Finding a place to live that is both affordable and safe can be challenging, especially with the rising cost of living. However, some cities and towns across the United States offer a balanced mix of low crime rates and cost-effective living.
We are highlighting 15 such places, according to a GOBankingRates study that combines data from multiple databases on safest places to live and living costs. These locations, primarily in the Midwest, East, Mountain West, and South, generally have populations ranging from 20,000 to 40,000. Notably, the East and West coasts are largely absent from this list.
South Kingstown, Rhode Island
- Population: 31,851
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 4.7
- Annual Expenditures: $22,254
Known as “SK,” South Kingstown is the only coastal town on this list. It includes the village of Kingston, home to the University of Rhode Island. Groceries here cost about $5,664 annually.
Arlington, Massachusetts
- Population: 45,617
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 3.4
- Annual Expenditures: $23,556
Arlington, settled nearly 400 years ago, offers low crime rates and affordable living with proximity to Boston. Despite the high housing costs ($69,388 annually), other expenses remain reasonable, making it a desirable place to live.
Edwardsville, Illinois
- Population: 25,218
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 5.5
- Annual Expenditures: $20,965
A suburb of St. Louis, Edwardsville boasts historic roots along Route 66. Despite having the highest crime rate on this list (5.5 per 1,000 residents), the town offers affordable living costs, with groceries costing about $431 per month.
Mundelein, Illinois
- Population: 31,560
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 5.3
- Annual Expenditures: $20,907
Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago, Mundelein features attractions like Diamond Lake and the Heritage Museum. It has one of the lowest housing costs among the top 15 at $21,063 annually.
White Lake, Michigan
- Population: 30,990
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 4.2
- Annual Expenditures: $22,185
This Detroit suburb offers outdoor attractions like the Alpine Valley Ski Resort. Annual grocery costs are about $5,191, making it a budget-friendly option.
Mason, Ohio
- Population: 35,089
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 5.1
- Annual Expenditures: $21,046
Located north of Cincinnati, Mason is known for the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament and Kings Island amusement park. Its mid-range housing cost is around $27,000 annually.
Brandon, Mississippi
- Population: 25,373
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 5.3
- Annual Expenditures: $20,767
East of Jackson, Brandon is the county seat of Rankin County and features the Brandon Amphitheater. It boasts the lowest housing cost on this list at $17,172 annually.
Lake in the Hills, Illinois
- Population: 28,945
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 3.1
- Annual Expenditures: $23,339
This rapidly growing Chicago suburb has the lowest crime rate on our list (3.1 per 1,000 residents) and the second-lowest grocery costs at $5,091 annually.
Muskego, Wisconsin
- Population: 25,242
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 3.8
- Annual Expenditures: $22,228
Muskego, a Milwaukee suburb, frequently appears on lists of Wisconsin’s safest cities. Although its housing costs are higher ($30,361 annually), it remains a safe and affordable option.
Independence, Kentucky
- Population: 28,920
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 3.9
- Annual Expenditures: $21,871
Situated in northern Kentucky, Independence offers low housing costs ($18,212 annually) and proximity to Cincinnati.
Madison, Mississippi
- Population: 27,719
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 4.5
- Annual Expenditures: $20,698
A Jackson suburb, Madison features the Simmons Arboretum and has seen significant population growth. It also has one of the lowest utility costs on our list at $3,940 annually.
Windsor, Colorado
- Population: 35,788
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 4.5
- Annual Expenditures: $20,347
Windsor, located in northern Colorado, offers numerous parks and recreational facilities. Although housing costs are higher ($39,253 annually), other living expenses remain low.
Zionsville, Indiana
- Population: 31,702
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 3.6
- Annual Expenditures: $21,282
Known as the “Dahlia City,” Zionsville is an Indianapolis suburb with a low crime rate and a charming downtown area.
Avon Lake, Ohio
- Population: 25,588
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 4.3
- Annual Expenditures: $19,671
Located on Lake Erie’s south shore, Avon Lake offers parks, bike trails, and a boat launch. It is one of the most cost-effective places on our list, with annual expenditures under $20,000.
Rexburg, Idaho
- Population: 35,300
- Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents: 3.9
- Annual Expenditures: $19,267
Rexburg, home to Brigham Young University-Idaho, brands itself as “America’s Family Community.” It has the lowest annual costs for groceries ($404 monthly), utilities ($323 monthly), and transportation ($292 monthly) on our list.
In conclusion, while finding a balance between affordability and safety can be difficult, these 15 towns and cities demonstrate that it is possible. From the Midwest to the Mountain West, these locations offer a combination of low crime rates and reasonable living costs, making them ideal places for those seeking a budget-friendly and secure lifestyle.
