Want Affordable Housing Without Compromising Safety? These 15 US Cities Deliver Both

Finding a place that balances genuine safety with the cheapest cost of living in the world might seem like an impossible dream—but America actually has several hidden gems. GOBankingRates’ comprehensive research identified 15 communities across the nation where you don’t have to choose between a secure neighborhood and an economical lifestyle.

The Ohio Dominance: Why 7 of the 15 Towns Are Here

Seven cities in this ranking are located in Ohio, making it the clear winner for combining affordable housing with low crime rates. These communities range from small towns to mid-sized cities, all offering compelling reasons to consider a Midwest relocation.

Leading the Pack: New Philadelphia, Ohio

Topping the list is New Philadelphia with just 17,563 residents. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Annual cost of living: $35,549
• Average single-family home value: $186,258
• Monthly mortgage payment: $1,101
• Livability score: 76/100
• Violent crime: 0.69 per 1,000 residents
• Property crime: 1.50 per 1,000 residents

This small Ohio city delivers the absolute lowest annual expenses among all 15 locations, making it ideal for budget-conscious families or individuals prioritizing financial security.

The Midwest and Beyond: Regional Alternatives

Beyond Ohio’s impressive showing, other regions offer equally compelling options. New Ulm, Minnesota provides an exceptional combination with only 0.29 violent crimes per 1,000 residents—among the lowest in the entire ranking—while maintaining an annual cost of living at $36,361.

Texas enters the conversation through San Elizario, a community of 10,123 where you’ll find the lowest average home values ($167,333) and monthly mortgages ($989) in this tier. Remarkably, it boasts nearly crime-free violent incidents at just 0.10 per 1,000 residents.

Indiana’s Yorktown and Columbus represent larger community options with populations of 11,617 and 51,104 respectively, offering more amenities while keeping the cheapest cost of living under control at $37,332 and $40,402 annually.

Mid-Range Budget Communities: $40,000-$45,000 Annually

As annual expenses climb toward $40,000-$45,000, more options emerge with stronger livability scores:

• Butler, Pennsylvania (13,306 residents): $40,446 annually with remarkably low violent crime (0.20 per 1,000)
• Trenton, Michigan (18,242 residents): $41,641 annually with impressive livability of 86/100
• Hamilton, Ohio (63,124 residents): $42,726 annually, offering bigger-city amenities
• Brunswick, Ohio (35,284 residents): $44,251 annually with strong 78/100 livability rating
• North Ridgeville, Ohio (36,043 residents): $44,415 annually, another solid Ohio option
• Edwardsville, Illinois (26,543 residents): Highest on the list at $45,323 annually but features an exceptional 90/100 livability score with only 0.30 violent crimes per 1,000

What This Data Reveals

The research examined violent and property crime rates from FBI quarterly statistics, property values from the Zillow Home Value Index (January 2025), and cost of living data from multiple federal sources including the Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics. All 15 communities had populations exceeding 10,000 residents, ensuring they weren’t just statistical anomalies but actual livable communities.

The pattern is clear: you can secure genuine safety and the cheapest cost of living available without relocating to a major metropolitan area. Ohio’s dominance suggests that Midwest communities have particularly mastered this balance, though quality options exist across Texas, Minnesota, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois as well.

Whether you’re seeking the absolute lowest annual expenses or prefer a slightly higher budget in exchange for better community amenities and livability scores, this list proves that financial responsibility and personal safety aren’t mutually exclusive goals.