The Safest Small Towns in the US

Key takeaways

• Columbus, Indiana; Wheaton, Illinois; and Saratoga Springs, Utah, are the safest small towns.
• San Leandro, California; Federal Way, Washington; and Alameda, California, had the highest rates of property crime.
• Pensacola, Florida, and Sammamish, Washington, had the fewest robberies per 10,000 residents (both 0).
• Great Falls, Montana (404) and Joplin, Missouri (389) had the most larcenies per 10,000 residents.

Not all towns are created equal when it comes to safety and security. To determine which small towns offer the safest environment for potential movers and real estate investors, we analyzed property crime data from 2023, focusing on larceny, motor vehicle theft, and robbery.

This study identifies the safest small towns in the U.S.—with populations between 50,000 and 100,000—based on property crimes reported to the FBI. Whether you're looking for a secure place to call home or an attractive investment opportunity, these findings shed light on where safety is prioritized.

Small towns leading in safety

A smaller town often provides a desirable blend of community and security. We ranked 425 of them based on reported property crime rates to uncover the hidden gems that excel in safety.

Columbus, Indiana; Wheaton, Illinois; and Saratoga Springs, Utah, emerged as the safest small towns in 2023, boasting the lowest rates of property crime overall.

Columbus achieved an exceptional record with zero reported larcenies (the unlawful taking of personal property) and motor vehicle thefts. Wheaton followed next, with a property crime rate of 38.5 larcenies, 0.9 motor vehicle thefts, and 0.2 robberies (taking personal property through force/threat of force) per 10,000 residents.

In contrast, San Leandro, California; Federal Way, Washington; and Alameda, California, had the highest property crime rates among the towns in this study.

Top 5 small towns with the lowest property crime rates per 10,000 residents:

1. Columbus, Indiana (12)
2. Wheaton, Illinois (45.7)
3. Saratoga Springs, Utah (47.8)
4. Jacksonville, North Carolina (47.9)
5. Little Elm, Texas (53.8)

Bottom 5 small towns with the highest property crime rates per 10,000 residents:

1. San Leandro, California (593.6)
2. Alameda, California (567.3)
3. Federal Way, Washington (536.5)
4. Auburn, Washington (528.1)
5. Joplin, Missouri (514.2)

A closer look at crime trends in small towns

While many small towns offer low crime rates and a strong sense of security, the specifics of property crime can vary widely. This section breaks down the top and bottom towns for larceny, motor vehicle theft, and robbery to show where these crimes are most and least prevalent.

Certain small towns stand out for their remarkable ability to keep crime rates low, while others struggle with higher rates of specific crimes. Pensacola, Florida, and Sammamish, Washington, led the way in robbery prevention, with both reporting zero robberies per 10,000 residents in 2023.

In terms of larceny, Columbus, Indiana, demonstrated exceptional safety, reporting no larcenies at all. On the opposite end, Great Falls, Montana, and Joplin, Missouri, faced the highest larceny rates, with about 404 and 389 incidents per 10,000 residents, respectively.

As for motor vehicle theft, Columbus again ranked the safest, along with St. Cloud, Florida. Both towns reported zero cars stolen per capita. However, Federal Way, Washington, and San Leandro, California, struggled with these crimes, with over 230 car thefts per 10,000 residents in each location.

These findings shine a spotlight on the wide range of crime rates in small towns and the importance of localized approaches to crime prevention.

How to protect your personal property

Protecting your home and vehicles from property crime is essential, especially in areas with higher crime rates. Here are some practical tips to help safeguard your belongings:

1. Install security cameras and alarms. Security systems act as both a deterrent and a means to gather evidence if a crime occurs. Smart cameras with motion detection and remote monitoring features can provide added peace of mind.
2. Lock your doors and windows. It may sound simple, but consistently locking all entry points, including car doors, can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity, and an unlocked door is an open invitation.
3. Keep valuables out of sight. Avoid leaving expensive items like electronics, jewelry, or shopping bags visible through windows in your home or car. Use blinds or curtains to obscure valuables in your home and store items in the trunk of your car when parked.
4. Light up your property. Motion-activated outdoor lighting can deter criminals by removing the cover of darkness. Well-lit properties are less attractive targets for burglars and thieves.
5. Get to know your neighbors. A strong community network can help prevent crime. Neighbors who look out for each other are more likely to spot and report suspicious activity, adding an extra layer of protection.

Implementing these strategies can go a long way in protecting your property and reducing your risk of becoming a victim of property crime.

Safety in small-town living

This analysis of 2023 property crime data reveals significant variations in safety across America's small towns. While some communities excel in maintaining low crime rates, others face challenges with larceny, motor vehicle theft, and robbery. Understanding these trends can help movers and real estate investors make informed decisions about where to live or invest as they prioritize safety and security.

Methodology

We utilized FBI property crime data for towns with populations of 50,000-100,000 residents to see which small towns were the safest, based on property crime only. We used the most recently available data (from 2023) for property crime, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and robbery. The FBI data only includes cities and counties that report their data to the FBI. We included each of those cities that were reported, ensuring that the property crime data we collected was from the city police departments.

Fair use statement

We encourage you to share these insights into America's safest small towns with your community for noncommercial purposes only. Please link back to this page so others can explore the full rankings and findings.