10 Safest Cities in America 2026: Irvine Has 60 Violent Crimes per 100K While the National Average Is 380 — Full FBI Data Rankings

Looking for the safest cities in America? We analyzed FBI crime data, property crime rates, and community safety metrics to rank the 10 safest major cities in the United States for 2026. Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or raising a family — these cities consistently rank among the lowest-crime places in the country.

10 Safest Cities in the US: 2026 Rankings at a Glance

National average for comparison: Violent crime ~380/100K, property crime ~1,950/100K. Every city on this list is significantly below at least one — and most are well below both.

What Makes These Cities Safe?

Detailed City Profiles

1. Irvine, California — America’s Safest Big City

Irvine has held the title of safest large city in America for over a decade. The entire city is master-planned by the Irvine Company, with intentional community design that reduces crime through environmental planning (CPTED). UC Irvine anchors a diverse, educated population, and the police department consistently achieves clearance rates well above national averages.

• Median home price: ~$1.1M
• Median household income: ~$110,000
• Notable: Has won the FBI’s safest large city designation multiple times

2. Naperville, Illinois — Midwest’s Crown Jewel

A Chicago suburb that consistently ranks among the best places to live in America. Naperville’s safety comes from its strong school system (Naperville 203 and 204 districts), active community policing, and engaged citizenry. The Riverwalk and downtown create a walkable, eyes-on-the-street environment.

• Median home price: ~$500,000
• Median household income: ~$130,000
• Notable: Multiple “Best City to Raise a Family” awards

3. Frisco, Texas — Booming Safely

One of the fastest-growing cities in America that’s managed to keep crime low despite explosive growth. Frisco’s proactive police department, new infrastructure, and strong economic base (headquarters for PGA of America, multiple corporate offices) create a safe, family-friendly environment.

• Median home price: ~$550,000
• Median household income: ~$135,000
• Notable: Population tripled since 2000 while crime rates stayed flat

4. Gilbert, Arizona — Desert Suburb Done Right

Phoenix’s safest suburb, Gilbert went from a small farming town to a 280,000-person city while maintaining remarkably low crime. Master-planned communities with HOA-maintained visibility, strong parks system, and proximity to Phoenix jobs without the urban density.

• Median home price: ~$500,000
• Median household income: ~$100,000
• Notable: Named “Best Place to Raise a Family” in Arizona repeatedly

5. Honolulu, Hawaii — Island Safety

Geography matters — being on an island naturally limits transient crime. Honolulu’s strong community bonds, cultural emphasis on respect (aloha spirit), and military presence (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam) all contribute. Property crime exists but violent crime is well below national averages.

• Median home price: ~$750,000
• Median household income: ~$90,000
• Notable: Lowest murder rate of any major US city

6. Virginia Beach, Virginia — Military Town Safety

The largest city in Virginia maintains safety through its military presence (Naval Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek), resort-oriented policing, and suburban layout. The oceanfront area is heavily patrolled, and the inland residential areas benefit from neighborhood watch culture.

• Median home price: ~$350,000
• Median household income: ~$80,000
• Notable: One of the safest cities over 400K population in the US

7. Cary, North Carolina — Research Triangle’s Safest Corner

A planned community near Raleigh that benefits from the Research Triangle’s tech economy. High education levels (60%+ bachelor’s degrees), strong town planning, and excellent parks create an engaged community where crime struggles to take hold.

• Median home price: ~$500,000
• Median household income: ~$115,000
• Notable: Often called “Concentrated Area of Relocated Yankees” — a magnet for educated transplants

8. Carmel, Indiana — America’s Roundabout City

Carmel’s innovative approach to city design — including 150+ roundabouts that reduced injury crashes by 80% — extends to public safety. Heavy infrastructure investment, walkable Arts & Design District, and strong schools make it consistently one of Indiana’s safest cities.

• Median home price: ~$400,000
• Median household income: ~$120,000
• Notable: Roundabout design actually reduces crime by eliminating dark intersections

9. Overland Park, Kansas — KC’s Best Suburb

The largest suburb of Kansas City, Overland Park combines corporate headquarters (Sprint/T-Mobile, Black & Veatch), top-rated schools (Blue Valley), and well-maintained neighborhoods. Johnson County consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest and safest counties in the Midwest.

• Median home price: ~$375,000
• Median household income: ~$95,000
• Notable: Johnson County has its own crime lab and forensics division

10. Murrieta, California — Affordable SoCal Safety

An Inland Empire city that offers Southern California living at lower prices than coastal cities while maintaining remarkably low crime. Low-density development, strong community policing, and a family-oriented demographic keep Murrieta consistently safe.

• Median home price: ~$600,000
• Median household income: ~$100,000
• Notable: One of the safest cities in the Inland Empire

Even Safe Cities Need Home Security

Living in a safe city doesn’t mean crime can’t happen to you. FBI data shows that even the safest cities on this list still experience hundreds of property crimes per year — burglary, package theft, and vehicle break-ins don’t respect city rankings.

How to Research Any City’s Safety

For a deeper dive into neighborhood research, see our complete neighborhood safety tools guide.

Best Security Systems for Safe Cities

Even in safe cities, a security system provides insurance discounts (5–20%), package theft protection, and peace of mind. You don’t need the most expensive system — a basic DIY setup works perfectly:

For more options, see our complete buyer’s guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the #1 safest city in America?

Irvine, California consistently ranks as the safest large city in the US based on FBI crime data. For mid-size cities, Carmel, Indiana and Cary, North Carolina often compete for the top spot.

Are suburbs always safer than cities?

Generally yes — lower density means less opportunistic crime. But some suburbs near high-crime cities (e.g., certain Chicago or St. Louis suburbs) can have elevated property crime. Always check neighborhood-level data.

Does a low crime rate mean I don’t need a security system?

No. Even Irvine has 100+ burglaries per year. A security system provides proven deterrence, insurance discounts, and peace of mind regardless of location.

How accurate is FBI crime data?

Reasonably accurate but imperfect. Not all departments report consistently, some crimes go unreported, and data is typically 1–2 years behind. Use it for trends and comparisons, not absolute numbers.

What about the safest cities to raise a family specifically?

See our dedicated 10 safest cities to raise a family guide, which factors in school quality, parks, and family amenities alongside crime data.

Which state has the lowest overall crime rate?

Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire consistently rank as the lowest-crime states. However, these are rural states — for cities, you’ll find the safest options in planned communities in California, Texas, Indiana, and North Carolina.

William Eames

William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.