The safest large cities in the US all report low violent and property crime. Gilbert, Arizona, ranks first in our 2026 comparison of large U.S. cities, with 10.06 reported violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents.
This guide breaks down the top 10 safest and 5 least safe cities based on 2025 crime data, and shows you how to stay safe wherever you live.
How We Determined the Safest Cities in America?
To determine the safest big cities in the US, we utilized the latest stats from the following sources:
- FBI Reported Crimes in the Nation, 2025: City Agency (CIUS Table 8)
- U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 incorporated-place population estimates
We used Census estimates to identify incorporated places with at least 250,000 residents as of July 1, 2025. Each place was then matched to a city agency in the FBI’s 2025 CIUS Table 8.
For each eligible city, we combined its violent and property crime counts, divided the total by its population, and multiplied the result by 1,000. Cities were ranked from the lowest to the highest combined crime rate. Violent crime includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, while property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Arson is not included.
Only cities with a direct geographic match and publishable FBI data were included. Florida jurisdictions were excluded because the FBI marks the state's 2025 data as limited. We also excluded agencies that did not directly represent Census incorporated places. After these checks, 82 cities qualified. The ranking reflects reported citywide crime rates rather than neighborhood-level risk or overall personal safety.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in the US for 2026:
The top safest large cities in the US are:
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Irvine, California
- Plano, Texas
- Chandler, Arizona
- Laredo, Texas
- Chula Vista, California
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- El Paso, Texas
- Santa Ana, California
- Mesa, Arizona
Here is a detailed look at these cities:
1. Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert ranks first with 2,890 reported violent and property crimes among 287,285 residents, or 10.06 crimes per 1,000 people. Its violent crime rate was 1.20 per 1,000, while its property crime rate was 8.86.
2. Irvine, CA
Irvine had the lowest violent crime rate in the top 10, at 0.79 incidents per 1,000 residents, and reported no murders in 2025. With a property crime rate of 11.53, its combined rate was 12.32 per 1,000 among a population of 318,764.
3. Plano, TX
Plano places third with 3,936 reported violent and property crimes and a 2025 population of 293,028. That works out to 13.43 crimes per 1,000 residents, including 1.45 violent crimes and 11.98 property crimes.
4. Chandler, AZ
Chandler's combined crime rate was 13.59 per 1,000 residents. The city reported 347 violent crimes and 3,440 property crimes among 278,748 people, producing rates of 1.24 and 12.34 per 1,000, respectively.
5. Laredo, TX
Laredo ranks fifth with a combined 2025 violent and property crime rate of 14.08 reported offenses per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate was 3.03 per 1,000, while its property crime rate was 11.05.
6. Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista reported 1,015 violent crimes and 2,915 property crimes among 275,533 residents. Its violent and property crime rates were 3.68 and 10.58 per 1,000, for a combined rate of 14.26.
7. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach ranks seventh with a combined 2025 violent and property crime rate of 15.55 reported offenses per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate was 0.97—the second lowest among the top 10—while its property crime rate was 14.58.
8. El Paso, TX
El Paso is the largest city in the top 10, with a 2025 population of 683,012. The city reported 1,958 violent crimes and 9,054 property crimes, equal to a combined rate of 16.12 per 1,000 residents.
9. Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana's 1,054 violent crimes and 4,126 property crimes produced a combined rate of 16.41 per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate was 3.34 per 1,000, and its property crime rate was 13.07.
10. Mesa, AZ
Mesa rounds out the top 10 with 17.31 violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents. Among its 513,656 residents, the city reported 2,182 violent crimes and 6,710 property crimes in 2025.
The Top 5 Least Safe Cities in the U.S
After reviewing the 10 safest cities in the US, let's take a look at the five least safe cities in this comparison. Here is a quick look at the list, based on the FBI's 2025 violent and property crime data:
1. Memphis, TN
Memphis had the highest combined rate in the comparison, at 67.83 crimes per 1,000 residents. The city reported 11,219 violent crimes and 30,133 property crimes among a population of 609,647, producing rates of 18.40 and 49.43 per 1,000.
2. Oakland, CA
Oakland follows closely with a combined rate of 67.52 per 1,000 residents. Its property crime rate was 52.65 per 1,000, the highest among these five cities, while its violent crime rate was 14.87.
3. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis recorded 3,364 violent crimes and 13,743 property crimes among 278,144 residents. Those totals translate to 12.09 violent crimes and 49.41 property crimes per 1,000, for a combined rate of 61.50.
4. Wichita, KS
Wichita's combined crime rate was 58.00 per 1,000 residents. The city reported 4,834 violent crimes and 18,422 property crimes among a 2025 population of 400,987.
5. Portland, OR
Portland ranks fifth on this list with 56.99 reported crimes per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate was 6.91 per 1,000, while its property crime rate was 50.08, based on a population of 635,109.
How to Improve Your Security While Living in the Least Safe Cities of the US?
You can improve your security in the least safe cities of the USA with a reliable security system and adopt proper precautions to avoid any accidents.
The following practical and effective initiatives will help to ensure the safety and security of your property in any city;
Upgrade Locks, Doors, and Windows
Installation of secure and upgraded hardware is the primary step towards protection against theft. Keep a check on properly sealed security window bars, smart locks and their mobile camera access. Update your alarm doorbells with visuals and two-way audio.
Get Grade 2 deadbolts for enhanced security as they are quite strong and highly resistant to petty theft. Upgrading this hardware eliminates the risk of theft during the day.
Improve Outdoor Lighting
Bright, energy-efficient outdoor lighting can improve visibility around entryways, driveways, and other dark areas. For example, eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22 uses WonderLink to sync with compatible eufy cameras. When a camera detects a person, the lights can activate welcoming, warning, or custom lighting effects.
Work on Landscaping for Better Visibility
Keep your landscapes properly trimmed to make the surroundings visible. Trimming also reduces the hiding spots in the entrance and surroundings, removing the risk of theft.
Invest in a Smart Security System
Having a proper security system is the best way to protect your property. It comes with an entire model of cameras and software. On top of that, an expert security staff monitors your property via this system 24/7.
eufy provides world-class security systems. Here are 2 of their best models:
eufy LocalSecure System: eufy LocalSecure comes with various top-notch features to improve your security. Their system can cover the entire house. The best thing is an advanced BionicMind AI Detection that can easily recognize persons to determine whether they are trustworthy or not. 4K UHD offers high-quality image quality equally in day and night with 24/7 monitoring.
Another security system is eufy ExpertSecure System. It is the world's only system that offers 24/7 monitoring with local AI agents for top-notch security. Even for power cuts during floods, the system ensures video surveillance. Other features like facial recognition, indoor siren, 24/7 recording, and night vision camera have got your security covered.
Join a Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood watch programs are designed to reduce crime. This is a community-led initiative that has shown a reduction of up to 16% to 26% in criminal activity. In California, proper training for neighborhood watch programs is provided through the local police department.
City of Bell Gardens California provides a neighborhood watch training program. Other than this, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office provides free neighbourhood watch training and workshops for residents.
Related Blogs
Check out these articles for more information:
Conclusion
In summary, Gilbert ranks as the safest large city in this 2026 comparison, with a combined violent and property crime rate of 10.06 per 1,000 residents, while Memphis has the highest rate at 67.83 per 1,000. Wherever you live, joining a neighborhood watch, upgrading locks, improving outdoor lighting, and keeping landscaping clear can help strengthen home security. A reliable security system, such as the eufy LocalSecure System or eufy ExpertSecure System, can provide additional monitoring and protection.
FAQs
Which city has the lowest crime in the USA?
Among the 82 eligible large cities in this comparison, Gilbert, Arizona, had the lowest combined violent and property crime rate at 10.06 reported crimes per 1,000 residents.
What is the safest capital city in America?
Among the state capitals that qualified for this large-city comparison, Madison, Wisconsin, ranked highest. It recorded 21.04 combined violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents and placed 16th overall.
What is the safest small town in the United States?
MoneyGeek’s latest nationwide analysis ranks Columbus, Indiana, No. 1 among 1,061 small cities and towns with populations from 30,000 to 100,000. It recorded 19 violent crimes and 112 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
What are the safest cities in the US in 2026 for families?
Gilbert, Irvine, and Plano had the three lowest combined violent and property crime rates in this large-city comparison. They are reasonable starting points for families prioritizing low reported crime, but this is not a family-livability ranking. Before moving, compare neighborhood-level crime, schools, housing costs, commute times, and access to health care.
Is the US getting safer or more dangerous overall?
The latest FBI estimates show that crime declined nationwide in 2025. Compared with 2024, estimated violent crime fell 9.3%, while property crime fell 12.4%. However, trends vary by city and neighborhood, so local crime data should also be considered. Source: FBI, Reported Crimes in the Nation, 2025.
