With the U.S. experiencing more than 330 mass shootings and over 18,400 motor vehicle deaths so far this year, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on 2026's Safest Cities in America, along with expert commentary.
To determine where Americans can feel most protected from life’s hazards, including nonphysical forms of danger, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 41 key metrics. The data set covers factors ranging from traffic fatalities and assaults per capita to the unemployment rate and the percentage of the population that is uninsured.
| Safest Cities in America | Least Safe Cities in America | |
| 1. Juneau, AK | 173. St. Louis, MO | |
| 2. Warwick, RI | 174. Cleveland, OH | |
| 3. Overland Park, KS | 175. Houston, TX | |
| 4. Burlington, VT | 176. Jacksonville, FL | |
| 5. South Burlington, VT | 177. Detroit, MI | |
| 6. Virginia Beach, VA | 178. Philadelphia, PA | |
| 7. Cedar Rapids, IA | 179. Memphis, TN | |
| 8. Casper, WY | 180. Baltimore, MD | |
| 9. Boise, ID | 181. Baton Rouge, LA | |
| 10. Yonkers, NY | 182. New Orleans, LA |
Safest vs. Least Safe
- Pembroke Pines, Florida, has the fewest aggravated assault incidents (per 100,000 residents), which is 51.7 times fewer than in Memphis, Tennessee, the city with the most.
- Port St. Lucie, Florida, has the fewest thefts (per 1,000 residents), which is 9.2 times fewer than in Dover, Delaware, the city with the most.
- New York City, has the most law-enforcement employees (per 100,000 residents), which is 4.9 times more than in Irvine, California, the city with the fewest.
- Plano, Texas, has among the fewest pedestrian fatalities (per 100,000 residents), which is 25.4 times fewer than in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the city with the most.
To read the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/
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“Juneau, AK, ranks as the safest city, in part because it has the lowest murder rate and the lowest pedestrian fatality rates. It also has the 62nd-lowest number of theft and there were no terrorist attacks or related incidents recorded in the city during the past decade. In addition, Juneau has the ninth-highest median credit score, indicating that residents generally have a strong track record of managing credit.”
- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Expert Commentary
What are some of the top public safety issues this year?
“From my perspective, the major concerns in 2026 are extreme weather, gun violence, cybercrime, traffic safety (including rage that could be the result of the current economy), mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse. I am also concerned about heightened hate between various groups that live in the U.S. It is important for leaders to model the best behavior for others.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
“Internet and phone scams, drugs, robbery, theft, and violent demonstrations.”
Daniel E. Goldberg, Ed.D. – Associate Professor, Temple University
What measures can police departments take to increase public trust? How important is it to have a police force that is representative of the local community?
“Police departments can build trust through transparency, fair treatment, regular community engagement, and de-escalation training. It is also important to have a police force that is representative of the local community, as it improves cultural understanding.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
“The police should make themselves visible in the community. They should have town hall meetings, work with community organizations, and have events that involve bringing the community members out to meet with police officers in a friendly atmosphere that builds trust and cohesion between community members and members of the police force.”
Daniel E. Goldberg, Ed.D. – Associate Professor, Temple University
What can consumers do to increase their financial literacy, since sound financial decisions increase a person’s financial safety?
“Consumers can begin by learning the basics of budgeting, credit, interest, insurance, taxes, and retirement savings. I would like to see all of these topics discussed in high schools, colleges, libraries, and at community centers. There are many scams happening right now, and it is essential that consumers are aware of them and know how to protect themselves.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
“Consumers can take free financial literacy courses that are available from community organizations, professional financial organizations, and universities. They can also speak with licensed financial planners.”
Daniel E. Goldberg, Ed.D. – Associate Professor, Temple University
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