Finding the Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in the US: A 2025 Analysis

When searching for where to settle, most people face a difficult trade-off: compromise on location safety to save money, or spend significantly more for peace of mind. However, our analysis reveals that this doesn’t have to be the case. Across America, there are thriving communities where you can enjoy both affordable living costs and low crime rates—a rare combination that deserves serious attention.

GOBankingRates recently conducted a comprehensive study examining America’s safest communities to identify those offering the best overall value. By analyzing FBI crime statistics, population data, and housing information updated through February 2025, researchers identified 15 standout towns and cities that successfully balance economic accessibility with strong community safety.

Understanding the Data Behind Your Next Home

The research methodology examined the nation’s 150 safest communities with populations exceeding 10,000 residents. From this pool, economists then sorted by total annual cost of living to identify the most economically efficient locations. This dual-criteria approach—prioritizing both safety and affordability—ensures these aren’t just statistically safe, but genuinely livable on a modest budget.

The annual costs of living in these communities range from approximately $35,500 to $45,300, significantly below the national average. Home values span from roughly $167,000 to $313,000, with corresponding monthly mortgage payments between $989 and $1,852. What makes these figures remarkable is that they come paired with violent crime rates averaging well below 1 per 1,000 residents.

Ohio’s Dominance: Seven Towns Lead the Affordability and Safety Movement

Perhaps the most striking finding is Ohio’s overwhelming representation on this list. Seven of the 15 safest and most affordable communities nationwide are located in Ohio—more than twice as many as any other state.

New Philadelphia tops the overall ranking with an annual cost of living of just $35,549. With a population of 17,563, this community combines a violent crime rate of 0.69 per 1,000 with median home values around $186,258. Monthly mortgage payments average $1,101, making this an exceptional entry point for budget-conscious buyers.

Parma Heights (population 20,616) ranks third nationally, offering similar affordability at $36,575 annually while maintaining a violent crime rate of 0.39 per 1,000. The average single-family home here is valued at $196,742.

Berea delivers livability scores of 77 while keeping annual costs to $37,768. With home values averaging $220,573 and violent crime at just 0.60 per 1,000, this community represents the Ohio model at its finest.

Mount Vernon, Hamilton, Brunswick, and North Ridgeville round out Ohio’s impressive showing, each offering distinct advantages. North Ridgeville, despite being the priciest of Ohio’s entries at $44,415 annually, still represents outstanding value with a violent crime rate of 0.56 per 1,000 and a livability score of 75.

The National Picture: Where Else Offers Cheapest and Safest Living

Beyond Ohio’s remarkable cluster, other regions demonstrate that affordable living combined with safety exists across America’s diverse landscape.

New Ulm, Minnesota secures the second position overall. This town of 14,066 residents maintains an exceptionally low violent crime rate of just 0.29 per 1,000—among the lowest on the entire list. With an annual cost of living of $36,361 and homes averaging $222,693, it represents another excellent value proposition. The livability score of 82 further underscores why this community attracts residents seeking both economic and personal security.

San Elizario, Texas stands out as the most affordable option overall at $36,738 annually, despite being one of the smaller communities at 10,123 residents. Its violent crime rate of 0.10 per 1,000 is the lowest nationally, making it an exceptional choice for those prioritizing safety above all else.

Yorktown, Indiana offers an annual cost of living of $37,332 with home values centered around $218,330. The community maintains solid safety metrics with a violent crime rate of 0.42 per 1,000.

Columbus, Indiana shows that larger communities can maintain affordability and safety. With 51,104 residents, it still manages annual costs of $40,402 and an impressively low violent crime rate of 0.19 per 1,000.

Butler, Pennsylvania and Trenton, Michigan provide additional options in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Trenton notably achieves a livability score of 86—the highest on the list—while keeping annual costs to $41,641.

Orono, Maine represents New England’s contribution, with an annual cost of living of $44,036 and an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 0.18 per 1,000, among the safest communities nationally.

Edwardsville, Illinois rounds out the list at number 15, boasting the highest livability score overall at 90, though at $45,323 annually, it’s among the pricier options.

What Makes These Places Uniquely Affordable and Safe

The communities appearing on this list share several common characteristics. Most are mid-sized towns ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 residents, a sweet spot that often provides strong community cohesion without urban sprawl pressures. Many feature established industrial or educational bases that provide stable employment opportunities. Additionally, these towns often benefit from lower real estate competition compared to major metropolitan areas, keeping housing costs manageable.

The low crime rates across these communities suggest strong community engagement, effective local law enforcement, and neighborhoods where residents actively participate in maintaining safe environments. The combination creates a multiplier effect—lower costs attract stable residents, stable residents invest in their communities, and safer neighborhoods maintain their appeal.

Choosing Your Ideal Community

For those seeking to maximize their purchasing power while prioritizing personal security, these 15 communities offer proven models. The data comes from authoritative sources including FBI crime statistics, U.S. Census data, Bureau of Labor Statistics information, and current Zillow valuation data, ensuring both affordability and safety metrics are grounded in reality rather than perception.

Whether you prioritize minimal violent crime (San Elizario), the strongest livability scores (Edwardsville), or maximum savings potential (New Philadelphia), America’s cheapest and safest places to live offer genuine alternatives to the traditional affordability-safety compromise.

Research Note: This analysis was conducted using 2025 data sources including FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics, U.S. Census American Community Survey data, Zillow Home Value Index information, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey data, Sperling’s BestPlaces metrics, Federal Reserve Economic Data, and AreaVibes analysis. All statistics reflect the most comprehensive national assessment available of communities balancing both affordability and safety factors.