America's Top 10 Safest Cities

When it comes to urban living, some cities offer relatively greater safety in numbers than others.

Whether you face the threat of natural disasters, such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, or manmade ones, such as an unaffordable second mortgage, lapsed healthcare or homeowner’s insurance policy, or making a purchase on an unsecured website, the remedy you can afford determines how quickly you can recover. 

To determine where Americans can feel most secure, WalletHub compared 182 cities nationwide, including 150 of the most populated, across three key dimensions: home and community safety; natural-disaster risk; and financial safety. Forty-two metrics were graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest level of safety.

WalletHub then determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score, then used the results to rank-order its 183-city sample. WalletHub excluded suburban municipalities in the surrounding metropolitan area, focusing solely on the city proper to calculate its rankings.

Here, in ascending order, are WalletHub's  10 safest cities.

10. Lewiston, Maine

Actor Patrick Dempsey’s hometown is the second-largest city in the state, offering a slice of small-town life, as well as big-city amenities such as a hockey and events arena. Lewiston ranks 33^rd in home and community safety; 21^st in financial safety; and 12^th in natural-disaster risk. 

9. Raleigh, N.C.

Known as the City of Oaks, Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, as well as the largest city in the Research Triangle metropolitan area, home to three research universities and numerous high-tech companies. Raleigh ranks 55^th in natural-disaster risk; 24^th in financial safety; and 19^th in home and community safety. 

8. Burlington, Vt.

Compact and beautiful, downtown Burlington is home to a thriving arts scene, museum and educational opportunities, great shopping, and a full-range of outdoor activities. The city ranks 37^thin natural-disaster risk; 27^th in home and community safety; and 11^th in financial safety.

7. Gilbert, Ariz.

Once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” Gilbert is a warm and welcoming community that young professionals and families can call home. Gilbert ranks 60^th in financial safety; 14^th in natural-disaster risk; and 12^th in home and community safety.

6. Yonkers, N.Y.

Often referred to as the “Sixth Borough of New York City” due to its proximity, Yonkers is famous for its historical neighborhoods, beautiful waterfront living, an busy streets. Yonkers ranks 113^th in financial safety; 39^th in natural-Disaste risk; and third in home and community safety. 

5. Warwick, R.I.

Founded in 1642, most of Warwick’s houses, apartments, and condominiums offer their owners oceanfront views of the surrounding Naragansett Bay, and easy access to its white sandy beaches. Warwick ranks third with fewest assaults per capita, and fifth for lowest percentage of uninsured population. The city ranks 98^th for financial safety; 22^nd for natural-disaster Risk; and fifth for home and community safety. 

4. Portland, Maine

This historic seacoast town with a working downtown waterfront and funky vibe offers something for everyone, from art galleries to one-of-a-kind shops to award-winning restraurants. Portland ranks second for highest percentage of households with emergency savings. The city ranks 16^th for home and community safety; 11^th for natural-disaster risk; and eighth for financial safety.

3. Laredo, Texas

Located on the Mexican border, Laredo is aptly named “The Gateway City,” and offers its diverse population good schools, affordable housing, and great weather most of the year. Laredo ranks fifth for the fewest hate crimes per capita, but 181^st for the highest percentage of uninsured population. The city ranks 107^th in financial safety; 24^th for naural-disaster risk; and fourth for home and community safety. 

2. Nashua, N.H.

Residents of Nashua have an easy commute to Boston, as well as a wide selection of shops, restaurants and other amenities right outside their doorsteps. Nashua ranks second for fewest assaults per capita. The city ranks 27^th for natural-disaster risk; 11^th for home and community safety; and second for financial safety. 

1. Columbia, Md.

A hop, skip, and a jump from Baltimore or Washington, D.C., Columbia boasts a vibrant, thriving downtown; attractive village centers; and the Columbia Gateway, a large industrial campus. Columbia ranks 92^nd in financial safety; 63^rd in natural-disaster Risk; and first in home and community safety. 

The full report can be viewed here.