Explore the 10 Safest Cities in Connecticut for Families in 2025

Is Connecticut safe to stay in? This is the fourth-safest state in the United States in terms of the overall crime situation. The state has earned this reputation thanks to the safest cities, including Ridgefield and Newtown. According to the 2024 FBI UCR data, this state only reported 1500 total crimes per 100k people, which is far lower than the national average.

However, some of its cities still suffer from higher crime rates and violent incidents. So, you have to do some research before planning to move into this state.

To make your search easier, we have compiled a list of the safest cities in Connecticut. Read on to discover the best places to live in this state and some practical safety tips.

Is Connecticut Safe? Current Crime Situation

Yes, Connecticut is generally considered one of the safer states in the USA according to the most recent FBI UCR data. Overall, the state reported a total population of 3,675,069 with 4998 violent crimes and 50,205 property crimes.

Most of the violent offenses consist of aggravated assaults (2850 cases) and robberies (1399 reports). Moreover, its property crime incidents are dominated by larceny-theft, with over 37,256 cases reported.

While some places have higher crime rates than the national average, the safest Connecticut cities (Ridgefield, Newtown) remain secure. Most importantly, this city only has a murder rate of 2.4 per 100k people, which shows its safety status.

How We Ranked Safest Connecticut Cities?

To find the safest Connecticut places, we started with the latest FBI crime data for 2024 (Table 8), which reports violent and property crimes for each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 residents using this simple formula:

Total Crime Rate (per 100,000) = Crimes Reported / Population × 100,000

Afterwards, we arranged the safest cities based on the increasing crime rate per 100k people to make the list. The cities that made our list are those that consistently show low crime rates and an overall sense of safety for families and residents alike.

Top 10 Safest Cities in Connecticut for Families

After carefully analyzing Table 8 from the 2024 FBI crime report, we compiled the data for the safest cities in Connecticut. For your ease, we have put these statistics in the following table, so you can pick the safest place to live in this state.

Once you read the table, go through this in-depth crime analysis of the safest Connecticut cities.

1. Ridgefield

Ridgefield has one of the lowest crime profiles in Connecticut, with 76 total reported crimes in the latest FBI data. Reporting only 6 violent and 70 property offenses, thiscity always appears in the list. Among the violent crimes, there was 1 murder and 5 assaults, while property offenses were mostly 47 larceny cases.

Compared to the Connecticut state averages, Ridgefield’s total crime rate of just 305 per 100k residents is remarkably low. All in all, Ridgefield is known for its safe neighborhoods, like Branchville and the Main Street District.

2. Newtown

Newtown recorded just 103 total crimes in 2024, composed of 5 violent and 98 property incidents. All five violent cases were assaults, and property crimes mainly included 75 thefts and 13 vehicle thefts. On top of that, its total crime rate of 369 per 100k is impressively low compared to Connecticut’s averages.

Within this safest city in Connecticut, Sandy Hook and Botsford appear among the safest neighborhoods. Furthermore, its responsive law enforcement and proactive safety programs make this city relatively safer.

3. Cheshire

Cheshire stands out with only 117 total crimes, of which 4 are violent and 113 property-related. As of the 2024 FBI report, violent crimes include 2 assaults, while property crimes involve 81 thefts and 5 burglaries. Moreover, the city’s total crime rate is approximately 398 per 100k, which is significantly below the Connecticut mean.

Its well-patrolled schools and peaceful areas contribute to its better safety. In addition, Highland Avenue and South Brooksvale are some of the areas favored most by residents.

4. Wallingford

Wallingford has a solid reputation for safety, reporting just around 204 total crimes in 2024. According to the FBI statistics, it reported only 8 violent and 196 property offenses as one of the safest Connecticut cities. Violent incidents include 2 murders and 5 assaults, while property crimes are mostly 172 thefts.

Overall, its total crime rate stands at 468 per 100k people, much lower than the national and state average. In addition, areas like Yalesville and East Wallingford benefit from active neighborhood associations and dedicated local policing.

5. New Milford

New Milford presents an impressive safety record with only 161 total crimes, including 8 violent and 153 property incidents. Violent crimes consist mainly of 5 rapes, with no murders reported. Additionally, property crimes in this city are dominated by around 121 thefts and 17 vehicle-related offenses.

With a total rate of 567 crimes per 100k, New Milford remains well below the Connecticut state average. Its strong police visibility and safe communities (Candlewood Lake) mostly contribute to the safety of the city.

6. Simsbury

As the safest place to live in Connecticut, Simsbury reported 148 total crimes, with only 4 violent cases. According to the violent crimes breakdown, there were 1 murder, 1 rape, and 2 robbery cases reported. On the other hand, property offenses were mostly larceny-theft (12 cases) and motor vehicle theft (18 incidents).

With a total crime rate of 589 per 100k residents, this city remains safer than many towns of its size. Mostly, its safety ranking is maintained due to protected neighborhoods (Weatogue, Tariffville) and strong community-police partnerships.

7. Shelton

Shelton reports a total of 320 crimes, comprising 18 violent and 302 property incidents. The violent category includes 7 robberies and 9 aggravated assaults. On the other hand, its property crimes are largely 230 theft cases. Despite having a higher population, Shelton maintains a total crime rate of 751 per 100k people.

Moreover, its police presence and well-lit residential areas like Huntington and White Hills contribute to its safety. This blend of calm and active enforcement makes Shelton one of the safest cities in Connecticut.

8. Greenwich

Being one of the wealthiest towns, Greenwich recorded only 558 total crimes. Based on the FBI report, this safest Connecticut city only reported 6 violent and 552 property incidents in 2024. Moreover, the violent crime category includes 3 robberies, while property crimes are primarily 409 larcenies and 85 vehicle thefts.

Despite its larger population, Greenwich’s total crime rate of 877 per 100k is much lower than the state average. Some of its safest neighborhoods, including Old Greenwich and Cos Cob, remain safe thanks to its quick police response times.

9. Guilford

During 2024, Guilford reported only 210 total crimes, including 6 violent and 204 property cases. Among the violent crimes, 6 were rapes, so there were no reports of assault or murder. Moreover, property incidents that happened here included around 170 thefts and 18 vehicle thefts. 

Its total rate of 954 per 100k is still much lower than statewide levels. Peaceful areas like Leetes Island and North Guilford enjoy strong neighborhood watch programs and quick emergency responses. Guilford’s combination of low violent crime and proactive community initiatives keeps it among Connecticut’s safest coastal towns.

10. Westport

Westport’s total of 313 crimes, only 1 violent and 312 property, highlights its extremely low risk of violent offenses. The single violent incident was an assault, while property cases included 244 thefts and 49 vehicle thefts. Despite slightly higher property crime numbers, its total crime rate of 1134 per 100k people remains below the national average.

According to the residents, neighborhoods like Compo Beach, Saugatuck, and Greens Farms are the safest. Overall, this safest Connecticut city maintains excellent safety records due to strong surveillance and efficient policing.

What Crime Mostly Affects Connecticut Residents?

Within Connecticut, certain crimes occur far more often than others. Based on FBI 2024 data, residents are most affected by the following crimes:

• Larceny-Theft: By far the most frequent offense, this crime makes up around 74% of all property crimes. Most of the incidents involve stolen personal property, especially in urban areas.
• Burglary: Accounting for roughly 8.6% of property crimes, Connecticut saw 4311 burglaries in 2024. These include home and business break-ins, which are even occurring in the safest cities in Connecticut.
• Motor Vehicle Theft: The state reported around 8638 stolen vehicles in 2024, which makes about 17% of property crime cases. Such kinds of theft cases remain a persistent problem in metro areas like Hartford and New Haven.
• Aggravated Assault: Being the most common violent offense, assault represents 57% of all violent crimes. Many of these incidents originate from domestic disputes or altercations in nightlife districts.
• Robbery: Connecticut saw over 1399 robberies in 2024, nearly 28% of violent crimes. Generally, robberies of convenience stores and street muggings contribute to this figure.

What Are the 5 Dangerous Cities to Avoid in Connecticut?

When planning to live in the safest Connecticut cities, these five places should be avoided:

1. New Haven

New Haven records the highest overall risk, with a crime rate of roughly 4,121 incidents per 100k residents. Mostly, this city faces high incidents of robberies and aggravated assaults.

2. Hartford

Hartford follows closely, reporting around 3357 crimes per 100k, including 617 violent and 3,404 property offenses. Its major crimes include high assault, homicide, and gang activity.

3. Waterbury

Waterbury faces a crime rate of about 3211 per 100k people, backed by over 3367 property crimes. Frequent motor vehicle thefts and robberies contribute to its elevated crime levels.

4. New Britain

With nearly 2345 crimes per 100k residents, it reports 314 violent and 1435 property crimes. Rising assault cases and auto thefts are key factors behind its safety concerns.

5. Bridgeport

Bridgeport sees about 1860 crimes per 100k residents, mostly including 2176 property crimes. Robbery incidents and violent crime pockets affect its overall safety reputation.

How to Keep Yourself Safe in Dangerous Cities in Connecticut?

Below are some tips you can follow to protect yourself in less safe cities in Connecticut:

Tip 1. Know Emergency Numbers and Local Resources

To keep yourself emergency-ready, we recommend you memorize 911, local police, and nearby hospital contacts. Moreover, you need to install safety apps and save emergency contacts on the speed dial. Such quick access to help reduces harm and speeds up response during crises.

Tip 2. Improve Your Home’s Outdoor Lighting

Generally, well-lit homes are far less attractive to intruders and burglars. So, you should install motion-activated lights that remove dark hiding spots. Smart options like eufy outdoor floodlights or spotlights are available in solar or wired models.

These lights can automatically illuminate your home when someone approaches, which helps deter burglars. With a brighter exterior, you can easily make your home safer at night.

Tip 3. Travel on Safer Routes

When moving around dangerous areas in Connecticut, it’s safer to skip isolated shortcuts. Try not to walk alone late at night, and always share your route or expected arrival time with someone you trust. We even suggest you use navigation apps to monitor traffic and neighborhood conditions to avoid unsafe areas.

Tip 4. Install Smart Cameras to Improve Home Security

Mostly, visible security cameras can reduce the risk of burglary while giving you real-time awareness of your property. Smart options like eufy security cameras record in sharp 2K quality with night vision for surveillance in the dark.

Moreover, these cameras send instant motion alerts straight to your phone in case of an unwanted intrusion. With quick notifications, you can respond faster to suspicious activity and better protect your home in dangerous Connecticut areas.

Tip 5. Protect Your Home with a Smart Security System

For stronger protection, a full security system can make all the difference. The eufy ExpertSecure Security System includes a central base station, motion sensors, cameras, and optional sirens to keep your home covered. Having military-grade encryption and local storage, this system keeps your footage and alerts private.

If any sensor is triggered, you’ll get instant alerts, so you can sound an alarm to deter intruders. On top of that, 24/7 monitoring can even quickly notify local authorities when needed, helping you take faster action.

Conclusion

All in all, Connecticut is considered a relatively safer state with a crime rate of 1500 per 100k people. While most of the safest cities in Connecticut experience less crime, some places (New Haven, Hartford) do have security concerns. So, we recommend you protect your homes with smart security products, such as the eufy ExpertSecure System.

Frequently Asked Questions

What city in CT has the lowest crime rate?

Based on the FBI 2024 Report, Ridgefield has the lowest total crime rate of 304 per 100k residents. Its violent and property crime rates of 24.07 and 280.85 per 100k, respectively, are also among the lowest.

Is Connecticut a safe state to live in?

Yes, Connecticut is one of the safest states to live in the United States. With a low crime rate of 1500 per 100k people, this state has just reported 5000 violent crimes in the last year.

When is the safest season to visit Connecticut?

The safest seasons to visit Connecticut are late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October). Most of the time, these seasons also minimize risks associated with hurricane incidents.