Where Americans Can Build Wealth: The Most Affordable and Safest US Communities

Finding a place to call home that doesn’t drain your wallet while keeping you safe is increasingly challenging in today’s economy. Yet a comprehensive analysis of the safest communities across the US reveals an encouraging reality: there are solid neighborhoods where both conditions coexist. GOBankingRates’ research identified 15 exceptional communities that successfully balance low crime rates with remarkably affordable living expenses—making them ideal for anyone seeking financial breathing room without compromising security.

Ohio dominates the list with seven qualifying communities, reflecting the state’s particular advantage in residential affordability paired with manageable crime statistics. The analysis drew from FBI crime data, Census information, housing databases, and cost-of-living indices to pinpoint these hidden gems.

The Budget Champions: Sub-$37K Annual Living Costs

The most wallet-friendly options cluster in the lower price range. New Philadelphia, Ohio leads with an annual cost of living at just $35,549—featuring a $186,258 median home value and $1,101 monthly mortgage. Its violent crime rate of 0.69 per 1,000 residents remains well-controlled, though property crime runs slightly higher at 1.50 per 1,000.

San Elizario, Texas stands out with the lowest median home price on the list at $167,333, translating to a $989 monthly payment and $36,738 yearly expenses. This smaller community of 10,123 residents boasts exceptionally low violent crime (0.10 per 1,000) and minimal property crime (1.08 per 1,000).

New Ulm, Minnesota positions itself as the safety leader among budget options with just 0.29 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, despite a slightly higher property crime rate of 5.07. At $36,361 annually and a livability score of 82, it appeals to those prioritizing security.

Yorktown, Indiana and Parma Heights, Ohio round out this tier, each maintaining annual costs under $37,000 while delivering solid crime prevention records and healthy livability ratings.

The Moderate Range: $37K-$42K Communities

Berea, Ohio ($37,768 annually) combines strong livability (77) with balanced crime metrics: 0.60 violent crimes and 3.69 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Mount Vernon, Ohio similarly delivers at $37,928 yearly expense with reliable safety statistics.

Columbus, Indiana represents a slightly larger urban option with 51,104 residents, yet maintains $40,402 annual costs and exceptional safety credentials—only 0.19 violent crimes and 1.12 property crimes per 1,000 people. Its livability score of 76 reflects quality-of-life considerations beyond mere affordability.

Butler, Pennsylvania and Trenton, Michigan (with an impressive 86 livability rating) complete this segment, offering communities ranging from 13,000 to 18,000 residents.

The Premium Performers: $42K-$45K Range

As costs climb slightly higher, communities offer additional perks. Hamilton, Ohio supports 63,124 residents while maintaining $42,726 annual expenses and solid crime prevention. Orono, Maine, despite higher housing costs ($1,748 monthly), delivers exceptional safety with minimal violent crime (0.18 per 1,000).

Brunswick, Ohio ($44,251 annually) and North Ridgeville, Ohio ($44,415) maintain competitive pricing even as community sizes grow. Edwardsville, Illinois claims the highest livability score at 90 while keeping annual costs to $45,323—representing the sweet spot for those willing to pay marginally more for enhanced quality-of-life metrics.

Key Takeaways for Homebuyers

These 15 US destinations prove that affordability and safety aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether you prioritize the lowest monthly mortgages (under $1,000), superior crime statistics, or overall livability, options exist across diverse regions. The concentration of choices in Ohio and surrounding Midwest states suggests particular value in that corridor for budget-conscious, security-minded relocators.

Data reflects FBI crime statistics, 2025 housing valuations, and comprehensive cost-of-living assessments current as of February 2025.