100 Safest Cities in America 2018

Congratulations to the citizens, leaders, and law enforcement officers of the Safest City in America: Lewisboro, New York. Their collaborative approach to crime fighting is commendable and helps keep Lewisboro a safe place to live, work, and play. With no reports of violent crime and only two property crimes, it’s not surprising this charming Westchester County city tops our 100 Safest Cities in America list for the third consecutive year. Way to go, Lewisboro!

Impromptu excursions to Lake Sakakawea are just one benefit of calling Hazen, North Dakota home. Another is sleeping easy at night knowing you live in the second safest city in the US. We applaud the Hazen Police Department for their crime-fighting efforts and the way they use social media to communicate with Hazenites about everything from dangerous road conditions and lost pets to safety tips and upcoming events. Kudos to Hazen for making its first appearance on our 100 Safest Cities in America list—keep up the good work.

With no reported violent crimes and a property crime rate 95% lower than the nation as a whole, Thetford Police Chief, Robert Kenny, has a lot to be proud of. We’re certainly impressed with the way this Genesee County town keeps crime at bay, but we also love the way it cares for older citizens. The Thetford Township Senior Center offers numerous low and no-cost services to help meet the needs of these community members.

A remarkable safety record could be one reason the population of Freedom, Wisconsin is on the rise. Like many cities on our list, Freedom cited no violent crimes in 2016. Its property crime rate was also far below the national average, with just nine crimes of this type reported. But crime isn’t the only thing that can jeopardize a community; prescription drugs are also potentially dangerous. We send a shout-out to Freedom for sponsoring Drug Take Back Day, which allows citizens to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications.

The fifth safest city in the US is small in size but big on ambiance. A quintessential midwestern town, Beaver Dam is characterized by friendly folks, beautiful scenery, and family-run businesses. It’s the kind of place where neighbors look out for one another, which is one likely reason this Dodge County community recorded a mere six property crimes—most of which were thefts. Thinking of relocating to Wisconsin? Put Beaver Dam at the top of your list.

Columbus may be Ohio’s capital, but we’re saluting Chester Township. Since last year, this safety-conscious community moved up twenty-two places on our 100 Safest Cities in America list. Reporting no violent crimes and fewer than two property crimes for every 1,000 people, Chester Township is 97% safer than the average Ohio city. Need another reason to pack your bags for this beautiful Buckeye State community? It goes the extra mile to take care of its youngest citizens through programs like Safety Township, which helps teach kindergarteners about safety and security.

Over a dozen of the 100 Safest Cities in America have New Jersey zip codes, but River Vale Township is the safest of them all. Located just twenty miles from New York City, this tree-lined community is known for its quiet neighborhoods, abundant recreation, and excellent schools. Up one ranking from last year, River Vale Township reported just twenty-six property crimes and zero violent crimes. Along with its brag-worthy crime record, we applaud River Vale’s email and text alert system, which keeps citizens in the loop about important public safety and security issues.

Eighth-ranked Elko New Market is one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota, but that hasn’t increased crime. In fact, the overall crime rate decreased 15% from 2015 to 2016, and the city’s violent crime rate is the lowest it’s been in six years. We think the Elko New Market Police Department’s community-values-based philosophy, which focuses on crime prevention and embraces collaborative problem solving, has a lot to do with the city’s stellar safety record. Bravo, Elko New Market—we hope to see you on our list again next year.

Brick sidewalks, period street lighting, and beautifully restored homes are commonplace in America’s ninth safest city: Briarcliff Manor Village, New York. And as far as safety goes, this charming Hudson River community offers peace of mind too. Reporting just twenty-three property crimes, Briarcliff Manor is 95% safer than the average US city. Just like safety, the village is big on communication. A text alert system, government television channel, and monthly newsletter all help keep residents up to speed on community happenings.

If you’re a nature lover, you’re sure to fall for Whitestown, New York. Situated in Oneida County, Whitestown is surrounded by vast undeveloped spaces that characterize much of the Empire State. Whitestown also appeals to history buffs, as the Battle of Oriskany (one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution) took place nearby. And of course, we can’t overlook this town’s exemplary crime record. With no reported violent crimes and only twenty-seven property crimes, Whitestown is the tenth-safest city in the US and the third-safest in New York.

Carrington, North Dakota is known for being the county seat of Foster County, but it also deserves praise for its nominal crime record. Citing zero violent crimes and just seven property crimes, this close-knit community is the second-safest city in North Dakota and the eleventh-safest in the nation. In addition to their town’s almost nonexistent crime, Mayor Neil Fandrich and all Carrington locals can be proud of their commitment to kids. Schools offer small class sizes and boast a 94% graduation rate, while numerous sport complexes and a Youth Center help keep kids active and engaged outside school hours. With all Carrington has going for it, we expect to see this city on our list again next year.

The second-safest community in the Garden State is also one of the nation’s safest cities to call home. Rising nine places from last year’s twenty-first ranking to this year’s twelfth is certainly an accomplishment. But the fact that Bernards Township—with over 27,000 residents—reported not one violent crime and fewer than 100 property crimes is nothing short of brag-worthy. While police keep crime under control, the township’s Green Team is busy mapping community assets like bike paths and researching environmentally friendly initiatives—both of which help ensure the beauty of Bernards Township for generations to come.

Here’s another safe city that puts kids at the top of their priority list. Despite an influx of students over the last several years, the Greenbrier School District remains one of the best in all of Arkansas. When they’re not in school, kids have plenty of activities to keep them busy and out of harm’s way. And more choices are coming with the opening of the much-anticipated Matthews Park—a community-centered space with plans to include a splash pad, skate park, and climbing wall. Congratulations to Greenbrier for making its first appearance on our list.

If there’s one crime that doesn’t get enough press, it’s domestic abuse—but that’s not the case in fourteenth-ranked Stillwater Town, New York. Bravo to the Stillwater Police Department for shedding light on this destructive crime—and for collecting over 5,000 cellphones to distribute to victims in need. It’s progressive programs like this that help bring community members together and help all citizens enjoy a higher quality of life. Way to go, Stillwater!

There’s a lot to “like” about Raisin Township, Michigan—starting with the way this community uses social media to help keep citizens safe and informed. Another perk of calling this town in the Great Lakes State home? The peace of mind that comes with knowing you live in the fifteenth-ranked safest city in America. Reporting a nominal twenty-one thefts, six burglaries, and no violent crimes at all, Raisin Township experienced less than four crimes per 1,000 people in 2016—that’s 84% less than the national average. Raisin Township, you’ve caught our attention!