Budget-Friendly and Secure: The Best US Communities for Affordable Living with Low Crime

Finding a place to live that doesn’t drain your wallet while keeping you safe is increasingly challenging across the country. However, our research identified 15 communities where residents enjoy both reasonable housing costs and lower crime statistics—a rare combination in today’s housing market.

The Research Breakdown

This comprehensive study examined crime data from the FBI’s quarterly statistics alongside housing values, mortgage costs, and total annual living expenses. By narrowing down to the safest 150 communities with populations over 10,000, researchers then sorted these locations by their most affordable total cost of living. The findings reveal surprising geographic patterns, with the Midwest dominating the list—particularly states like Ohio, which accounts for seven of the top 15 most budget-friendly and secure options.

Top Tier Affordability (Under $37,000 Annually)

New Philadelphia and New Ulm Lead the Pack

The most economical option is New Philadelphia, Ohio, where annual living costs hover around $35,549. With an average single-family home valued at $186,258 and monthly mortgage payments of approximately $1,101, this community of 17,563 residents maintains a violent crime rate of just 0.69 per 1,000—significantly lower than national averages. Nearby, New Ulm, Minnesota offers comparable affordability at $36,361 annually, with an even lower violent crime rate of 0.29 per 1,000, though property crime runs slightly higher at 5.07 per 1,000.

Mid-Range Options with Strong Safety Records

Parma Heights, Ohio ($36,575 annually) and San Elizario, Texas ($36,738 annually) provide additional entry points for those prioritizing both budget and security. San Elizario particularly stands out with an impressively low violent crime rate of just 0.10 per 1,000, the lowest on the entire list. Yorktown, Indiana and Berea, Ohio complete this tier, each costing under $38,000 annually while maintaining violent crime rates below 0.7 per 1,000.

Mid-Range Communities ($37,000–$42,000 Annually)

This bracket expands options significantly, featuring Mount Vernon, Ohio ($37,928 annually), Columbus, Indiana ($40,402 annually), Butler, Pennsylvania ($40,446 annually), and Trenton, Michigan ($41,641 annually). Trenton notably achieves the highest livability score at 86 despite its moderate price point. These communities continue the pattern of low violent crime, typically under 0.4 per 1,000.

Premium Budget-Conscious Picks ($42,000–$45,000 Annually)

For those with slightly more flexibility, Hamilton, Ohio ($42,726 annually), Orono, Maine ($44,036 annually), Brunswick, Ohio ($44,251 annually), North Ridgeville, Ohio ($44,415 annually), and Edwardsville, Illinois ($45,323 annually) extend the list. Edwardsville leads this group with an exceptional livability score of 90 and a minimal violent crime rate of 0.30 per 1,000.

Why Ohio Dominates

Seven of the fifteen most affordable and secure communities are located in Ohio—a remarkable concentration that reflects the state’s balance of reasonable housing markets and community safety investments. These Midwest communities consistently demonstrate how lower cost of living doesn’t necessitate compromising on security.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Residents

Residents seeking to relocate should consider these metrics beyond just price: livability scores range from 62 to 90, violent crime varies from 0.10 to 0.69 per 1,000, and property crime patterns differ significantly between locations. The data, compiled through February 2025, reflects current market conditions and crime statistics, providing a reliable snapshot for decision-making in the US housing market.