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25 Safest Cities in Oregon 2016

OregonLocated in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Oregon’s western border is the Pacific coastline and both the Columbia River and Washington State are to the North.  Home to just over 4 million residents, the state is the 27th most populous, with Salem being its capital and Portland its largest city. Oregon has a diverse landscape, from the Pacific coastline to the volcano-lined Cascade Range.  The state is known for its lush forests and also its growing industry, with headquarters of such companies as Nike, Lithia Motors, and Columbia Sportswear located here.  If you’d to make the Beaver State your next home, here are the 25 safest cities in Oregon to help you make the right choice.
Related: Check out our Oregon Public Records guide.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 232 for violent crime and 2,879 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 West Linn

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Located in Clackamas County, the city of West Linn is home to 25,100 residents.  Considered a southern suburb of Portland, the community sits between the Willamette and Tualatin rivers as was included on CNN Money’s list of best places to live.  West Linn is the safest place to live in Oregon, with a violent crime rate of 19.6 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here less than 1%.

#2 Sherwood

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A city in Washington County, Sherwood is home to 18,900 residents.  Part of the Tualatin Valley southwest of Portland, the community encompasses 4.3 square miles and sits adjacent to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 58.8, and residents of Sherwood have a 1.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#3 Albany

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Located in Linn County, the city of Albany has a current population of 51,500 residents.  Also the county seat, this community in the Willamette Valley lies at the confluence of the Willamette and Calapooia rivers and is home to over 30 parks.  Another safe choice, the violent crime rate in Albany is 86.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3%.

#4 Newberg

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A city in Yamhill County, Newberg is home to 22,100 residents.  Considered a suburb of Portland, the community was incorporated in 1889 and is the site of George Fox University, a private liberal arts Christian university with 3,900 students.  The violent crime rate here is 89.8, and residents of Newberg have a 1.6% chance of being affected by property crime.

#5 St. Helens

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Located in Columbia County, the city of St. Helens is home to 12,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is 39 miles from Mount St. Helens, sits on the banks of the Columbia River, and was a major filming location for the movie “Twilight.”  The violent crime rate in St. Helens is 92.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.9%.

#6 Lake Oswego

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A city primarily in Clackamas County, Lake Oswego is home to 36,600 residents.  Located just south of Portland, this affluent community was founded in 1847, sits adjacent to the 405-acre Lake Oswego, and maintains over 500 acres of parks.  The violent crime rate here is 93.8, and residents of Lake Oswego have a 1.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#7 Canby

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Also located in Clackamas County, the city of Canby is home to 15,800 residents.  Situated in an area known as Baker Prairie, the community lies between the Molalla and Willamette rivers and is the site of the county fairgrounds as well as the largest dahlia grower in the country.  The violent crime rate in Canby is 105.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.7%.

#8 Tualatin

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A city primarily in Washington County, Tualatin is home to 26,000 residents.  Considered a suburb of Portland, the community lies to the south of the Tualatin River and is the site of several factories as well as an upscale shopping area called Bridgeport Village.  The violent crime rate here is 108.4, and residents of Tualatin have a 3.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#9 Milwaukie

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Located in Clackamas County, the city of Milwaukie is home to 20,200 residents.  Considered a suburb of Portland, the community lies adjacent to the Willamette River and is known as the home of Darkhorse Comics as well as being the birthplace of the Bing cherry.  The violent crime rate in Milwaukie is 121, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.5%.

#10 Corvallis

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A city in Benton County, Corvallis has a current population of 54,400 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is 30 miles south of Salem and is home to Oregon State University as well as a large regional medical center.  The violent crime here is 121.7, and residents of Corvallis have a 2.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#11 Tigard

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Located in Washington County, the city of Tigard is home to 48,000 residents.  The community is divided into 13 distinct neighborhoods, is the site of one of the state’s largest malls, and is the headquarters for several companies such as Consumer Cellular and Gerber Legendary Blades.  The violent crime rate in Tigard is 135.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.4%.

#12 Hermiston

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A city in Umatilla County, Hermiston is home to 16,700 residents.  Considered the largest city in Eastern Oregon, the community lies 7 miles south of the Columbia River and Lake Wallula and is known for its watermelon production.  The violent crime rate here is 140.7, and residents of Hermiston have a 3.2% chance of being affected by property crime.

#13 Oregon City

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Located in Clackamas County, Oregon City is home to 31,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was the first U.S. city west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated.  The area has a long history in the forestry industry but is now home to several high-tech and manufacturing companies. The violent crime rate in Oregon City is 141.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.7%.

#14 Central Point

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A city in Jackson County, Central Point is home to 17,100 residents.  Located just north of Medford, the community was incorporated in 1889 and is the headquarters of such businesses as the Talk Radio Network and Erickson Air Crane.  The violent crime rate here is 149.2, and residents of Central Point have a 3.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#15 Beaverton

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Located in Washington County, the city of Beaverton has a current population of 89,800 residents.  Just 7 miles west of downtown Portland, the community was included on Money’s list of best places to live and is home to numerous corporate headquarters such as Nike, Reser’s Fine Foods, and Leupold & Stevens.  The violent crime rate in Beaverton is 152.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.5%.

#16 La Grande

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A city in Union County, La Grande is home to 13,000 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies to the east of the Blue Mountains, encompasses 4.6 square miles, and is the site of Eastern Oregon University, part of the state university system. The violent crime rate here is 166.7, and residents of La Grande have a 3.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#17 The Dalles

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Located in Wasco County, The Dalles is a city that is home to 13,600 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies on the banks of the Columbia River, is the site of the popular annual Northwest Cherry Festival and is home to a Google data center.  The violent crime rate in The Dalles is 167.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.9%.

#18 Ashland

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A city in Jackson County, Ashland is home to 20,700 residents.   Located just north of the California border, the community is a popular tourist destination as is home to Southern Oregon University as well as the famous annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  The violent crime rate here is 171.8, and residents of Ashland have a 3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#19 Springfield

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Located in Lane County, the city of Springfield is home to 59,400 residents.  A part of the Willamette Valley, the community encompasses 15.7 square miles, and its major employers include its two large hospitals, the Springfield School District, and Symantec.  The violent crime rate in Springfield is 173, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5%.

#20 Keizer

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A city in Marion County, Keizer is home to 36,400 residents.  Considered a suburb of Salem, the community has a minor league baseball team and is known for its iris-growing industry, also sponsoring a popular annual Iris Festival each May.  The violent crime rate here is 174.9, and residents of Keizer have a 2.2% chance of being affected by property crime.

#21 Troutdale

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Located in Multnomah County, the city of Troutdale is home to 15,900 residents.  Just 12 miles east of Portland, the community sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Sandy rivers and is known as the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge and the Mount Hood Scenic Byway.  The violent crime rate in Troutdale is 183.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.4%.

#22 Hillsboro

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A city in Washington County, Hillsboro has a current population of 91,600 residents.  Considered a western suburb of Portland, the community is a part of what is known as the Silicon Forest, which an area that hosts many high-tech companies such as Intel, Yahoo!, and Salesforce.  The violent crime rate here is 191.2, and residents of Hillsboro have a 2.2% chance of being affected by property crime.

#23 McMinnville

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Located in Yamhill County, the city of McMinnville is home to 32,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is 35 miles southwest of Portland, lies at the confluence of the Willamette and Yamhill Rivers, and is home to Linfield College and the popular Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.  The violent crime rate in McMinnville is 195.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.8%.

#24 Dallas

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A city in Polk County, Dallas is home to 14,500 residents. Also the county seat, the community is just 15 miles west of Salem, encompasses 4.8 square miles, and lies adjacent to Rickreall Creek.  The violent crime rate here is 195.9, and residents of Dallas have a 2.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#25 Grants Pass

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Located in Josephine County, the city of Grants Pass is home to 34,500 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits northwest of Medford, is known for its rafting on the Rogue River as well as for its proximity to the Oregon Caves National Monument.  The violent crime rate in Grants Pass is 214.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5%.

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15 Safest Cities in Kentucky 2016

KentuckyLocated in the east south-central region of the United States, Kentucky is home to 4.4 million people. Designated as a commonwealth, the state is the 26th most populous and 37th largest U.S. state. The state’s major cities are Louisville and Lexington, and it is known as having the world’s longest cave system, the longest navigable waterways in the contiguous United States, and two large man-made lakes. The state has the nation’s most productive coalfield but is also noted for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and horse racing. If you’d like to live in the Bluegrass State, here are the 15 safest cities in Kentucky

Related: Check out our Kentucky Public Records guide..

Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 212 for violent crime and 2,247 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Fort Thomas

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Located in Campbell County, the city of Fort Thomas is home to 16,300 residents.  The community sits on the southern bank of the Ohio River and is considered a suburb of Cincinnati. The city is known for its quality schools and is the safest place to live in the state of Kentucky.  The violent crime rate in Fort Thomas is 42.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1.4%.

#2 Lawrenceburg

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A city in Anderson County, Lawrenceburg is home to 10,500 residents.  Also the county seat, the community encompasses 5.8 square miles and is the site of both the Four Roses and Wild Turkey bourbon distilleries.  Another safe choice, the violent crime rate here is 66.2, and residents of Lawrenceburg have a 1.1% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Independence

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Located in Kenton County, the city of Independence is home to 24,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of Cincinnati, the community is also one of two county seats, and the city lies on the southern bank of the Ohio River.  The violent crime rate in Independence is 72.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.1%.

#4 Murray

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A city in Calloway County, Murray is home to 17,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is just 7 miles north of the Tennessee border and is home to Murray State University, a four-year public university with 10,000 students.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 112 and residents of Murray have a 3.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Madisonville

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Located in Hopkins County, the city of Madisonville is home to 19,300 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is a part of the Western Coal Fields region, and it is now a manufacturing hub in the area, with major employers such as GE Aviation, Carhartt, and Ahlstrom.  The violent crime rate in Madisonville is 121.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.3%.

#6 Elizabethtown

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A city in Hardin County, Elizabethtown is home to 29,300 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Louisville, encompasses 25.8 square miles, and is served by two different school districts.  The violent crime rate here is 149.7, and residents of Elizabethtown have a 3.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#7 Jeffersontown

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Located in Jefferson County, the city of Jeffersontown is home to 26,500 residents.  Considered a major suburb of Louisville, the community was founded in 1797, encompasses just 10 square miles, and is the home of the headquarters of Papa John’s Pizza.  The violent crime rate in Jeffersontown is 168, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.2%.

#8 Glasgow

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A city in Barren County, Glasgow is home to 14,000 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was named by The Progressive Farmer as the top rural place to live as is known for its popular annual Scottish Highland Games.  The violent crime rate here is 169.9, and residents of Glasgow have a 2% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#9 Berea

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Located in Madison County, the city of Berea has a current population of 13,500 residents.   This fast-growing community lies on the border of the Cumberland Plateau, is home to Berea College, and has become a tourist attraction with its many art festivals and historic properties.  The violent crime rate in Berea is 175.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 4.3%.

#10 Erlanger

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A city in Kenton County, Erlanger is home to 18,300 residents.  Considered a suburb of Cincinnati, the community encompasses 8.3 square miles and is the site of a major Toyota manufacturing plant as well as the headquarters of The United States Playing Card Company.  The violent crime rate here is 181.5, and residents of Erlanger have a 2.6% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#11 St. Matthews

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Located in Jefferson County, the city of St. Matthews is home to 15,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is a suburb of Louisville and serves as one of the state’s major shopping destinations, with a large mall and several shopping centers.  The violent crime rate in St. Matthews is 181.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.8%.

#12 Shelbyville

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A city in Shelby County, Shelbyville is home to 14,000 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was established in 1792 and is known as the Saddlebred Capital of the World, with a popular annual horse show that draws visitors from around the world.  The violent crime rate here is 205.1, and residents of Shelbyville have a 2.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#13 Henderson

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Located in Henderson County, the city of Henderson is home to 28,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of Evansville, the community lies on the bank of the Ohio River and is the site of the Ellis Park Race Course as well as several popular annual music festivals.  The violent crime rate in Henderson is 210.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.1%.

#14 Florence

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A city in Boone County, Florence is home to 29,900 residents.  Considered a suburb of Cincinnati, the community encompasses 10.3 square miles, is served by the Boone County School District, and is home to a minor league baseball team and stadium.  The violent crime rate here is 225.5, and residents of Florence have a 5.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#15 Bardstown

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Located in Nelson County, the city of Bardstown is home to 11,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is the 2nd oldest city in the state, has many historic properties, and is home to several operating distilleries including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.  The violent crime rate in Bardstown is 229.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3%.

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10 Safest Cities in Louisiana 2016

LouisianaLocated in the Southern region of the United States, Louisiana is home to 4.6 million residents.  Ranked the 25th most populous of the U.S. states, its largest city is New Orleans, and the capital of the state is Baton Rouge.  Instead of counties, the political subdivisions of the state are called “parishes.”  Fifteen percent of Louisiana’s land mass is water, whether it be lakes, rivers, deltas, coastal marsh, or swamp, giving way to a diverse selection of animal life and vegetation.  If you’d like to make the Bayou State your home, here are the ten safest cities in Louisiana.

Related: Check out our Louisiana Public Records guide.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 515 for violent crime and 3,459 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Baker

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Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, the city of Baker is home to 13,800 residents.  Just five miles from the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, the community sits adjacent to the Baton Rouge Zoo and is known for its popular annual Baker Buffalo Festival in September.  Baker is the safest place to live in Louisiana, with a violent crime rate of 185.4 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 3.2%.

#2 Kenner

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A city in Jefferson Parish, Kenner is home to 66,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of New Orleans, this community that sits along the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain was founded in 1855 and is the site of both the New Orleans airport and its main convention center.  Another safe choice, the violent crime rate in Kenner is 239.2, and residents have a 3.8% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Mandeville

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Located in St. Tammany Parish, the city of Mandeville is home to 11,500 residents.  The community sits on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, across the lake from New Orleans, and the city was awarded Google’s eCity award in 2013.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 265.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Mandeville is 3.2%.

#4 Jennings

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A city in Jefferson Parish, Jennings is home 11,400 residents.  Also the parish seat, the community sits halfway between Lake Charles and Lafayette and is known as the “Cradle of Louisiana Oil” due to its history in oil production.  The violent crime rate in Jennings is 391.3, and residents of the city have a 2.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Gonzales

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Located in Ascension Parish, the city of Gonzales is home to 9,700 residents.  Settled in the mid-1800’s, the community encompasses 8.5 square miles and is known as the “Jambalaya Capital of the World,” with a popular annual Jambalaya Festival.  The violent crime rate here is 435.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Gonzales is 7.2%.

#6 Morgan City

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A city in St. Mary Parish, Morgan City is home to 12,400 residents.  The community sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River, was once named the “jumbo shrimp capital of the world”, and has a nineteen-block historic district.  The violent crime rate in Morgan City is 447.4, and residents here have a 3.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#7 Slidell

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Located in St. Tammany Parish, the city of Slidell has a current population of 27,000 residents.  The community lies on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain and is home to the regional National Weather Service office as well as the headquarters of Vesco Tennis Courts and Textron Marine & Land Systems.  The violent crime rate here is 450.3, and residents of Slidell have a 5.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#8 Thibodaux

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A city in Lafourche Parish, Thibodaux is home 14,500 residents.  Also the parish seat, the community was incorporated in 1830, encompasses 5.5 square miles of land, and is the site of Nicholls State University, a public 287-acre university.  The violent crime rate in Thibodaux is 476.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4%.

#9 Zachary

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Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, the city of Zachary is home to 11,200 residents.  Just 16 miles north of the city of Baton Rouge, the community was incorporated in 1889, encompasses 23.9 square miles, and is served by the Zachary Community School Board.  The violent crime rate here is 582.9, and residents of Zachary have a 1.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#10 Bossier City

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A city in Bossier Parish, Bossier City is home to 66,300 residents.  Considered a sister-city to Shreveport, the community sits on the eastern bank of the Red River, is home to four riverboat casino resorts as well as Barksdale Air Force Base and Louisiana Tech University.  The violent crime rate in Bossier City is 596.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.8%.

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25 Safest Cities in Alabama 2016

alabamaAlabama is located in the Southern United States and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Home to 4.8 million residents, the state is 24th most populous in the country, and its largest city by population is Birmingham. Alabama offers residents a diverse landscape, with hundreds of indigenous animal species and unique flora and fauna. Once a largely agricultural region, the state has evolved to embrace such things as aerospace, manufacturing, and finance. If you’re looking to make the Heart of Dixie your next home, here are the 25 safest cities in Alabama.

Related: Check out our Alabama Public Records guide.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 427 for violent crime and 3,178 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Mountain Brook

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Located in southeastern Jefferson County, the city of Mountain Brook is home to 20,400 residents.  Considered an affluent suburb of Birmingham, the community was incorporated in 1942 and consists of three distinct villages.  Mountain Brook is the safest place to live in Alabama, with a violent crime rate of 39 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.4%.

#2 Vestavia Hills

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A city in Jefferson and Shelby counties, Vestavia Hills is home to 24,400 residents.  Also considered a Birmingham suburb, the community encompasses 19.4 square miles, has a vast system of parks, and is known for its high-quality public schools.  Another safe choice, the violent crime rate in Vestavia Hills is 64.3, and residents have a 1.4% chance of being involved in a property crime here.

#3 Helena

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Also located in Shelby and Jefferson counties, the city of Helena is home to 16,700 residents.  Also a suburb of Birmingham, the community sits at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains foothills, and was included in Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S.  The violent crime rate here is 64.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Helena is just 1%.

#4 Hoover

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Another city in Jefferson and Shelby counties, Hoover is home to 84,100 residents.  Considered Birmingham’s largest suburb, the community features a minor league baseball team as well as the Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping centers in the Southeast.  The violent crime rate in Hoover is 104.5, and residents of the city have a 2.6% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Eufaula

Located in Barbour County, the city of Eufaula is home to 13,100 residents.  The community sits along the banks of both the Chattahoochee River and Lake Eufaula, which is known as the “Big Bass Capital of the World”, and there are also many historic properties here.  The violent crime rate here is 130.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Eufaula is 2.6%.

#6 Athens

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A city in Limestone County, Athens is home to 21,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is one of the oldest in the state and is the site of both Athens State University and the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant.  The violent crime rate in Athens is 136.7, and residents of the city have a 3.7% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#7 Hartselle

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Located in Morgan County, the city of Hartselle is home to 14,200 residents.  Just 10 miles south of Decatur, the community was established in 1870 and encompasses 14.9 square miles of land.  The violent crime rate here is 146, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Hartselle is 2.7%.

#8 Moody

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A city in St. Clair County, Moody is home to 11,700 residents.  Incorporated in 1962, the community is just 15 miles east of Birmingham, encompasses 24 square miles and is served by the St. Clair County School District.  The violent crime rate in Moody is 151, and residents of the city have a 1.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#9 Fort Payne

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Located in DeKalb County, the city of Fort Payne is home to 14,000 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is near several attractions such as Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park, and Little River Canyon National Preserve.  It is also the headquarters for the music group Alabama.  The violent crime rate here is 154.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Fort Payne is 3.3%.

#10 Alabaster

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A city in Shelby County, Alabaster is home to 31.300 residents.  Considered a southern suburb of Birmingham, the community sits within the Opossum and Cahaba valleys and is served by its own school district.  The violent crime rate in Alabaster is 158.5, and residents of the city have a 2.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#11 Pelham

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Located in Shelby County, the city of Pelham is home to 21,300 residents.  The community encompasses 38.3 square miles and features Oak Mountain State Park, the state’s largest state park.  The violent crime rate here is 165.5, and residents of Pelham have a 2.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#12 Pleasant Grove

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A city in western Jefferson County, Pleasant Grove is home to 10,300 residents.  Considered a suburb of Birmingham, the former coal mining community has a total area of 8.8 square miles and is served by the Jefferson County Board of Education.  The violent crime rate in Pleasant Grove is 167.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.4%.

#13 Prattville

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Located in Autauga and Elmore counties, the city of Prattville is home to 33,900 residents.  Considered a suburb of Montgomery, the community is nicknamed “The Fountain City” because of the abundance of artesian wells in the area and it is also a popular golf destination.  The violent crime rate here is 173.8, and residents of Prattville have a 3.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#14 Gardendale

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A city in Jefferson County, Gardendale is home to 13,800 residents.  Considered a northern suburb of Birmingham, the community encompasses 17.9 square miles and is now home to more than 400 businesses and four schools. The violent crime rate in Gardendale is 193.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.5%.

#15 Madison

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Located in Madison and Limestone counties, the city of Madison is home to 42,900 residents.  Considered a suburb of Huntsville, the community was the site of a Civil War battle, and its largest employer is Intergraph, a computer software company.  The violent crime rate here is 205.2, and residents of Madison have a 2.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#16 Auburn

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A city in Lee County, Auburn has a current population of 60,200 residents.  Best known as the home of Auburn University, this fast-growing city was named by U.S. News in its top ten places to live in the U.S. and has a growing list of high-tech and research firms within its borders.  The violent crime rate in Auburn is 240.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.5%.

#17 Sylacauga

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Located in Talladega County, the city of Sylacauga is home to 12,700 residents.  The community has a long history in the marble industry, with its white marble bed stretching over 32 miles.  Such famous buildings as the U.S. Supreme Court, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial were created with Sylacauga marble.  The violent crime rate here is 259.3, and residents of Sylacauga have a  5% chance of being affected by property crime

#18 Saraland

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A city in Mobile County, Saraland is home to 13,400 residents.  Considered a suburb of Mobile, the community encompasses 22 square miles, is served by the Saraland Board of Education, and is home to Shell Saraland Refinery operated by Shell. The violent crime rate in Saraland is 259.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4%.

#19 Hueytown

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Located in western Jefferson County, the city of Hueytown is home to 16,100 residents.  Considered a suburb of Birmingham, the community has a history in agriculture, steel, and coal mining, and was home to the dominant NASCAR racing group the Alabama Gang.  The violent crime rate here is 265.7, and residents of Hueytown have a 3.9% chance of being affected by property crime.

#20 Fairhope

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A city in Baldwin County, Fairhope is home to 15,300 residents.  The community sits along the cliffs and shoreline of Mobile Bay, was named by Southern Living as the second best small town in the South, and is known for its fishing and resorts.  The violent crime rate in Fairhope is 272.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.1%.

#21 Jacksonville

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Located in Calhoun County, the city of Jacksonville has a current population of 12,500 residents.  This fast-growing community encompasses 9.8 square miles and is home to Jacksonville State University, a public university with an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students.  The violent crime rate here is 343.1, and residents of Jacksonville have a 3.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#22 Oxford

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A city in Calhoun and Talladega counties, Oxford is home to 21,300 residents.  The community sits at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has two lakes, and share a border with the Talladega National Forest.  The violent crime rate in Oxford is 356.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5.8%.

#23 Foley

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Located in Baldwin County, the city of Foley is home to 14,600 residents.  Incorporated in 1915, the community encompasses 25.9 square miles, is served by the Baldwin County School District, and features its popular City of Foley Antique Rose Trail.  The violent crime rate here is 358.8, and residents of Foley have a 4.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#24 Montgomery

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The largest city on our list, Montgomery is home to 374,500 residents.  Both the state capital and the county seat of Montgomery County, the city sits along the Alabama River, was named by USA Today as the “Best Historic City”, and is home to many large businesses and several universities.  The violent crime rate in Montgomery is 395.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5.7%.

#25 Enterprise

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Located in southeastern Coffee County, the city of Enterprise is home to 26,500 residents.  Founded in 1896, the community originally relied on cotton but switched to peanuts and became a leading national producer.  Enterprise features the famous Boll Weevil Monument and is home to the annual BamaJam music festival.  The violent crime rate here is 407.8, and residents of Enterprise have a 3.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

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15 Safest Cities in South Carolina 2016

South CarolinaSouth Carolina is located in the southeastern United States and is an Atlantic coastal state. Home to 4.8 million residents, it is the 23rd largest state in terms of population and the 40th by size. The state’s capital is Columbia, which is also its largest city and the region is still largely run by agriculture, followed by industrial outputs and tourism. South Carolina has beautiful landscape, with nearly 700 square miles of lakes, and an incredibly rich history. If you’d like to settle in The Palmetto State, here are the 15 safest cities in South Carolina.

Related: Check out our South Carolina Public Records guide.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 498 for violent crime and 3,460 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Hanahan

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Located in Berkeley County, the city of Hanahan has a current population of 12,900 residents.  The community has direct access to Charleston Harbor and is home to a portion of the Naval Weapons Station Charleston, which covers 27 square miles and supports 53 Military Commands and Federal Agencies.  Hanahan is the safest place to live in South Carolina, with a violent crime rate of 144, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.8%.

#2 Summerville

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A town in Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties, Summerville is home to 43,300 residents.  The community encompasses 18.1 square miles, has a history dating back to the Revolutionary War, and is known for its Flowertown Festival, the largest arts and crafts festival in the state.  Another safe choice, the violent crime rate here is 183.6, and residents of Summerville have a 2.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Mauldin

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Located in Greenville County, the city of Mauldin is home to 15,200 residents.  Incorporated for a second time in 1960, the community is served by the Greenville County School District and is the site of supermarket chain BI-LO’s headquarters.  The violent crime rate in Mauldin is 203.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in the city is 1.9%.

#4 North Augusta

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A city in Aiken County, North Augusta is home to 21,300 residents.  The community sits on the north bank of the Savannah River, is a popular tourist destination, and is the site of the annual Nike premier summer events for high school basketball.  The violent crime rate here is 212.6, and residents of North Augusta have a 4% of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Mount Pleasant

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Located in Charleston County, the town of Mount Pleasant is home to 67,800 residents.  Considered a fast-growing suburb of Charleston, the community lies on the east side of Charleston Harbor and features a popular naval and maritime museum, where the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is permanently docked. The violent crime rate in Mount Pleasant is 218.5, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 1.7%.

#6 Fort Mill

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Also known as Fort Mill Township, this town in York County is home to 10,800 residents.  Situated on the North Carolina state line, the community is also considered a suburb of Charlotte (NC) and is home to several large businesses such as Mood Media, Continental Tire the Americas, and Spring Industries.  The violent crime rate here is 224.6, and residents of Fort Mill have a 2% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#7 Charleston

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The largest city on our list, Charleston has a current population of 130,100 residents.  The city lies at the center of the state’s coastline on what is known as Charleston Harbor and is home to a busy port, a community rich in culture, a vibrant tourist industry, a strong education system, and a thriving economy. Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate in Charleston is 239, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.7%.

#8 Clemson

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Located in Pickens and Anderson counties, the city of Clemson is home to 13,900 residents.  Considered a suburb of Greenville, the community is best known as the home of Clemson University, and is just 30 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The violent crime rate here is 298.3, and residents of Clemson have a 3.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#9 Simpsonville

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A city in Greenville County, Simpsonville is home to 18,200 residents.  The community encompasses 8.8 square miles and is the site many diverse industries including Para-Chem, Kemet, Milliken, and Sealed Air.  The violent crime rate in Simpsonville is 302.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.4%.

#10 Bluffton

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Located in Beaufort County, the town of Bluffton is home to 12,800 residents.  Considered a part of the Lowcountry near Hilton Head, the community lies along the May River and is best known for its eclectic Old Town district.  The violent crime rate here is 303.4, and residents of Bluffton have a 3.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#11 Lexington

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A town in Lexington County, Lexington is home to 20,900 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is just 12 miles from the state capital of Columbia, is close to Lake Murray, and has more than twenty buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The violent crime rate in Lexington is 310.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 4.1%.

#12 Goose Creek

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Located in Berkeley County, the city of Goose Creek has a current population of 35,900 residents.  Considered a suburb of Charleston, the community was established in 1961 and is home to a portion of the Naval Weapons Station Charleston.  The violent crime rate here is 312.9, and residents of Goose Creek have a 2.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#13 Port Royal

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A town on Port Royal Island in Beaufort County, Port Royal is home to 10,600 residents.  A part of the Hilton Head area, the community now includes the Naval Hospital Beaufort and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, that trains approximately 17,000 new Marines annually.  The violent crime rate in Port Royal is 330.5, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.2%.

#14 Irmo

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Located in Richland and Lexington counties, the town of Irmo is home to 11,000 residents.  Just 12 miles northwest of downtown Columbia, the community was founded in 1890, is nicknamed the “Gateway to Lake Murray”, and is known for its annual Okra Strut festival and parade.  The violent crime rate here is 360, and residents of Irmo have a 2.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#15 Aiken

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A city in Aiken County, Aiken has a current population of 29,400 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is a part of the Central Savannah River area and is home to the University of South Carolina at Aiken.  The violent crime rate in Aiken is 374.5, and residents of the city have a 5.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

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5 Safest Cities in Maryland 2016

MarylandLocated in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Maryland is home to just over 6 million residents. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated states in the country, with its largest city being Baltimore and its capital being Annapolis in the north. One of the original thirteen colonies, Maryland is known as the birthplace of religious freedom and the state benefits from its proximity to the nation’s capital, with the highest median household income of any U.S. state. If you’d like to make the Old Line State your next home, we’re giving you the five safest cities in Maryland for 2016.

Related: Check out our Maryland Public Records guide.

Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 446 for violent crime and 2,508 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Ocean Pines

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Located in Worcester County, the town of Ocean Pines is home to 11,700 residents.  This is a residential community located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with over 9 miles of waterfront property and 3,000 acres of wooded areas.  Community amenities include beaches, a yacht club, golf course, community center, and dedicated police force.  Ocean Pines is the safest place to live in Maryland, with a violent crime rate of 117.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .06%.

#2 Havre de Grace

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A city in Harford County, Havre de Grace has a current population of 12,900 residents.  Situated at the head of the Chesapeake Bay on the Susquehanna River, the community is home to the Concord Point Lighthouse and the popular Havre de Grace Historic District, which is the site of many businesses and museums. Another safe place in Maryland to call home, the violent crime rate here is 235.5, and residents of Havre de Grace have a 2.7% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Easton

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Located in Talbot County, the town of Easton is home to 16,600 residents.  Also the county seat, the community has several distinct neighborhoods and is the site of the Third Haven Meeting House, the oldest Quaker meeting house in the country.  The violent crime rate in Easton is 345.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just 2.7%.

#4 Takoma Park

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A city in Montgomery County, Takoma Park is home to 16,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of Washington D.C., the community borders the D.C. neighborhood of Takoma.   Takoma Park is known for its arts and music culture and is also home to Washington Adventist University, a private liberal arts college.  The violent crime rate here is 372.4, and residents of Takoma Park have a 2.8% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Bel Air

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Located in Harford County, the town of Bel Air is home to 10,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was founded in 1780, encompasses just 2.9 square miles, and has over twenty properties and locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Another safe choice in Maryland, the violent crime rate in Bel Air is 388.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 3.5%.

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25 Safest Cities in Colorado 2016

ColoradoLocated in the western United States, Colorado is the 22nd most populous U.S. state. Home to 5.4 million residents, this scenic state sits on the western edge of the Great Plains and encompasses most of the southern Rocky Mountains. The state was named for the Colorado River and has several large cities, including the capital of Denver. If you’d like to make The Centennial State your next home, we’re giving you the 50 safest cities in Colorado so that you can make the best choice.

Related: Check out our Colorado Public Records guide.

Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 309 for violent crime and 2,530 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Windsor

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Located in Larimer and Weld counties, the town of Windsor is home to 18,600 residents.  Just 59 miles north of Denver, the community was incorporated in 1890, has an active arts and culture program, and is known for its well-performing schools and athletics. Windsor is the safest place to live in Colorado, with a violent crime rate of 10.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.1%.

#2 Firestone

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A town in Weld County, Firestone is home to 10,100 residents.  Also north of Denver, the community encompasses 10.4 square miles and has over thirty-five parks and twelve miles of scenic trails.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate in Firestone is 38, and residents here have a .09% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Erie

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Located in Weld and Boulder counties, the town of Erie is home to 18,100 residents.  The community sits just 25 minutes from Denver and 20 minutes from Boulder and is served by the St. Vrain Valley School District.  Living in Erie is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 48, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .05%.

#4 Lone Tree

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A home rule municipality in Douglas County, Lone Tree is home to 10,200 residents.  Located just 18 miles from downtown Denver, the community encompasses 9.6 square miles and has several distinct residential neighborhoods.  The violent crime rate in Long Tree is 52.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5.1%.

#5 Johnstown

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Located in Weld and Larimer counties, the town of Johnstown is home to 9,800 residents.  The community was incorporated in 1907, encompasses 13.5 square miles, and is served by two different school districts.  Another safe choice, the violent crime rate in Johnstown is 68.2, and residents have a .08% chance of being affected by property crime.

#6 Castle Rock

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A home rule municipality in Douglas County, Castle Rock is home to 55,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits midway between Colorado Springs and Denver.  It is named for castle-shaped butte in the center of town, and 27% of the community’s area is parkland.  The violent crime rate here is 89.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Castle Rock is 1.3%.

#7 Fort Morgan

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Located in Morgan County, Fort Morgan is a home rule municipality that is home to 10,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits along the Overland Trail and remains a primarily agricultural community, with Cargill having a meatpacking plant in the area.  The violent crime rate in Fort Morgan is 120.8, and residents have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#8 Parker

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A home rule municipality in Douglas County, Parker is home to 49,800 residents.  Considered a southeastern suburb of Denver, the community has a portion of the Cherry Creek Trail as well as the Rueter-Hess Reservoir that will soon be open for use.  The violent crime rate here is 125.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Parker is just .09%.

#9 Littleton

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Located in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, the city of Littleton is home to 41,700 residents.  The county seat of Arapahoe County, the community dates back to the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush and is served by two public school districts.  The violent crime rate in Littleton is 129.5, and residents of the city have a 2.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#10 Fruita

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A city in western Mesa County, Fruita is home to 12,600 residents.  Originally a fruit-producing region, the area has many historic properties and is now known for its arts, culture, recreation, and parks.  The violent crime rate here is 132.3, and residents of Fruita have a 1.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#11 Arvada

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Located in Jefferson and Adams counties, the city of Arvada is home to 111,700 residents.  The community’s historic district is just 7 miles northwest of Denver, and the city is primarily commuter-based but was once known as the “Celery Capital of the World.”  The violent crime rate here is 144.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Arvada is 2.3%.

#12 Centennial

A home rule municipality in Arapahoe County, the city of Centennial has a current population of 100,300 residents.  Considered a suburb of Denver, the community encompasses 27.9 square miles and is home to the headquarters of both National CineMedia and United Launch Alliance.  The violent crime rate in Centennial is 150.9, and residents of the city have a 1.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#13 Golden

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Located in Jefferson County, Golden is home to 18,800 residents.  The community sits just to the west of Denver and is the site of the Colorado School of Mines, as well as the Coors Brewing Company, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the Colorado Railroad Museum.  The violent crime rate here is 160.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Golden is 2.4%.

#14 Greenwood Village

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A city in Arapahoe County, Greenwood Village is home to 13,900 residents.  Named for the Greenwood Ranch, the community is home to the headquarters of several businesses including Red Robin, CoBank, and Newmont Mining.  The violent crime rate in Greenwood Village is 194, and residents have a 3.7% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#15 Englewood

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Located in Arapahoe County, the city of Englewood is home to 30,200 residents.  Considered a southern suburb of Denver, the community is the site of several large regional hospitals as well as the popular Pirate’s Cove water park.  The violent crime rate here is 194.5, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Englewood is 5.7%.

#16 Sterling

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A city in Logan County in northeast Colorado, Sterling is home to 18,200 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is the regional hub for shopping, healthcare, recreation and is known for its well-performing schools.  The violent crime rate in Sterling is 207.6, and residents have a 2.8% chance of being involved a property crime.

#17 Loveland

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Located in Larimer County, the city of Loveland is home to 72,600 residents.  Just 46 miles north of Denver, the community is south of Fort Collins and is known for its large population of artists as well as its popular annual Valentine re-mailing program.  The violent crime rate here is 209.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Loveland is 2.6%.

#18 Longmont

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A city in Boulder and Weld counties, Longmont is home to 86,200 residents.  The community lies just northeast of Boulder and has several hi-tech employers such as Seagate Technology, DigitalGlobe, and Intrado.  The violent crime rate in Longmont is 211.4, and residents of the city have a 2.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#19 Lafayette

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Located in Boulder County, the city of Lafayette is home to 24,400 residents.  Originally a coal-mining town, the community’s focus shifted with the growth of Boulder and Denver. Lafayette is served by the Boulder School District and hosts a variety of unique annual events. The violent crime rate here is 214.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Lafayette is just 1.5%.

#20 Montrose

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A city in Montrose County, Montrose is home to 19,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community’s regional airport serves Telluride seasonally, and the area is known for its rich recreational opportunities. The violent crime rate in Montrose is 217.9, and residents of the city have a 3.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#21 Boulder

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Located in Boulder County, the city of Boulder has a current population of 97,300 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is 25 miles northwest of Denver, is home to the main campus of the University of Colorado, and was named a top city for business and careers by Forbes.  The violent crime rate here is 248.4, and residents of Boulder have a 2.9% chance of being affected by property crime.

#22 Fountain

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A city in El Paso County, Fountain is home to 25,800 residents.  Located just 10 miles south of downtown Colorado Springs, the community is the site of the Pike’s Peak International Raceway and was chosen as “America’s Millennium City” by the New York Times.  The violent crime rate in Fountain is 253.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.6%.

#23 Westminster

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Located in Adams and Jefferson counties, the city of Westminster is home to 106,100 residents.  Considered a suburb of Denver, the community is the site of the historic Westminster Castle and has been included on Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S.  The violent crime rate here is 259.5, and residents of Westminster have a 2.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#24 Fort Collins

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A city in Larimer County, Fort Collins has a current population of 156,400 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is home to a campus of Colorado State University as well as such hi-tech companies as Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and AMD.  The violent crime rate in Fort Collins is 262.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.7%.

#25 Thornton

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Located in Adams and Weld counties, the city of Thornton is home to 82,300 residents.  Just ten miles northeast of downtown Denver, this fast-growing community has nearly 2,000 acres of parkland and is served by three different school districts.  The violent crime rate in Thornton is 269.7, and residents of the city have a 2.6% chance of being affected by property crime.

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50 Safest Cities in Wisconsin 2016

WisconsinLocated in the north-central United States, Wisconsin is home to 5.7 million residents. Considered a part of both the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, the state is bordered by Lake Superior to the north and its largest city, Milwaukee, sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Second only to Michigan for its length of Great Lakes coastline, residents of Wisconsin have no shortage of recreational opportunities. If you’d like to live in the Badger State, we’re giving you the 50 safest cities in Wisconsin so that you can make the right choice.

Related: Check out our Wisconsin Public Records guide.

Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 290 for violent crime and 2,088 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Muskego

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Located in Waukesha County, the city of Muskego is home to 24,100 residents.  Considered a bedroom community of nearby Milwaukee, the city has three lakes and is served by the Muskego-Norway School District.  Muskego is the safest place to live in Wisconsin, with a violent crime rate of 16.5, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1%.

#2 Cedarburg

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A city in Ozaukee County, Cedarburg is home to 11,400 residents.  Located just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the community draws some tourists to its historic district, with several art galleries and many properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate in Cedarburg is 17.4, and residents of the city have a 1.1% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Waunakee

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Located in Dane County, Waunakee is a village that is home to 12,000 residents.  Considered a suburb of Madison, the community encompasses just 6.3 square miles and has been included on CNN Money’s list of best places to live for small towns.  The violent crime rate here is 24.3, and residents of Waunakee have a .09% chance of being affected by property crime.

#4 Oconomowoc

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A city in Waukesha County, Oconomowoc is home to 15,700 residents.  Located in the Lake County, the community sits adjacent to several lakes, the largest being Lake Oconomowoc and Lac La Belle.  Another safe choice, the violent crime rate in Oconomowoc is 31.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.8%.

#5 Menomonee Falls

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Also located in Waukesha County, the village of Menomonee Falls is home to 35,600 residents.  Considered the most populous village in the state, the community is named after the river and waterfall that are located in the center of the village.  The violent crime rate here is 39.1, and residents of Menomonee Falls have a 1.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#6 Grafton

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A village in Ozaukee County, Grafton is home to 11,400 residents.  Established in 1844, the village encompasses 5.1 square miles, is served by two school districts, and has portions of the Milwaukee River within its borders.  The violent crime rate in Grafton is 43.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.4%.

#7 Franklin

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Located in Milwaukee County, the city of Franklin is home to 36,300 residents.  Just nine miles from downtown Milwaukee, the community was included on CNN Money’s list of best places to live and a top employer here is Northwestern Mutual.  The violent crime rate here is 44.8, and residents of Franklin have a 2.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#8 Verona

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A city in Dane County, Verona is home to 10,600 residents.  Located just ten miles southwest of downtown Madison, the community is served by the Verona Area School District and is the site of the headquarters of Epic Systems, a medical information systems company.  The violent crime rate in Verona is 46.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.5%.

#9 Hudson

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Located in St. Croix County, the city of Hudson is home to 12,700 residents.  Settled in 1840, the community has many historic properties and businesses that have made it a popular tourist destination.  It is also a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 46.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here at 3.8%.

#10 Beaver Dam

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A city in Dodge County, Beaver Dam has a current population of 16,300 residents.  Incorporated in 1856, the community is home to the Williams Free Library, the Beaver Dam Lake and River, and is host to several popular annual events.  The violent crime rate in Beaver Dam is 49.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3%.

#11 Brookfield

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Located in Waukesha County, the city of Brookfield is home to 37,900 residents.  The city is west of Milwaukee and includes the Fox River, where there is a community park and beach at Fox Brook Park.  The violent crime rate here is 49.9, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Brookfield is 2.9%.

#12 Platteville

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A city in Grant County, Platteville is home to 11,200 residents.  Originally a farming and fur trading community along the Platte River, the city is now the site of the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, a public university that specializes in engineering.  The violent crime rate in Platteville is 53.3, and residents here have a 3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#13 Germantown

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Located in Washington County, the village of Germantown is home to 19,700 residents.  Incorporated in 1924, the village now encompasses over 35 square miles and has been included on Money’s list of most appealing places to live in the U.S.  The violent crime rate here is 55.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Germantown is just 1.9%.

#14 Pleasant Prairie

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A village in Kenosha County in southeast Wisconsin, Pleasant Prairie is home to 19,700 residents.  Located between Chicago and Milwaukee, the community has several distinct neighborhoods and is the site of the large Pleasant Prairie Power Plant.  The violent crime in Pleasant Prairie is 55.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.5%.

#15 Onalaska

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Located in La Crosse County, the city of Onalaska is home to 17,700 residents.  Known as “The Sunfish Capital of the World,” the community sits adjacent to the Black River and Lake Onalaska, a large man-made reservoir.  The violent crime rate here is 55.7, and residents of Onalaska have a 2.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#16 Hartford

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A city in Washington and Dodge counties, Hartford is home to 14,200 residents.  The community is located on portions of the Rubicon River and Pike Lake, and has a history as the site of the historic Kissel Motor Car Company.  The violent crime rate in Hartford is 55.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.2%.

#17 Hobart-Lawrence

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Located in Brown County, the village of Hobart and the town of Lawrence have a co-operative arrangement for police protection services.  The total population of the two communities is 10,300 residents.  The violent crime rate here is 56.5, and residents of these communities have a .06% chance of being affected by property crime.

#18 Elkhorn

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A city in Walworth County, Elkhorn is home to 10,000 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is located between the cities of Milwaukee and Chicago and the community has the nickname of “The Christmas Card Town”.  The violent crime rate in Elkhorn is 59.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.1%.

#19 Marshfield

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Located in Wood and Marathon counties, the city of Marshfield has a current population of 19,100 residents. The community is home to a large medical center, the world’s largest round barn, and the University of Wisconsin at Marshfield/Wood County.  The violent crime rate here is 67.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Marshfield is 2.9%.

#20 Mequon

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A city in Ozaukee County, Mequon is home to 23,100 residents.  Incorporated in 1957, the community is home to many parks, several colleges, and was included on CNN Money’s list of best small cities in the U.S.  The violent crime rate in Mequon is 68.9, and residents of the city have a .08% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#21 Mount Pleasant

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Located in Racine County, the village of Mount Pleasant is home to 26,100 residents.  Just 30 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago, the community is the second most populous village in the state.  The violent crime rate here is 72.3, and residents of Mount Pleasant have a 3.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#22 Whitefish Bay

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A village in Milwaukee County, Whitefish Bay is home to 14,100 residents.  The community encompasses 2.1 square miles, is served by the Whitefish Bay School District, and is the site of the headquarters of the artisan bread company, Breadsmith.  The violent crime rate in Whitefish Bay is 77.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.3%.

#23 Greendale

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Also located in Milwaukee County, the village of Greendale is home to 14,000 residents.  The community encompasses 5.5 square miles, is known for its top-rated schools, and sits on the banks of the Root River.  The violent crime rate here is 77.7, and residents of Greendale have a 3.6% chance of being affected by property crime.

#24 Waupun

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A city in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, Waupun is home to 11,300 residents.  Founded in 1839, the community sits along the Rock River, is home to three correctional institutions, and is noted for its outdoor sculptures by artist Clarence Addison Shaler.  The violent crime rate in Waupun is 79.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.4%.

#25 Wisconsin Rapids

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Located in Wood County, the city of Wisconsin Rapids is home to 18,300 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is divided by the Wisconsin River and is known for its paper mills, its cranberry industry, and as the home of Renaissance Learning, Inc.  The violent crime rate here is 81.4, and residents of Wisconsin Rapids have a 4.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#26 De Pere

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A city in Brown County, De Pere is home to 23,800 residents.  Considered a suburb of Green Bay, the community sits along the Fox River, has two public school districts, and is home to St. Norbert College, a private Roman Catholic liberal arts college.  The violent crime rate in De Pere is 82.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.1%.

#27 Port Washington

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Located in Ozaukee County, the city of Port Washington is home 11,200 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is just 25 miles north of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan and has one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in the Great Lakes.  The violent crime rate here is 88.5, and residents of Port Washington have a 1.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#28 West Bend

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A city in Washington County, West Bend is home to 31,000 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits on the banks of the Milwaukee River, has over 1,200 acres of parks, and is known for its prosperous businesses that date back to the 1800’s.  The violent crime rate in West Bend is 92.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.5%.

#29 Everest

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Located in Marathon County, the DC Everest district is a joint police force that serves the city of Schofield and the village and town of Weston.  The combined populations of these communities is 18,000 residents, with the largest being the village of Weston.  The violent crime rate in this district is 93.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2%.

#30 Middleton

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A city in Dane County, Middleton is home 17,400 residents.  Considered a suburb of the state capital of Madison, the community has been included on CNN Money’s list of best small towns in the U.S., and is the site of several business headquarters.  The violent crime rate in Middleton is 95.6, and residents of the city have a 2.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#31 Marinette

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Located in Marinette County, the city of Marinette is home to 16,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits on the south bank of the Menominee River, at the mouth of Green Bay and is known for its shipbuilding industry.  The violent crime rate here is 100.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Marinette is 4%.

#32 Stoughton

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A city in Dane County, Stoughton is home to 12,600 residents.  Located just 20 miles southeast of Madison, the community sits on the banks of the Yahara River and is known for its strong Norwegian heritage.  The violent crime rate in Stoughton is 108.9, and residents here have a 2.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#33 Kaukauna

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Located in Outagamie County, the city of Kaukauna is home to 15,400 residents.  The community is approximately 100 miles north of Milwaukee, is near the Fox River, and is known for its Thilmany paper mill.  The violent crime rate here is 109, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Kaukauna is just 1.1%.

#34 Monroe

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A city in Green County, Monroe is home 10,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is located in the southern part of the state and is known as the “Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA,” where it is also the headquarters to Colony Brands, Inc.  The violent crime rate in Monroe is 110.4, and residents here have a 2.8% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#35 Whitewater

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Located in Walworth and Jefferson counties, the city of Whitewater has a current population of 14,300 residents.  The community was originally a mill town but is now home to the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater as well as a part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.  The violent crime rate here is 114.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Whitewater is 1.7%.

#36 Brown Deer

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A village in Milwaukee County, Brown Deer is home to 11,900 residents.  Considered a suburb of Milwaukee, the community encompasses 4.4 square miles and has been included on CNN Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S.  The violent crime rate in Brown Deer is 115.8, and residents of the community have a 2.7% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#37 Two Rivers

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Located in Manitowoc County, the city of Two Rivers is home to 11,700 residents.  The community is located on Lake Michigan at the confluence of the Neshota and Mishicott rivers and is the site of several historic properties.  The violent crime rate here is 128.5, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Two Rivers is 2.3%.

#38 Fort Atkinson

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A city in Jefferson County, Fort Atkinson is home 12,300 residents.  The community sits along the banks of the Rock River, is the site of several large businesses, and has a popular dinner theater at the location of the original fort.  The violent crime rate in Fort Atkinson is 128.6, and residents of the city have a 2.1% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#39 Neenah

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Located in Winnebago County, the city of Neenah has a current population of 25,500 residents.  The community sits on the banks of the Fox River, Lake Winnebago, and Little Lake Butte des Morts and is known for its significant steel and paper industries, which includes Kimberly-Clark. The violent crime rate here is 136.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Neenah is just 1.9%.

#40 Sun Prairie

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A city in Duane County, Sun Prairie is home to 29,400 residents.  Considered a suburb of Madison, the community is a part of the Yahara River Valley and hosts a popular annual Groundhog Day celebration.  The violent crime rate in Sun Prairie is 137, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.4%.

#41 Grand Chute

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Located in Outagamie County, the town of Grand Chute is home to 20,900 residents.  Settled in 1849, the community is the site of the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve and is known as the home of the John Birch Society.  The violent crime rate here is 137.4, and residents of Grand Chute have a 3.9% chance of being affected by property crime.

#42 Greenfield

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A city in Milwaukee County, Greenfield is home to 36,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of Milwaukee, the community sits on the banks of the Root River and is served by the Greenfield School District.  The violent crime rate here is 143.3, and residents of Greenfield have a 3.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#43 Menasha

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Located in Calumet and Winnebago counties, the city of Menasha has a current population of 17,300 residents.  The community encompasses 7.5 square miles and is home to the University of Wisconsin at Fox Valley, where there is a planetarium and earth science museum.  The violent crime rate in Menasha is 150.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.4%.

#44 Waukesha

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A city in Waukesha County, Waukesha is home to 70,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Milwaukee, is the site of several universities, and has been included on Money’s list of best places to live in the U.S.  The violent crime rate here is 150.6, and residents of Waukesha have a 1.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#45 Burlington

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Located in Racine and Walworth counties, the city of Burlington is home to 10,400 residents.  Incorporated in 1900, the community has several breweries and is nicknamed “Chocolate City, U.S.A.” because of a Nestle factory built there in the 1960’s.  The violent crime rate in Burlington is 152.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.7%.

#46 Oak Creek

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A city in Milwaukee County, Oak Creek is home to 35,400 residents.  The community is served by the Oak Creek Franklin School District and is home to a new location of Bucyrus International, as well as a large power plant.  The violent crime rate here is 164.2, and residents of Oak Creek have a 3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#47 Eau Claire

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Located in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties, the city of Eau Claire is home to 65,800 residents.  The community’s name is derived from the French term for “clear waters” as the city sits along the Eau Claire River.  It is also home to such companies as Menards, Midwest Manufacturing, and Silver Spring Foods.  The violent crime rate in Eau Claire is 164.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.5%.

#48 Shorewood

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A village in Milwaukee County, Shorewood is home to 13,100 residents.  Founded in 1900, the community encompasses just 1.5 square miles, sits between Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River, and has several historic properties.  The violent crime rate here is 165.9, and residents of Shorewood have a 2.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#49 Wauwatosa

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Also located in Milwaukee County, the city of Wauwatosa is home to 46,300 residents.  The community sits just west of the city of Milwaukee, is served by the Wauwatosa School District, and has several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The violent crime rate in Wauwatosa is 166.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.1%.

#50 South Milwaukee

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A city in Milwaukee County, South Milwaukee is home to 21,100 residents.  First incorporated as a village in 1892, the community encompasses just 4.8 square miles and is the site of the headquarters of Bucyrus International, which is now owned by Caterpillar.  The violent crime rate here is 173.6, and residents of South Milwaukee have a 2% chance of being affected by property crime.

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