We asked AI about the safest places in the United States, and its answers will surprise you

AI analyzed crime, economic stability, community strength and disaster risks to reveal unexpected U.S. cities that offer real peace of mind.

Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

Bryan Arellano

Estados Unidos Update: Dec 5th, 2025 16:38 EST

At a time when safety means far more than avoiding violent crime, many migrants, travelers and long-term residents are prioritizing secure communities, stable local economies and predictable environments. To better understand which places offer that full package, we turned to an artificial intelligence model capable of pulling together the latest available data. What it produced is a list of U.S. cities that meet a surprisingly broad definition of safety across multiple dimensions.

A broader definition of safety

To define the safest places, AI did not simply look at low crime rates. The model considered a wide set of indicators, with ChatGPT generating the final list.

Key factors included:

• Violent crime and property crime rates

• Road safety and low pedestrian or traffic fatalities

• Economic stability, including unemployment, access to affordable housing, health insurance coverage and overall financial vulnerability

• Environmental risk, such as exposure to hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes or major flooding

• Community quality, including social cohesion, public services and local infrastructure

This wide-angle approach reflects what many people want today. Safety involves more than avoiding theft or assault. It also means access to health care, reliable jobs, safe transportation, steady housing costs and a climate environment that is not prone to sudden disasters.

The United States’ “safest” cities

Here are several cities that consistently rank well based on recent data from specialized safety and quality of life indexes.

Warwick, Rhode Island

Warwick was recently named the safest city in the United States in a ranking that evaluated 182 communities. It posted one of the nation’s lowest rates of aggravated assault and reported relatively few thefts. It also ranked well for health care access, with one of the lowest percentages of residents lacking health insurance.

Warwick also benefits from reduced environmental risk. The city faces limited threat from major wildfires, hurricanes or other severe natural disasters, making it a potentially stable long-term home.

Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park placed second in the 2025 national rankings. Along with its low crime rate, the city stands out for road safety and records one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates in the country.

Economically, Overland Park performs well on multiple fronts. It has low unemployment, high average credit scores, low poverty rates and well-managed housing, all of which reduce financial vulnerability for residents. The mix of personal safety, economic stability and secure transportation options makes the city appealing for families and anyone seeking long-term quality of life.

Burlington, Vermont (and neighboring South Burlington)

Burlington ranked as the third safest city in the United States, with South Burlington also landing near the top. Both cities report some of the lowest homicide and violent crime rates in the country. They also face minimal exposure to natural disasters, including hurricanes, flooding or wildfires.

These communities also show strong economic stability, with secure employment, high insurance coverage and relatively low household debt. A blend of natural surroundings, well-maintained infrastructure and reliable public services contributes to their reputation as calm, community-oriented places to live.

Casper, Wyoming

Casper is another standout example. Its wide-open natural environment, lower population density and spacious layout help keep crime rates down and environmental risks moderate. The city illustrates that you do not need to live on the coast or in a major metro area to find safety. Mid-sized interior cities can offer an attractive balance of community stability, space and quality of life.

A list full of surprises

One of the biggest takeaways from the AI findings is that the safest cities in the United States are not always the most famous or the most populated. Many top performers are small or mid-sized communities that are not well-known internationally but consistently deliver strong results across multiple measures of safety and stability.