America’s Safest Cities

City safety – or lack thereof – can lead to great disparity in quality of life and return on dollars invested by residents, businesses and government alike. In August, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. The federal government subsequently leveraged the local police force and deployed over 2,000 National Guard members to the nation’s capital in partnership with several state governors to counter crime. President Trump has also publicly warned Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker (D) that the National Guard to Chicago may be sent to Chicago if he does not address crime in the city quickly. But Pritzker and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser, among other critics, have argued that the cities are safer than Trump asserts.

With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 50 of the largest U.S. cities to determine the safest based on violent crime, property crime, vehicular deaths, drug overdose deaths and excessive drinking. Access to safety data can help Americans weigh the tradeoffs between locations, lifestyles and opportunities when considering where to take a job, buy a home, raise a family or retire.

Key Findings

San Jose is the safest major city. San Jose ranked among the top 10 for every safety metric considered. Relative to its adult population, San Jose had the third fewest violent crimes (5,185 total) and fifth fewest property crimes (25,715). It had the fourth lowest rate of drug overdose deaths at 17 per 100,000 people, and ranked 9th best both for fewest vehicular deaths (7 per 100,000 people) and excessive drinking (17.8% of adults).
Three Texas cities are among the top 10 safest. Forth Worth, Arlington, and El Paso ranked third, seventh and eighth, respectively. Fort Worth and Arlington residents have a similar cost of living, with monthly housing costs at roughly $1,450 compared to a median income of around $75,000. El Paso is less expensive with monthly housing averaging $1,044, even when compared to the lower median income of $58,734.
San Francisco ranks 37th safest despite having the second-highest housing costs. Despite their close proximity, similar cost of living and intermingled economies, safety statistics in San Francisco look very different than in San Jose. San Francisco does maintain particularly low rates of violent crime (5,712) and vehicular deaths, but performed poorly when it comes to property crimes (45,322 total), drug overdose deaths (63 per 100,000 people), and excessive drinking (24.7% of adults).
Washington D.C. ranked 40th out of 50 cities. The nation’s capital had the second highest rate of drug overdose deaths of major cities at 64 per 100,000 residents. For property crime, D.C. sits in the middle of the pack with a rate of 4.2 property crimes per year per 100 adults, or 28,229 total crimes in one year. When it comes to violent crime, D.C. ranked 12th best accounting for its size, with 7,112 violent crimes reported in all. D.C. did have one of the lowest rates of fatal car accidents, however.
Chicago ranked 38th of 50 cities. Across the 50 largest cities, Chicago had the fourth worst violent crime rate, with an estimated 3.2 people per 100 experiencing a violent crime each year (86,506 total crimes reported). Property crime was also worse than average with an estimated 6.1 incidents per 100 adults (163,211 total). Excessive drinking was another problem area with 21.5% of adults qualifying.

Safest Cities in the United States

50 of the largest U.S. cities were ranked on five safety metrics on a per-capita basis: Violent crime, property crime, fatal car accidents, drug overdose deaths, and excessive drinking. Per capita measures are based on the number of adults aged 18 or older.

San Jose, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0053
- Violent crimes reported: 5,185
- Property crime per capita: 0.0265
- Property crimes reported: 25,715
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 6.9
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 17.4
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.80%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,775
- Median household income: $141,565
Los Angeles, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0082
- Violent crimes reported: 31,303
- Property crime per capita: 0.0286
- Property crimes reported: 109,285
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 9.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 23.0
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.43%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,055
- Median household income: $80,366
Fort Worth, TX
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0137
- Violent crimes reported: 13,352
- Property crime per capita: 0.0349
- Property crimes reported: 34,136
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 10.8
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 17.9
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.02%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,489
- Median household income: $76,602
Omaha, NE
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0045
- Violent crimes reported: 2,196
- Property crime per capita: 0.0376
- Property crimes reported: 18,190
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 8.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 17.1
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 21.31%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,249
- Median household income: $72,708
Virginia Beach, VA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0121
- Violent crimes reported: 5,503
- Property crime per capita: 0.0284
- Property crimes reported: 12,869
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 6.8
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 25.4
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 20.80%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,704
- Median household income: $90,685
Las Vegas, NV
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0048
- Violent crimes reported: 3,173
- Property crime per capita: 0.0321
- Property crimes reported: 21,226
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 10.4
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 28.0
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.26%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,452
- Median household income: $70,723
Arlington, TX
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0206
- Violent crimes reported: 8,214
- Property crime per capita: 0.0359
- Property crimes reported: 14,318
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 10.8
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 17.9
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.02%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,420
- Median household income: $73,519
El Paso, TX
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0154
- Violent crimes reported: 10,425
- Property crime per capita: 0.0271
- Property crimes reported: 18,431
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 11.9
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 16.7
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.72%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,044
- Median household income: $58,734
Charlotte, NC
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0075
- Violent crimes reported: 6,801
- Property crime per capita: 0.0385
- Property crimes reported: 35,113
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 9.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 23.4
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 20.83%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,487
- Median household income: $78,438
Raleigh, NC
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0191
- Violent crimes reported: 9,207
- Property crime per capita: 0.0365
- Property crimes reported: 17,600
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 7.9
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 19.5
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 20.51%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,487
- Median household income: $82,424
Long Beach, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0149
- Violent crimes reported: 6,676
- Property crime per capita: 0.0418
- Property crimes reported: 18,785
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 9.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 23.0
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.43%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,890
- Median household income: $83,969
Miami, FL
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0151
- Violent crimes reported: 6,901
- Property crime per capita: 0.0410
- Property crimes reported: 18,679
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 12.2
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 13.8
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.96%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,666
- Median household income: $59,390
San Diego, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0093
- Violent crimes reported: 12,948
- Property crime per capita: 0.0265
- Property crimes reported: 36,751
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 8.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 27.7
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 23.03%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,308
- Median household income: $104,321
Phoenix, AZ
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0079
- Violent crimes reported: 13,048
- Property crime per capita: 0.0251
- Property crimes reported: 41,486
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 12.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 36.6
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.68%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,430
- Median household income: $77,041
Sacramento, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0194
- Violent crimes reported: 10,218
- Property crime per capita: 0.0414
- Property crimes reported: 21,813
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 12.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 28.5
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.18%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,752
- Median household income: $83,753
Atlanta, GA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0156
- Violent crimes reported: 7,955
- Property crime per capita: 0.0573
- Property crimes reported: 29,278
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 11.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 24.2
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.86%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,695
- Median household income: $81,938
Oklahoma City, OK
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0172
- Violent crimes reported: 12,109
- Property crime per capita: 0.0481
- Property crimes reported: 33,794
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 14.0
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 27.2
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.65%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,133
- Median household income: $66,702
Dallas, TX
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0204
- Violent crimes reported: 26,599
- Property crime per capita: 0.0533
- Property crimes reported: 69,491
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 12.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 20.3
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.72%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,409
- Median household income: $67,760
Boston, MA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0240
- Violent crimes reported: 15,627
- Property crime per capita: 0.0351
- Property crimes reported: 22,894
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 4.4
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 42.1
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 21.06%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,176
- Median household income: $94,755

Tucson, AZ
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0059
- Violent crimes reported: 3,205
- Property crime per capita: 0.0294
- Property crimes reported: 16,105
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 14.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 42.5
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.10%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,076
- Median household income: $54,546
Mesa, AZ
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0167
- Violent crimes reported: 8,559
- Property crime per capita: 0.0261
- Property crimes reported: 13,353
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 12.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 36.6
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.68%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,404
- Median household income: $78,779
Seattle, WA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0178
- Violent crimes reported: 13,423
- Property crime per capita: 0.0709
- Property crimes reported: 53,553
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 5.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 30.6
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 20.35%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,220
- Median household income: $121,984
Tulsa, OK
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0310
- Violent crimes reported: 12,754
- Property crime per capita: 0.0542
- Property crimes reported: 22,276
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 13.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 32.2
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 14.34%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,027
- Median household income: $58,407
Houston, TX
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0289
- Violent crimes reported: 66,820
- Property crime per capita: 0.0631
- Property crimes reported: 145,839
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 11.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 21.4
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.41%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,316
- Median household income: $62,894
New York, NY
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0269
- Violent crimes reported: 221,838
- Property crime per capita: 0.0369
- Property crimes reported: 305,083
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 2.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 29.3
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 25.05%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,837
- Median household income: $79,713
Fresno, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0214
- Violent crimes reported: 11,681
- Property crime per capita: 0.0526
- Property crimes reported: 28,680
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 17.8
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 19.6
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.10%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,391
- Median household income: $66,804
Jacksonville, FL
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0072
- Violent crimes reported: 7,063
- Property crime per capita: 0.0264
- Property crimes reported: 26,036
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 16.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 52.9
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.63%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,324
- Median household income: $66,981
Austin, TX
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0189
- Violent crimes reported: 18,517
- Property crime per capita: 0.0470
- Property crimes reported: 46,028
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 10.1
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 20.9
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 23.83%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,747
- Median household income: $91,461
San Antonio, TX
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0225
- Violent crimes reported: 33,617
- Property crime per capita: 0.0754
- Property crimes reported: 112,794
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 11.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 18.3
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.98%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,235
- Median household income: $62,917

Tampa, FL
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0186
- Violent crimes reported: 7,503
- Property crime per capita: 0.0274
- Property crimes reported: 11,041
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 14.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 35.6
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 21.36%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,553
- Median household income: $71,302
Louisville, KY
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0083
- Violent crimes reported: 5,159
- Property crime per capita: 0.0388
- Property crimes reported: 24,183
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 14.0
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 70.6
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 16.17%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,118
- Median household income: $64,731
Colorado Springs, CO
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0134
- Violent crimes reported: 6,570
- Property crime per capita: 0.0592
- Property crimes reported: 28,935
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 14.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 44.7
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.83%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,592
- Median household income: $83,198
Baltimore, MD
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0291
- Violent crimes reported: 16,422
- Property crime per capita: 0.0676
- Property crimes reported: 38,204
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 9.1
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 50.9
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.44%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,333
- Median household income: $59,623
Columbus, OH
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0187
- Violent crimes reported: 17,034
- Property crime per capita: 0.0449
- Property crimes reported: 40,836
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 10.2
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 61.2
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.92%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,243
- Median household income: $65,327
Minneapolis, MN
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0248
- Violent crimes reported: 10,534
- Property crime per capita: 0.0778
- Property crimes reported: 33,057
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 5.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 32.3
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 23.60%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,513
- Median household income: $80,269
Oakland, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0356
- Violent crimes reported: 15,561
- Property crime per capita: 0.1000
- Property crimes reported: 43,663
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 6.8
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 19.9
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 20.41%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,164
- Median household income: $97,369
San Francisco, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0071
- Violent crimes reported: 5,712
- Property crime per capita: 0.0560
- Property crimes reported: 45,322
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 4.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 63.3
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 24.73%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,620
- Median household income: $141,446
Chicago, IL
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0325
- Violent crimes reported: 86,506
- Property crime per capita: 0.0613
- Property crimes reported: 163,211
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 7.7
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 39.2
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 21.49%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,502
- Median household income: $75,134
Indianapolis, IN
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0106
- Violent crimes reported: 9,232
- Property crime per capita: 0.0363
- Property crimes reported: 31,706
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 14.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 69.7
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.23%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,124
- Median household income: $62,995

Washington, DC
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0105
- Violent crimes reported: 7,112
- Property crime per capita: 0.0416
- Property crimes reported: 28,229
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 6.4
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 64.5
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 25.22%
- Median monthly housing costs: $2,103
- Median household income: $106,287
Bakersfield, CA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0150
- Violent crimes reported: 6,211
- Property crime per capita: 0.0462
- Property crimes reported: 19,083
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 19.8
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 49.1
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.68%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,540
- Median household income: $77,397
Nashville, TN
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0114
- Violent crimes reported: 7,875
- Property crime per capita: 0.0459
- Property crimes reported: 31,541
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 13.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 71.5
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 19.41%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,471
- Median household income: $75,197
Portland, OR
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0157
- Violent crimes reported: 9,867
- Property crime per capita: 0.0827
- Property crimes reported: 52,160
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 8.8
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 43.0
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 23.24%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,771
- Median household income: $88,792
Milwaukee, WI
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0268
- Violent crimes reported: 15,046
- Property crime per capita: 0.0408
- Property crimes reported: 22,911
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 10.9
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 63.2
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 21.95%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,082
- Median household income: $51,888
Kansas City, MO
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0296
- Violent crimes reported: 15,094
- Property crime per capita: 0.0713
- Property crimes reported: 36,386
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 14.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 34.5
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 21.14%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,205
- Median household income: $67,449
Philadelphia, PA
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0223
- Violent crimes reported: 34,556
- Property crime per capita: 0.0813
- Property crimes reported: 125,986
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 8.6
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 75.4
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.99%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,233
- Median household income: $60,698
Denver, CO
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0205
- Violent crimes reported: 14,710
- Property crime per capita: 0.0772
- Property crimes reported: 55,304
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 10.4
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 44.7
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 26.34%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,839
- Median household income: $91,681
Detroit, MI
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0469
- Violent crimes reported: 29,684
- Property crime per capita: 0.0845
- Property crimes reported: 53,490
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 11.1
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 49.3
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.78%
- Median monthly housing costs: $868
- Median household income: $39,575
Albuquerque, NM
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0271
- Violent crimes reported: 15,182
- Property crime per capita: 0.0792
- Property crimes reported: 44,350
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 17.0
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 62.1
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18.87%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,149
- Median household income: $65,604
Memphis, TN
- Violent crime per capita: 0.0616
- Violent crimes reported: 38,083
- Property crime per capita: 0.1286
- Property crimes reported: 79,561
- Traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 21.5
- Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 57.5
- Percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 17.52%
- Median monthly housing costs: $1,087
- Median household income: $51,211

Data and Methodology

To determine the safest cities, SmartAsset compared data for 50 of the largest U.S. cities by population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023), ranking them by the following metrics:

Violent crime rate. The number of crimes against persons per capita (residents aged 18+). Data comes from the FBI’s 2023 Uniform Crime Reporting Database; missing crime data was supplemented by NeighborhoodScout.com
Property crime rate. The number of property crimes per capita (residents aged 18+). Data comes from the FBI’s 2023 Uniform Crime Reporting Database; missing crime data was supplemented by NeighborhoodScout.com
Vehicular mortality rate. The number of deaths due to traffic accidents per 100,000 residents. Data is from the 2025 County Health Rankings.
Drug poisoning mortality rate. The number of drug poisoning deaths per 100,000 residents. Data is from the 2025 County Health Rankings.
Percentage of the population engaging in excessive drinking. The percentage of adults who report binge or heavy drinking. Data is from the 2025 County Health Rankings.

The vehicular mortality rate, drug poisoning mortality rate and percentage of the population engaging in excessive drinking are all measured at the county level. Violent and property crime rates are at the city level.

Housing affordability and local incomes were also considered:

Median monthly housing costs. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 5-year American Community Survey from 2023.
Median household income. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 5-year American Community Survey from 2023.

America’s Safest Cities – 2025 Study

Key Findings

Safest Cities in the United States

Data and Methodology

Questions about this study? Contact us at press@smartasset.com