15 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in the USA: A Regional Analysis

Finding a city that balances affordability with low crime rates remains one of America’s most challenging housing decisions. However, research reveals that the cheapest and safest place to live isn’t impossible to find—it’s just a matter of knowing where to look. GOBankingRates’ comprehensive 2025 analysis identified 15 communities across the United States where residents can enjoy both economic stability and peaceful neighborhoods, creating the ideal combination of low costs and minimal security concerns.

What makes this research particularly revealing is the geographic clustering of opportunity. Seven of the top 15 safest and most affordable places are concentrated in a single state, highlighting a clear regional advantage in the national housing market. These data-driven findings, based on FBI crime statistics, Zillow home valuations from January 2025, U.S. Census Bureau information, and Bureau of Labor Statistics expenditure surveys, paint a compelling picture of where Americans can stretch their budgets furthest while maintaining personal safety.

The Midwest’s Domination: Ohio and the Heartland Advantage

The analysis shows a striking pattern: the cheapest and safest places to live cluster heavily in the Midwest, particularly Ohio. Seven communities from this state alone made the top 15 ranking, suggesting that the region’s combination of moderate housing costs, stable economies, and lower crime rates creates an exceptional environment for budget-conscious relocators.

New Philadelphia, Ohio tops the list with a total annual cost of living of just $35,549, making it the most affordable option. With an average single-family home valued at $186,258 and a monthly mortgage of only $1,101, residents benefit from one of America’s lowest violent crime rates at 0.69 per 1,000 people. The city’s livability score of 76 reflects its appeal as a balanced, family-friendly community.

New Ulm, Minnesota, ranks second and represents the safest of all communities surveyed, with a violent crime rate of just 0.29 per 1,000 residents. Though slightly higher in cost ($36,361 annually) and home prices (averaging $222,693), its 82 livability score underscores why it attracts those prioritizing security alongside affordability.

The Complete Midwest Contingent

Beyond the top two, Ohio further demonstrates its economic advantage through Parma Heights ($36,575 annual cost), Berea ($37,768), Mount Vernon ($37,928), Hamilton ($42,726), Brunswick ($44,251), and North Ridgeville ($44,415). Each combines home values between $196,000-$313,000 with violent crime rates below 0.60 per 1,000 residents.

Yorktown, Indiana ($37,332 annually) and Columbus, Indiana ($40,402) continue the Heartland trend, while Butler, Pennsylvania ($40,446) and Trenton, Michigan ($41,641) round out the upper Midwest’s strong showing.

Expanding Beyond Tradition: Hidden Gems in Other Regions

The safest and most affordable places aren’t exclusively Midwestern. San Elizario, Texas claims the fourth-lowest annual cost of living at $36,738 while boasting the lowest violent crime rate of the entire study: 0.10 per 1,000 residents. Though home prices are modest at $167,333, with monthly mortgages of just $989, this small Texas community (population 10,123) represents an exceptional outlier for those considering southwestern alternatives.

Orono, Maine ($44,036 annually) demonstrates that northeastern communities can compete, particularly for those seeking college-town ambiance combined with manageable living expenses. Edwardsville, Illinois closes the rankings at $45,323 annually while maintaining the study’s highest livability score of 90 and a violent crime rate of just 0.30 per 1,000.

Making Your Choice: Finding Your Affordable, Safe Community

The cheapest and safest place to live in the USA depends heavily on personal priorities. Those seeking the absolute lowest annual costs should focus on Texas and Ohio options averaging $35,000-$38,000. For those prioritizing security above budget constraints, New Ulm and San Elizario offer exceptional crime statistics. Mid-range communities like Edwardsville offer the best livability scores for those seeking overall quality of life.

All 15 communities were identified using consistent methodology: screening the 150 safest U.S. cities (population 10,000+) using FBI quarterly crime statistics, then ranking by lowest total cost of living. Home values reflect 2025 market conditions, while property and violent crime rates represent the most recent FBI data available as of February 2025.

Data Source Note: This analysis used information from GOBankingRates’ research combining Zillow Home Value Index (January 2025), FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics, U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling’s BestPlaces, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve Economic Data, and AreaVibes. The research was finalized February 24, 2025.