Probably we all are concerned about the crime rates in our city or the city we are planning to move to. And if we talk of the United States of America, there are many cities with a high risk of violent attacks. The major problem with large cities is that they have more crime rates than smaller cities. According to the latest statistics by the FBI, violent crime in the USA rose last year. Few large cities in the United States still boast surprisingly meager crime rates. To find out which cities in the USA are with least crime rates, we have studied the latest report of the FBI on violent crime. To make the listing more precise, we have included cities with populations of more than 100000. FBI has listed the cities based on violent crimes, including murders, robberies, forcible rapes, non-negligent manslaughter, and aggravated assaults. According to the UCR Program by the FBI, violent crimes are defined as offenses that involve force or threat of force.
So, let’s discuss the safest cities in the USA in terms of crime rates. Make sure your city made the list of the top 10 cities in the USA with the least crime rates. Always feel free to drop your views in the comment box below.
10. Bellevue, Washington
The population of Bellevue is about 124,283, and it’s the tenth city in the USA with the least crime rates. Throughout all of last year, only 75 violent crimes occurred in Bellevue. The city made outstanding progress in law enforcement by using the latest technological innovations. Bellevue Police Foundation afforded the technologies like Crime Analysis Software, T-3 Electronic Vehicle for downtown patrols, Digital Forensics Server, IPads for the field use, etc. Since its inception in 2009, Bellevue Police Foundation has collected more than $233000 in donations. So, Bellevue is one of the safest cities in Washington.
9. Arvada, Colorado
Arvada city of Colorado ranks the ninth on the list of cities in the USA with the least crime rates. With a population of about 102,125, Arvada has dramatically reduced crime rates. Throughout the last year, only 77 violent crimes occurred in the city. The Police Department of Arvada boasts all-wheel drive Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles for controlling criminal activities in the city. So, Arvada is another among the safest cities in the USA.
8. Amherst, New York
With a population of about 117,591, the Amherst city of New York stands at the 8th position of cities with the least crime rates. Only 88 violent crimes were reported from Amherst throughout the last year, none of these crimes being murders. A year after the city was established in 1818, Amherst had a strong law enforcement presence. Maybe, their law enforcement is the reason for this low crime rate. Amherst is now the 8th on the list of cities with the least crime rates in 2012.
7. Norman, Oklahoma
Norman is the small city of Oklahoma. According to the latest statistics by the FBI, the city ranks seventh on the list of American cities with the least crime rates. The entire population of Norman is about 112,112. And throughout the last year, only 78 violent crimes occurred in the city. A variety of community safety awareness campaigns conducted by the Norman Police Department and their law enforcement policy are the primary reasons Norman could achieve this low crime rate. The recent survey shows that the citizens are very pleased with the law enforcement agency. Norman is undoubtedly one of the safest cities in the USA, with a meager crime rate.
6. Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock city of Texas has a population of about 101,989 and had a mere 67 violent crimes last year. This low crime rate wouldn’t be possible if the police department of Round Rock didn’t involve heavily with their community. The Lock Box program conducted by the police department was very effective in reducing the city’s crime rate. According to the program, the citizens at high risk for emergencies would be placed in the lockbox. Round Rock is now another safest city in the USA when it comes to violent crimes.
5. The Township of Edison, New Jersey
The Township of Edison, New Jersey, has a mere population of 100,300. Throughout the last year, 61 violent crimes were reported in the city, none of which were murders. The keys to this lower crime rate are heavy involvement in the community and vital law enforcement agencies. The police department can maintain the peace and offers numerous community services like counseling for families and youth. The Township of Edison is one of the safest cities in the USA for 2013.
4. McAllen, Texas
With a population of about 132,610, McAllen is one of the safest cities in the USA. Throughout the year 2012, it had only 76 violent crimes. This crime rate was possible due to the strong law enforcement policies of the city and the heavy involvement of the community as well. The citizens of McAllen have a Police Academy, and they have also implemented a Teen Court brought up by a Teen Jury. McAllen ranks fourth in our list of American cities with the least crime rates.
3. Temecula, California
Temecula is one of the small cities in California, with a population of about 101,274. Throughout 2012, only 54 violent crimes occurred, and none were murders. They have divided their law enforcement agency into specialized teams that focus on different aspects of community supervision. They have formed teams like Mounted Posse responsible for searching and rescuing and high visibility patrol, the Mall Team responsible for various incidents occurring in the mall, and the Gang Detail Team accountable for tracking any sign of gang activity in their city. Temecula is the USA’s third safest city based on the minor crime rate.
2. Irvine, California
With a population of about 217,528, Irvine has continuously been on the top list of cities with the least crime rates for many years. It is also the largest of the safest cities in America. Throughout the year 2012, only 110 violent crimes occurred in the city. The low crime rate in the city of Irvine is their active community outreach programs. They have actively focused on various community outreach programs like counseling the people and conducting multiple support systems in emergency cases. Irvine also offers a Community Police Academy for public help. This year, Irvine ranks second in the cities with the least crime rates.
1. Murrieta, California
Murrieta tops our list of top 10 cities in the USA with the least crime rates. With only 45 violent crimes occurring for the entire population of about 101,274, Murrieta is reported to be the safest city in the USA when it comes to violent crimes. Their local law enforcement agency has been very active in preventing crime before it occurs. The citizens have been actively participating in a wide range of programs to maintain the peace in their city and reduce the criminal activities in their community. The programs like “You Are Not Alone” have offered assistance to elderly and disabled people. The “Youth Accountability Team” program assists the youth risk issues. The police department of Murrieta has been supporting amply in various community issues. Different volunteering groups have been actively working to reduce the criminal activities in the city.
Final Conclusion: It is evident that the crime rates in various cities have risen recently. But cities included in this list are the prime examples of how crime rates can be vastly reduced if the community directly backs the effective law enforcement policies of the city. The citizens actively support their police department and law enforcement agencies to help them stop criminal acts in the city. Of course, reducing the crime rate is possible, and we as citizens can help through various volunteering, fundraising, supervision, and other creative programs.
Arun is an IT-gradate. But writing is something he has innate passion for. He loves to explore new things, places and ideas.