Where Affordable Living Meets Safest Places to Live in the US

Finding a community that successfully balances safety with affordability remains one of the most challenging aspects of the American housing search. While “cheap” and “secure” typically don’t appear in the same sentence when discussing neighborhoods, emerging research reveals that approximately 15 communities across the nation have cracked this elusive formula. These safest places to live in the US demonstrate that both low crime rates and budget-friendly living are achievable simultaneously—you just need to know where to look.

GOBankingRates conducted a comprehensive analysis examining the safest places to live in the US by cross-referencing crime statistics with cost of living data. The research identified communities that offer the most compelling intersection of safety and affordability, proving that compromise doesn’t have to mean sacrifice on either front.

Ohio Emerges as the Affordable Safety Haven: 7 Cities Lead the List

The most striking finding reveals that Ohio overwhelmingly dominates the ranking of safest places to live in the US, with seven communities making the top 15. This concentration suggests that certain regions have developed particularly effective combinations of community policing, economic development, and housing accessibility. From the smaller towns to mid-sized cities, Ohio consistently delivers on the promise of affordable living without sacrificing safety.

The state’s representation at the top of this list isn’t coincidental—it reflects deeper economic and social patterns that make these communities attractive alternatives to higher-cost coastal regions.

The Most Affordable Safest Places to Live: Starting Under $36,000 Annually

New Philadelphia, Ohio stands as the most economical option on the list. With a total annual cost of living of $35,549, this community of 17,563 residents offers single-family homes averaging $186,258. The monthly mortgage payment of $1,101 remains among the lowest across all rankings, while maintaining impressive safety metrics with a violent crime rate of just 0.69 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1.50 per 1,000. The livability score reaches 76, indicating solid quality of life despite the modest price point.

New Ulm, Minnesota presents another exceptional entry point, with the lowest violent crime rate on the entire list at just 0.29 per 1,000 residents. Despite this standout safety feature, the annual cost of living reaches $36,361, making it one of the most affordable. The 14,066-person town features an average home value of $222,693 and monthly mortgage costs of $1,316. With a livability score of 82, it demonstrates that you don’t sacrifice quality when choosing affordability.

Parma Heights, Ohio rounds out the sub-$37,000 annual cost category, offering the third-most affordable total at $36,575. Home values average $196,742, with monthly mortgage payments at $1,163. The violent crime rate of 0.39 per 1,000 places it among the safest, reinforcing Ohio’s presence in this affordable safety category.

Texas and Indiana Join the Mix: Diverse Geographic Options

San Elizario, Texas offers the lowest monthly mortgage payment on the entire list at $989, thanks to its lowest average home value of $167,333. This small town of 10,123 residents maintains exceptional safety with the lowest violent crime rate at just 0.10 per 1,000 residents. The annual cost of living of $36,738 and livability score of 62 indicate an economical but more utilitarian lifestyle experience.

Yorktown, Indiana presents another regional alternative, with an annual cost of living of $37,332. The town of 11,617 residents features single-family homes valued at $218,330 and monthly mortgage costs of $1,290. The violent crime rate remains low at 0.42 per 1,000, with a livability score of 69.

Mid-Range Safest Places to Live: $37,000-$42,000 Annual Cost

As costs creep slightly higher, several communities offer more robust amenities and populations. Berea, Ohio, Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Columbus, Indiana cluster in the $37,000-$40,000 range, each offering distinct advantages.

Berea, Ohio (population 18,330) delivers an annual cost of living of $37,768 with home values averaging $220,573. The violent crime rate of 0.60 per 1,000 and livability score of 77 position it as a reliable mid-range option.

Mount Vernon, Ohio maintains similar affordability at $37,928 annually, serving 16,802 residents with average home values of $225,575. The violent crime rate reaches 0.42 per 1,000, while the livability score of 75 reflects consistent community quality.

Columbus, Indiana stretches the budget to $40,402 annually but rewards that investment with exceptional safety. The violent crime rate of just 0.19 per 1,000 places it among the safest on the list, while the livability score of 76 reflects strong community infrastructure. The larger population of 51,104 suggests more developed urban services and employment opportunities.

Established Communities with Proven Track Records: $40,000-$45,000 Range

Communities in this range demonstrate that modest cost increases bring access to established neighborhoods with longer safety histories and more developed social infrastructure.

Butler, Pennsylvania (13,306 residents) maintains safety with a violent crime rate of 0.20 per 1,000—among the lowest—while keeping annual costs at $40,446. The average home value of $229,211 reflects the slightly higher regional pricing relative to Midwest options.

Trenton, Michigan offers exceptional livability at 86 (among the highest on the list) despite an annual cost of $41,641. This advantage stems from strong community institutions and local investment, even as home values reach $231,232.

Hamilton, Ohio represents the transition to larger communities, with a population of 63,124 and annual costs of $42,726. Despite the size increase, the violent crime rate remains attractive at 0.39 per 1,000.

Orono, Maine demonstrates that northeastern communities can still offer relative affordability. With an annual cost of living of $44,036 and a violent crime rate of just 0.18 per 1,000, this college town of 10,699 residents provides distinct regional character while maintaining safety credentials.

Premium Safest Places to Live: Where Cost Meets Quality

The final tier of communities, ranging from $44,000-$45,000 annually, represent the intersection where affordability begins to fade but safety and livability remain exceptionally strong.

Brunswick, Ohio (35,284 residents) reaches $44,251 annually with home values of $300,042. The livability score of 78 and violent crime rate of 0.48 per 1,000 demonstrate sustained community quality at slightly higher price points.

North Ridgeville, Ohio edges toward $44,415 annually with the highest average home value in Ohio at $313,398. Yet the violent crime rate of 0.56 per 1,000 and livability score of 75 justify the investment for those requiring more spacious properties.

Edwardsville, Illinois claims the highest livability score on the entire list at 90, achieving an annual cost of $45,323. The violent crime rate of just 0.30 per 1,000 and property crime rate of 5.79 per 1,000 position it as the ultimate safest places to live option for those with slightly higher budgets.

Methodology and Data Foundation: Ensuring Accuracy

This analysis draws from GOBankingRates’ comprehensive research methodology, which identified the safest American communities first by examining FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics. The analysis concentrated on the 150 safest cities nationwide with populations exceeding 10,000 residents. Cost of living calculations incorporated data from multiple authoritative sources: the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling’s BestPlaces, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, Zillow’s Home Value Index (January 2025 data), Federal Reserve Economic Data, and AreaVibes. All data collection was completed as of February 24, 2025, providing a snapshot of the housing market and safety profiles at that specific moment.

Key Takeaway: Safest Places to Live in the US Are More Accessible Than You Think

The persistent belief that choosing safest places to live in the US requires substantial financial sacrifice deserves reconsideration. These 15 communities—concentrated particularly in Ohio but represented across multiple regions—demonstrate that communities successfully balancing safety and affordability exist at every price point. Whether seeking the absolute minimum at under $36,000 annually or willing to invest $45,000 for maximum livability scores, opportunities await. The challenge isn’t identifying whether affordable and safe communities exist; it’s determining which combination of factors matters most to your specific circumstances and lifestyle requirements.