Stay informed and stay safe by checking out this list of the most dangerous cities in the US based on annual crimes per population.
While crime rates vary widely across various cities in the US, some large cities stand out for their Local data on property and violent crimes and low levels of violent and property crime.
According to a study by MoneyGeek, and neighborhoodscout a personal finance technology company, these are the 15 safest large cities in the US for 2023, based on FBI crime statistics for 2021 and academic research on the societal costs of different types of crimes.
Table of Contents
15. Santa Clarita, California

- Image by David Mark from Pixabay
According to the U.S. Census Bureau Santa Clarita, California Population: was estimated to be 224,593 people as of July 1, 20211
Safer than 45% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 294 | 2,219 | 2,513 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 1,31 | 9,89 | 11,19 |
Santa Clarita is a unique community, Located in northern Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and film industry. The city has a low violent crime rate of 1 per thousand inhabitants and a low property crime rate of 11,19 per 1,000 residents.
14. Irvine, California

- Photo by Daniel Sinoca on Unsplash
According to the 2020 census, the city had a population of 307,670
Safer than 26% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 188 | 5,347 | 5,535 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 0.61 | 17.30 | 17.91 |
Irvine is a planned city in central Orange County that boasts a highly-rated public school system, a diverse economy, and a vibrant cultural scene. The per capita income in Irvine in 2018 was $53,857 This equates to an annual income of $215,428 According to City-Data.com which is 2.8 times lower than the U.S. average. The city has a very low violent crime rate The 2020 Irvine crime rate rose by 6% compared to 2019. residents and a low property crime rate of 1,000 residents.
13. Brownsville, Texas

- BROWNSVILLE ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 19% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 745 | 3,431 | 4,176 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 3,97 | 18,27 | 22,23 |
Brownsville is the southernmost city in Texas, located on the border with Mexico. Irvine is the 19th largest community in California, The city has a rich binational culture and a growing tourism industry. According to the most recent data from the FBI, The city has a low violent crime rate of That’s -4.08% lower than the national rate of residents and a low property crime rate of 2,250.2 per 100,000 residents.
12. Alexandria, Virginia

According to the most recent data from World Population Review 2023 population of 146,284
- ALEXANDRIA ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 23% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 333 | 2,684 | 3,017 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 2.15 | 17.35 | 19,50 |
Alexandria is a historic city located across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. The city has a charming old town district, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and a diverse population. Overall, about 16.72% of the workforce works from home. Per capita income in Alexandria in 2018 was $68,640 The city has a low violent crime rate of That’s 20 crimes per one thousand residents, and violent or property crime in Alexandria is 1 in 51. Based on FBI crime data is 1 in 465. This equates to a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants.
11. Palmdale, California

Population: 155,079
Cost of crime per capita: $982
- PALMDALE ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 25% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 735 | 2,323 | 3.058 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 4.43 | 14.01 | 18.48 |
Palmdale is a small city in northern Los Angeles County that grew in part thanks to the aerospace and technology industry. Palmdale is the 32nd largest community in California. The city has a low violent property crime in Palmdale is 1 in 54. Based on FBI crime data of 18 crimes per one thousand residents and a low property crime rate.
10. Pasadena, California

Population: 135,732 (2021)
- PASADENA ANNUAL CRIMES
Cost of crime per capita: $980
Safer than 13% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 409 | 3,251 | 3,660 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 3.01 | 32.95 | 26.69 |
Pasadena is a small city in northeastern Los Angeles County that is a beautiful valley just 30 miles north for its scientific research and development, especially in the field of aeronautics. Since 1890, the Tournament of Roses is also home to the Rose Bowl Stadium and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. The city has a low violent crime rate of 27 crimes per thousand residents and a low property crime rate in Pasadena is 1 in 37. Based on FBI crime data75% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes.
9. Henderson, Nevada

Population: 322,178 (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $978
- HENDERSON ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 23% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 773 | 5,587 | 6,360 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 2.40 | 17.37 | 19.74 |
Located in Clark County Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada is part of Las Las Vegas and is located about 16 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The city has a high quality of life, and people’s health and wellness, with many parks, and recreational facilities. The city has a lower violent crime rate of 20 crimes per one thousand citizens and a low property crime rate of 1 in 51. Based on FBI crime data, 73% of the state’s cities and towns are of all sizes.
8. Charlotte, North Carolina

Population: 879,709 (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $976
- CHARLOTTE ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 5% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 7,117 | 28,254 | 35,371 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 8.09 | 32.12 | 40.21 |
Thinking about living in Charlotte is the largest city in NoDa, short for North Davidson, and a major financial center. It has a strong economy backed by the power of banking and finance. The city NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The city has a low violent offense rate of 40 per one thousand residents and according to our analysis of FBI crime data. a low property crime rate of 31, which is a rate of 39 per thousand population.
7. Mesa, Arizona

Population: 509,475 (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $974
- MESA ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 17% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 2,080 | 10,084 | 12,164 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 4.08 | 19.79 | 23.88 |
Mesa is a city in Maricopa County, the third-largest city in Arizona after Phoenix and Tucson, The city has a rich history, America’s most conservative city that made complicated canal systems in the area. The city has a low forceful crime rate of 24 offenses per thousand citizens and a low property crime rate of 1 in 42. Based on FBI crime data, 78% of the state’s cities and villages are of all sizes.
6. San Diego, California

Population:1.382 million (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $972
- SAN DIEGO ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 17% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 5,470 | 26,699 | 32,169 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 3.96 | 19.32 | 23.28 |
San Diego is the second-largest large and pleasant coastal city in California and a popular tourist destination. The city has a mild climate, beautiful beaches, a is not only one of the best zoos in the US . and a naval base. The city has a low violent offense rate for property offenses is 19 per thousand population. and a low property offense rate in San Diego is 1 in 43. Based on FBI crime data,
5. New York City

Population: 8.468 million (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $970
- NEW YORK, NY CRIME ANALYTICS
Safer than 15% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 8,827 | 33,234 | 42,061 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 5.21 | 19.62 | 24.83 |
New York City is comprised of the central islet of Manhattan. New York City is the most densely peopled major megacity. The megacity has a colorful and vibrant culture, a thriving frugality, and multitudinous milestones, similar to the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. The megacity has a low violent offense rate of 25 crimes per thousand residers and a low property crime rate of New York is 1 in 40. Grounded on FBI crime data, New York has a crime rate that 95 of the state’s metropolises and municipalities of all sizes.
4. El Paso, Texas

Population: 678,415 (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $968
- EL PASO ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 32% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 1,720 | 8,636 | 10,356 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 2.54 | 12.73 | 15.26 |
El Paso – Juárez is a border megacity in western Texas that shares a strong artistic and profitable bond with its family megacity across the Rio Grande, Ciudad Juárez in Mexico. The megacity has a low violent crime rate of 15 crimes per one thousand residers and a low property crime rate in El Paso is 1 in 66. Grounded on FBI crime data El Paso advanced than 65 of the state’s metropolises and municipalities of all sizes.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
Population: 345,510 (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $966
- HONOLULU ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 8% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 885 | 11,021 | 11,906 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 2.26 | 31.90 | 34.46 |
Honolulu is the capital and largest megacity of Hawaii and a major sightseer destination. The megacity has a tropical climate, stunning natural decor, and a rich multilateral heritage. The megacity has a low violent crime rate of 34 per thousand residers and a low property crime rate
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Population: 457,672 (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $611
- VIRGINIA BEACH ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 29% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 512 | 7,099 | 7,611 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 1.12 | 15.51 | 16.63 |
Virginia Beach is the largest megacity in Virginia and a popular littoral resort megacity. The megacity has a long and wide beachfront, a walk, a fishing pier, and several state premises. The megacity has a veritably low violent crime rate of 17 crimes per one thousand residents and a veritably low property crime rate of Virginia Beach is 1 in 60. Grounded on FBI crime data.
1. Los Angeles, California
Population:3.849 million (2021)
Cost of crime per capita: $603
- LOS ANGELES ANNUAL CRIMES
Safer than 9% of U.S. Cities | VIOLENT | PROPERTY | TOTAL |
Number of Crimes | 28,479 | 94,679 | 123,171 |
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 7.40 | 24.60 | 32.00 |
Los Angeles is the alternate- largest megacity in the US and one of the most influential metropolises in the world. The megacity has a different and dynamic culture, a thriving frugality, and innumerous milestones, similar as the Hollywood subscribe, the Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Center. The megacity has a veritably low violent crime rate of 2.9 per 32 per one thousand residers and a veritably low property crime rate of 7.40 per,000 residers. Los Angeles is the safest big megacity in America when compared with other metropolises that have a population of over 1 million people and 1181 constituent neighborhoods,
Conclusion
- You told me about the safest large cities in the US for 2023 based on the cost of crime per capita metric from Neighborhoodscout.
- I shared with you the rankings of the safest and most dangerous large cities, as well as the overall safest and most dangerous cities and the worst cities for mass shootings in the US for 2023 from MoneyGeek and other sources.