozens of magazines and blogs, such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Off Path, and The Collector. He has traveled to over 46 countries and loves to share his passion for travel with others.
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