It’s probably not a surprise that New York City didn’t make it to the list of the safest cities in the U.S., but at least it’s not at the very bottom.
According to a WalletHub report, New York City ranks 115th out of over 180 cities when it comes to safety. This serves as a reminder that the Big Apple has more issues than just high rents and subway congestion.
The study considered 41 different safety indicators, such as violent crime rates, traffic fatalities, economic stability, and risks from natural disasters and health issues.
What this suggests is that understanding safety in urban areas involves much more than just dodging dark streets. It’s about having economic resilience, protection against fraud, access to healthcare, and infrastructure capable of handling disasters.
Even with an increased police presence and some improvements in crime statistics, New York City still resides in the lower half of safety rankings nationwide.
WalletHub’s findings take into account both physical and economic dangers, including rates of uninsured individuals, poverty levels, and natural disaster risks. The city’s middling ranking paints a concerning picture of its safety.
Affordability is a continuing challenge for the city; the high cost of living is putting many residents’ financial well-being at risk, especially regarding housing and healthcare costs.
Alongside traditional crime metrics, factors like inflation, rising mortgage rates, and economic uncertainty also play a significant role in the safety assessments.
One upside for New Yorkers is recognizing that some major U.S. cities are faring even worse when it comes to resident safety.
Top 10 least safe cities in the U.S.
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Detroit, Michigan
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Houston, Texas
- San Bernardino, California
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cleveland, Ohio
These cities grapple with multiple systemic financial issues, including high violent crime rates, rising poverty levels, low credit ratings, and inadequate access to insurance, all of which increase the risks of homelessness and unemployment.
Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, noted, “When people think of safety in cities, they probably immediately think of things like crime rates, motor vehicle fatality rates, and the risk of natural disasters.”
Overall, America’s safest cities not only protect residents from physical harm but also focus on safeguarding economic well-being. This includes minimizing risks of fraud, ensuring employment and insurance coverage, and fighting against homelessness.
Mid-sized cities that boast strong economic indicators and low crime rates are at the forefront of safety.
Top 5 safest cities in the U.S.
- Warwick, Rhode Island
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Burlington, Vermont
- Juneau, Alaska
- Yonkers, New York
So, while New York City isn’t the most dangerous place in the country, its 115th position signals that it’s certainly not the safest either. But then again, that’s probably not wholly unexpected.
