In a recent analysis by WalletHub, South Burlington, Vermont emerged as the safest city in the United States for 2024, surpassing its previous rank. The study, which evaluated 182 U.S. cities, considered a range of factors, including crime rates, natural disaster risks, and financial stability.
The United States, according to the Global Peace Index 2024, ranks 132nd among 163 countries in terms of safety. Iceland, as a contrast, holds the prestigious position of the safest country. Within the U.S., however, safety varies significantly from one region to another. WalletHub’s report sheds light on this by ranking cities based on 41 indicators across three main areas: home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial security.
South Burlington stood out due to its overall low risk of natural disasters and notable financial stability, reflected in low unemployment rates and high insurance rates among drivers. Its leap from third place last year to first place highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security for its residents.
Another city in Vermont, Burlington, also made a strong showing, ranking fourth. Despite not being immune to climate challenges like warming temperatures and increased rainfall, the city’s ability to maintain a low risk from natural disasters contributed to its high safety rating.
Other cities that ranked highly include Casper, Wyoming at second place, and Warwick, Rhode Island at third. Casper’s low pedestrian fatality rates and relatively low risks for earthquakes and tornadoes were key factors in its ranking. Meanwhile, Warwick’s robust healthcare system and low uninsured rates aided its position in the top three.
Irvine, California, known for its educational institutions and proximity to Disneyland, ranked 11th. It consistently boasts some of the lowest crime rates among large cities in the U.S. Another notable mention is Virginia Beach, Virginia, ranked 10th, where proactive infrastructure developments aim to mitigate future hurricane and sea level rise risks.
While Honolulu, Hawaii, has a low climate vulnerability index and was deemed the safest city for travelers in a different study, property crime remains a concern. Nevertheless, its allure as a tourist destination is undiminished, owing partly to its proactive measures and ongoing tourism appeal.
On the opposite coast, Portland, Maine, known for its culinary delights, ranked ninth. The city has enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety by implementing flexible poles and painting intersections blue, reflecting a commitment to community safety and urban planning.
Madison, Wisconsin, on the other hand, despite its reputation as a college town, made the list at number 19, largely due to its low vulnerability to climate change and excellent pedestrian safety. The city’s focus on maintaining a safe environment for its residents and visitors contributes significantly to its ranking.
Each city’s ranking provides insight into what measures can contribute to improved safety. From infrastructure investments in Virginia Beach to the self-sustaining community design of Columbia, Maryland, which ranked eighth, it’s evident that cities benefit from strategic planning and community-oriented development.
The WalletHub report on the safest cities in the U.S. underscores the importance of diverse factors in determining safety, from crime rates and natural disaster risks to financial security and urban planning. As cities like South Burlington and Casper show, commitments to improving public safety and infrastructure can result in significant improvements in overall safety rankings.
Source: Businessinsider
