Discovering America's Most Budget-Friendly Yet Secure Communities: A Data-Driven Guide to the Best States to Live in the US

Finding a place where affordability doesn’t mean compromising on safety has become increasingly challenging. Yet a comprehensive analysis of crime statistics and living expenses across the nation reveals encouraging news: there are thriving communities where both factors align favorably. This exploration identifies 15 standout locations where residents can enjoy economic stability without sacrificing security.

Why These Cities Stand Out

The research methodology synthesized FBI quarterly crime statistics, U.S. Census data, and real estate valuations to pinpoint communities with the lowest violent and property crime rates, then filtered by total cost of living. The result is a curated list that challenges conventional assumptions about affordable housing markets. What’s particularly striking is the geographic concentration: seven communities hail from a single Midwestern state, suggesting that certain regions have cracked the code on balancing prosperity with safety.

The Ohio Advantage: A Regional Analysis

Remarkably, Ohio dominates this ranking with more communities than any other state represented. Cities like New Philadelphia, Parma Heights, Berea, Mount Vernon, Hamilton, Brunswick, and North Ridgeville all earned spots in the top 15. This clustering isn’t coincidental—these communities combine reasonable housing markets (average home values ranging from $186,000 to $313,000), manageable mortgage payments ($1,100–$1,850 monthly), and remarkably low crime rates. The pattern suggests that specific regional factors—perhaps including established infrastructure, community stability, and economic diversity—create environments where both affordability and safety coexist naturally.

Top Contenders: A Closer Look at Leading Communities

The Most Economical Options

Starting at the affordability spectrum’s lower end, New Philadelphia, Ohio presents the most budget-conscious choice with an annual cost of living at $35,549 and median home values near $186,000. San Elizario, Texas follows closely with similar affordability ($36,738 annually) alongside exceptionally low violent crime rates (0.10 per 1,000 residents). These entry-level options appeal to first-time buyers and those seeking maximum savings.

Balancing Act Communities

Mid-range selections like New Ulm, Minnesota ($36,361 annual expenses) and Yorktown, Indiana ($37,332) offer slightly higher quality-of-life scores while maintaining accessibility. New Ulm particularly impresses with a livability rating of 82 and minimal violent crime (0.29 per 1,000), making it attractive for families seeking balanced neighborhoods.

Growing Urban Centers

Larger communities with more amenities appear further down the list. Columbus, Indiana (population 51,104) and Hamilton, Ohio (63,124 residents) provide urban conveniences while maintaining single-family home values under $280,000 and annual living costs under $43,000. These represent best states to live in the US for those wanting city advantages with suburban affordability.

Comprehensive City Rankings with Key Metrics

The top five communities share annual expenses between $35,549–$37,332, positioning them as genuinely accessible for middle-income households. Violent crime rates universally remain below 1 per 1,000 residents, substantially lower than national averages.

Mid-Range Communities

Berea, Ohio ($37,768), Mount Vernon, Ohio ($37,928), Columbus, Indiana ($40,402), Butler, Pennsylvania ($40,446), and Trenton, Michigan ($41,641) represent the transition zone where slightly higher living costs accompany expanded amenities and slightly larger populations.

Premium Selections

Communities like Orono, Maine ($44,036), Brunswick, Ohio ($44,251), North Ridgeville, Ohio ($44,415), and Edwardsville, Illinois ($45,323) top the financial spectrum while maintaining exceptional safety metrics. Edwardsville notably achieves the highest livability rating (90) despite ranking 15th on affordability, suggesting that premium positioning doesn’t necessarily compromise the safety-value equation.

What These Rankings Reveal About Best States to Live in the US

The data underscores that geographic diversity matters. While Ohio claims seven spots, representation spans Minnesota, Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maine, and Illinois—demonstrating that economical-yet-safe living isn’t a regional monopoly. Violent crime rates across all 15 communities range from 0.10 to 0.69 per 1,000, compared to national violent crime averages exceeding 4.0 per 1,000 in many urban centers.

Property crime considerations reveal more variation, ranging from 1.08 to 6.29 per 1,000 residents. This variance suggests that while these communities excel at preventing serious violent crime, property-related offenses merit individual evaluation based on personal priorities.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Residents

For those prioritizing maximum savings, the top five communities deliver annual living expenses under $37,500 alongside exceptional safety. Families valuing livability ratings might gravitate toward New Ulm (82), Trenton (86), or Edwardsville (90). Those seeking larger communities without abandoning affordability find options in Columbus, Hamilton, and North Ridgeville, each exceeding 35,000 residents.

The research confirms that best states to live in the US for budget-conscious families exist—they simply require looking beyond conventional metropolitan destinations toward emerging communities that have cultivated sustainable, secure environments where prosperity remains achievable.

Methodology Note: This analysis draws from FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics, U.S. Census American Community Survey data, Sperling’s BestPlaces ratings, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure surveys, Zillow Home Value Index data from January 2025, Federal Reserve Economic Data, and AreaVibes community assessments. Data reflects conditions as of February 24, 2025, providing current snapshots of these markets.