Top 10 Safest and Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. (Update 2025/2026)
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| USA's safest and most dangerous cities ranked |
Safety remains one of the most important factors Americans consider when choosing where to live. In its latest 2025 study, WalletHub ranked 182 U.S. cities based on 41 key indicators across three major categories: home and community safety, natural-disaster risk, and financial security. The results highlight a sharp divide between cities offering residents peace of mind and those still struggling with serious public safety challenges.
Top 10 Safest Cities in the United States (2025)
Leading the list is Warwick, which ranked first overall thanks to exceptionally low violent-crime rates, strong financial stability, and limited exposure to natural disasters. Warwick’s performance reflects a broader trend: many of the safest cities are mid-sized communities with steady economies and strong local governance.
The 10 safest cities in the U.S. according to WalletHub are:
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Warwick
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Overland Park
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Burlington
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Juneau
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Yonkers
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Casper
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South Burlington
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Columbia
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Lewiston
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Salem
Many of these cities report low homicide and assault rates, fewer traffic fatalities, and strong emergency-response systems. Financial indicators such as employment levels and insurance coverage also played a major role in their high rankings.
Read more: Top 10 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Know About
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the United States (2025)
On the opposite end of the spectrum, several large metropolitan areas continue to face persistent safety challenges. New Orleans ranked as the most dangerous city in the country, driven by high violent-crime rates and weaker scores in community safety metrics.
The 10 most dangerous cities in the U.S. are:
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New Orleans
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Memphis
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Baton Rouge
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Detroit
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Baltimore
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Fort Lauderdale
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Houston
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San Bernardino
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Philadelphia
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Cleveland
These cities often struggle with a combination of violent crime, property crime, traffic fatalities, and economic pressure. Experts note that while many local governments are investing in reform and prevention programs, progress remains uneven.
Why These Rankings Matter
WalletHub analysts emphasize that safety is not defined by crime alone. Natural-disaster preparedness, healthcare access, and financial resilience all shape how secure residents feel in their daily lives. For families, retirees, and businesses alike, these rankings offer a practical snapshot of where safety risks are lowest — and where improvements are most urgently needed.
