The Safest and Cheapest Places to Live in the US: Your Guide to Affordable Communities

Finding a home that offers both safety and affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing American homebuyers today. While safest places to live and cheapest places to live often seem like opposing priorities, a comprehensive market analysis reveals that several communities successfully deliver on both fronts. The following research identifies 15 standout locations where you can build your future without breaking the bank or compromising on security.

Why Affordable Housing and Safety Matter for Smart Buyers

The combination of low cost and strong security isn’t merely a luxury—it’s increasingly essential. Rising housing markets have pushed many families to seek alternatives beyond major metropolitan areas. According to GOBankingRates’ extensive research utilizing FBI crime statistics and property valuation data, communities with annual living costs below $45,000 do exist, and several maintain crime rates significantly lower than national averages.

The analysis examined property crime rates and violent crime statistics across 150 cities with populations exceeding 10,000, ultimately filtering down to identify where residents achieve the best value without sacrificing peace of mind.

Ohio Dominates: Seven Communities Leading the Charge

One striking finding stands out immediately—Ohio hosts seven of the top 15 safest and cheapest places to live in the US. This clustering suggests the state offers consistent value across multiple regions.

New Philadelphia leads the way with an annual living cost of just $35,549 and a violent crime rate of only 0.69 per 1,000 residents. The average home value sits at $186,258, making it the most budget-friendly option on the list.

Parma Heights, Berea, Mount Vernon, Brunswick, and North Ridgeville round out Ohio’s strong showing, each offering annual costs ranging from $36,575 to $44,415 with livability scores between 71 and 78.

Hamilton, Ohio’s largest entry with 63,124 residents, demonstrates that affordable, safe living extends to mid-sized communities. Its annual cost of living at $42,726 serves as a reference point for what’s possible in stable, established areas.

Beyond Ohio: Diverse Safe and Affordable Options

The safest and cheapest places to live in the US stretch across the nation. New Ulm, Minnesota offers the lowest violent crime rate at just 0.29 per 1,000 residents, with an annual living cost of $36,361. This community combines Midwestern values with genuine security.

San Elizario, Texas impresses with an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 0.10 per 1,000—nearly the safest city on the entire list—while maintaining an annual cost of just $36,738.

Columbus, Indiana and Butler, Pennsylvania represent the next tier, where annual costs inch toward $40,000-$40,500 while maintaining strong safety metrics. Columbus stands out with a violent crime rate of only 0.19 per 1,000.

The Sweet Spot: Mid-Range Communities ($36,000-$42,000 Annually)

For those seeking balance between affordability and stability, several communities sit in the optimal range:

• Yorktown, Indiana: $37,332 annually, 0.42 violent crime rate
• Trenton, Michigan: $41,641 annually, 0.33 violent crime rate, with an impressive 86 livability score
• Orono, Maine: $44,036 annually, 0.18 violent crime rate—one of the safest options available

These communities demonstrate that quality neighborhoods don’t require six-figure annual spending.

Understanding the Data Behind the Rankings

The methodology behind identifying these safest and cheapest places to live in the us involved multiple data sources. Researchers cross-referenced FBI quarterly crime statistics with property values from Zillow’s Home Value Index (January 2025 data), employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and demographic information from the U.S. Census American Community Survey.

Each city ranked includes twelve key metrics: population size, average single-family home value, monthly mortgage costs, total annual living expenses, livability score (based on quality of life indicators), violent crime rate per 1,000 residents, and property crime rate per 1,000 residents.

Notably, the violent crime rates ranged from a low of 0.10 per 1,000 in San Elizario to 0.69 in New Philadelphia—all substantially lower than many urban centers.

Making Your Decision: Selection Criteria

When evaluating which safest and cheapest places to live best suit your needs, consider these factors:

Population Size: Ranges from 10,123 (San Elizario) to 63,124 (Hamilton). Smaller communities offer tighter-knit atmospheres while larger ones provide more amenities.

Geographic Preference: Regional considerations matter. Midwest options dominate the list, but Texas, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Illinois also offer compelling choices.

Home Value Trends: Entry prices range from $167,333 to $313,398. First-time buyers may prioritize the lower end, while established families might value communities with stronger long-term appreciation potential.

Quality of Life Indicators: Livability scores span from 62 to 90, reflecting broader community characteristics beyond just crime and cost. Edwardsville, Illinois leads with a 90 score despite falling toward the higher end of the cost spectrum at $45,323 annually.

Key Takeaway: Affordability and Security Can Coexist

The research confirms what many believed but couldn’t verify with data: the safest and cheapest places to live in the US do exist, and they’re more accessible than commonly assumed. Whether you prioritize the exceptional value of New Philadelphia, the renowned safety of San Elizario, or the community character of Ohio’s mid-sized towns, these 15 communities prove that smart financial decisions and peace of mind aren’t mutually exclusive.

As housing markets continue evolving, these data-backed options provide a roadmap for relocating families, retirees, and first-time homebuyers seeking maximum stability with minimal financial strain. Based on 2025 market analysis incorporating FBI crime data, Zillow valuations, and U.S. Census information, these communities remain among the nation’s strongest choices for combining safety, affordability, and quality living.