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5 Safest Cities in West Virginia 2016

West VirginiaLocated in the Appalachian region of the United States, West Virginia is home to 1.8 million residents, with its capital and largest city being Charleston.  Much of the state’s economy in the 19th and 20th centuries was driven by its rich deposits of bituminous coal.   Coal is still a major concern here but now so is green energy, manufacturing, and tourism.  The state has many historical sites and state parks and is known for its hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and hunting opportunities.  If you’d like to make the Mountain State your next home, here are the 5 safest cities in West Virginia.

Related: Check out our West Virginia 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 302 for violent crime and 2,035 for property crime.  This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Weirton

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Located in Hancock and Brooke counties, the city of Weirton is home to 19,700 residents.  The community was founded in 1793, sits along the banks of the Ohio River in the state’s northern panhandle, and is just 35 miles west of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Weirton is the safest place to live in West Virginia, with a violent crime rate of 86.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.5%.

#2 Vienna

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A city in Wood County, Vienna is home to 10,700 residents.  This community also lies along the banks of the Ohio River, encompasses 3.4 square miles, and is the site of a 277-acre wildlife refuge.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 120.7, and residents of Vienna have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#3 St. Albans

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Located in Kanawha County, the city of St. Albans is home to 11,000 residents.  The community sits at the confluences of the Coal and Kanawha rivers, has a total area of 3.7 square miles, and is served by the Kanawha County School District.  The violent crime rate in St. Albans is 218.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.1%.

#4 Morgantown

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A city in Monongalia County, Morgantown has a current population of 29,600 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is the largest in the region, consists of several distinct neighborhoods, and is home to West Virginia University, a public land-grant university.  The violent crime rate here is 353.2, and residents of Morgantown have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#5 Parkersburg

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Located in Wood County, the city of Parkersburg is home to 31,400 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies on the banks of the Ohio River, is the site of several historic properties as well as West Virginia State University at Parkersburg and Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.  The violent crime rate in Parkersburg is 462.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5.3%.

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10 Safest Cities in Nebraska 2016

NebraskaLocated in the Midwestern and Great Plains regions of the United States, Nebraska is home to just under 1.9 million residents.  It’s first non-indigenous settlers were a result of the California Gold Rush, and the state remains a large agricultural base, with impressive yields of corn, soybeans, beef, and pork.  Nebraska has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation and its major cities include Omaha (largest) and Lincoln (state capital).  If you’re interested in settling in the Cornhusker State, here are the 10 safest cities in Nebraska.
Related: Check out our Nebraska 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 280 for violent crime and 2,523 for property crime.  This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Papillion

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Located in Sarpy County, the city of Papillion is home 18,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Omaha, encompasses 6.4 square miles, and has a Triple-A minor league baseball team.  Papillion is the safest place to live in Nebraska, with a violent crime rate of 41.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 2.2%.

#2 La Vista

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Another city in Sarpy County, La Vista is home to 15,700 residents.  Also an Omaha suburb, the community was established in 1959, encompasses 4.2 square miles, and is served by the Papillion-La Vista Public School District.  Another safe place to call home in the state, the violent crime rate here is 61.6, and residents of La Vista have a 1.6% chance of being affected by property crime.

#3 Columbus

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Located in Platte County, the city of Columbus is home to 22,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is 85 miles west of Lincoln and hosts manufacturing companies that take advantage of its plentiful hydroelectric power from two generating stations.  Also a safe choice, the violent crime rate in Columbus is 88.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.1%.

#4 Bellevue

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A city in Sarpy County, Bellevue is home to 50,100 residents.  Considered a suburb of Omaha, the community is the oldest town in the state, is bordered on the east by the Missouri River, and is the site of the 1,400-acre Fontenelle Forest.  The violent crime rate here is 106.4, and residents of Bellevue have a 2.2% chance of being affected by property crime.

#5 Fremont

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Located in Dodge County, the city of Fremont is home to 26,300 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is 35 miles northwest of Omaha, lies on the banks of the Platte River, and continues to have strong ties to the agriculture industry.  The violent crime rate in Fremont is 108.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.6%.

#6 Norfolk

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A city in Madison County, Norfolk is home to 24,200 residents.  The community was founded in 1866, encompasses 10.7 square miles, and major employers here include Nucor, Affiliated Foods Midwest, and Faith Regional Health Services.  The violent crime rate here is 114.7, and residents of Norfolk have a 3.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#7 Scottsbluff

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Located in Scotts Bluff County, the city of Scottsbluff is home to 15,000 residents.  The community was founded in 1899, lies along the banks of the North Platte River and sits adjacent to the Scotts Bluff National Monument, which is now a U.S. National Park.  The violent crime rate in Scottsbluff is 125.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.7%.

#8 Kearney

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A city in Buffalo County, Kearney is home to 30,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was founded during the American Civil War and is the site of both the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the headquarters of Citizens Telecommunications Company of Nebraska.  The violent crime rate here is 133.8, and residents of Kearney have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#9 Lexington

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Located in Dawson County, the city of Lexington is home to 10,200 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies along the banks of the Platte River, encompasses 4.5 square miles, and is the site of a military vehicles museum.  The violent crime rate in Lexington is 154.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.9%.

#10 South Sioux City

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A city in Dakota County, South Sioux City is home to 13,300 residents.   The community sits on the Iowa state line and lies across the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa.  It is also known for its Annual Art Show that is held each spring.  The violent crime rate here is 156.9, and residents of South Sioux City have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

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15 Safest Cities in Kansas 2016

KansasLocated in the Midwestern region of the United States, Kansas is home to 2.9 million residents.  The state is the 15th largest state by land mass, with its capital being Topeka and its largest city being Wichita.  Kansas has a long history in agriculture which continues today, as it produces high yields of soybeans, corn, and wheat.  Aside from agriculture, major employers in the state are in the aviation, telecommunications, and automobile industries.  If you’d like to call The Sunflower State home, here are the 15 safest cities in Kansas to help you make an informed choice.

Related: Check out our Kansas 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 349 for violent crime and 2,735 for property crime.  This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Leawood

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Located in Johnson County, the city of Leawood is home to 31,800 residents.  Considered a suburb of Kansas City, the community was established in 1948, has an extensive parks and recreation system, and is served by two different school districts.  Leawood is the safest place to live in Kansas, with a violent crime rate of 55.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.4%.

#2 Prairie Village

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Another city in Johnson County, Prairie Village is home to 21,400 residents.  Also a Kansas City suburb, the community has 12 city parks, an art gallery, and several popular shopping venues.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 59.3, and residents of Prairie Village have a 1.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#3 Derby

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Located in Sedgwick County, the city of Derby is home to 22,100 residents.  Considered the largest suburb of Wichita, the community encompasses 9.6 square miles and is known for its Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park, Derby Skate Park, and local historical museum.  The violent crime rate in Derby is 107.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2.3%.

#4 Andover

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A city in Butler County, Andover is home 11,700 residents.  Another Wichita suburb, the community has two public parks, two golf courses, and is known for its popular outdoor summer concert series.  The violent crime rate here is 109.8, and residents of Andover have a 2.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#5 Lenexa

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Located in Johnson County, the city of Lenexa is home to 48,100 residents.  Considered a suburb of Kansas City, the community encompasses 34.4 square miles, is the site of a large government records storage facility, and has other major employers that include UPS and Quest Diagnostics.  The violent crime rate in Lenexa is 117.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.9%.

#6 Shawnee

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Another city in Johnson County, Shawnee is home to 62,200 residents.  Also a part of the Kansas City Metro Area, the community includes a 120-acre lake, is served by two school districts, and was included on Money magazine’s list of “Best Places to Live.”  The violent crime rate here is 133.8, and residents of Shawnee have a 1.6% chance of being affected by property crime.

#7 Olathe

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Also located in Johnson County, the city of Olathe is home to 125,800 residents.  The community serves as the county seat, is the fourth largest city in the state, and is the site of several large companies including Honeywell, ALDI, Garmin, and Farmers Insurance Group.  The violent crime rate in Olathe is 148.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.9%.

#8 Overland Park

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Another city in Johnson County, Overland Park has a current population of 173,300 residents.  Another Kansas City suburb, the community is the second most populous in the state and is home to several college branches as well as the world headquarters of Sprint, YRC Worldwide, and Compass Minerals.  The violent crime rate here is 160.9, and residents of Overland Park have a 2.3% chance of being affected by property crime.

#9 Gardner

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Also in Johnson County, the city of Gardner is home to 19,100 residents.  The community was founded in 1857 at the divide of the Santa Fe and Oregon/California Trails, encompasses 10.1 square miles, and is the site of a distribution center for The Coleman Company.  The violent crime rate in Gardner is 179.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.7%.

#10 Lansing

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Located in Leavenworth County, the city of Lansing is home to 11,200 residents.  The community lies on the banks of the Missouri River, is the site of the Lansing Correctional Facility, and has been included on Money’s list of “Best Places to Live.”  The violent crime rate here is 183.5, and residents of Lansing have a .05% chance of being affected by property crime.

#11 Emporia

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A city in Lyon County, Emporia has a current population of 24,900 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies between the cities of Topeka and Wichita and is home to two colleges, Flint Hills Technical College and Emporia State University.  The violent crime rate in Emporia is 227.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.3%.

#12 McPherson

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Located in McPherson County, the city of McPherson is home to 13,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was named after a Union Civil War general, is the site of two private colleges, and is known for its annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games.  The violent crime rate here is 241.5, and residents of McPherson have a 4.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#13 Ottawa

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A city in Franklin County, Ottawa is home to 12,600 residents. Also the county seat, the community lies along the banks of the Marais des Cygnes River, is the site of Ottawa University, and has two major distribution centers for American Eagle Outfitters and Walmart.  The violent crime rate in Ottawa is 291.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.3%.

#14 Liberal

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Located in Seward County, the city of Liberal is home to 20,500 residents.  Also the county seat, the community encompasses 11.7 square miles, and its economy is driven by both agriculture and energy, with the beef industry being its largest source of employment.  The violent crime rate here is 319.5, and residents of Liberal have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#15 Salina

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A city in Saline County, Salina is home to 47,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies in one of the world’s largest wheat-producing regions and other major employers here include Tony’s Pizza, Exide Battery, and the regional healthcare center.  The violent crime rate in Salina is 334.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.8%.

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5 Safest Cities in New Mexico 2016

New MexicoLocated in the Southwestern region of the United States, New Mexico is home to just under 2.1 million residents.  The state is the 5th largest and 6th least densely populated U.S. state, with its capital being Santa Fe and its largest city being Albuquerque.  New Mexico’s major industries include tourism, oil and gas production, aerospace, and U.S. government/military spending.  Some of the country’s most popular parks and monuments are in the state including Carlsbad Caverns, the Rio Grande Gorge, and White Sands National Monument.  If you’re interested in living in The Land of Enchantment, here are the 5 safest cities in New Mexico.

Related: Check out our New Mexico 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 597 for violent crime and 3,542 for property crime.  This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Sunland Park

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Located in Dona Ana County, the city of Sunland Park is home to 15,400 residents.  Considered a suburb of El Paso, the community lies on the border of both Texas and Mexico, is near Mount Cristo Rey, and is the site of the popular Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.  Sunland Park is the safest place to live in New Mexico, with a violent crime rate of 41.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.3%.

#2 Rio Rancho

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A city in Sandoval County, Rio Rancho is home to 93,800 residents.  Considered a suburb of Albuquerque, this fast-growing community is the site of several large employers including Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Sprint, and Bank of America.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 225.8, and residents of Rio Rancho have a 2.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#3 Alamogordo

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Located in Otero County, the city of Alamogordo is home to 30,400 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies in the Chihuahuan desert, is the site of several museums, and is the city closest to Holloman Air Force Base, which is a major area employer.  The violent crime rate in Alamogordo is 286.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.6%.

#4 Las Cruces

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A city in Dona Ana County, Las Cruces has a current population of 101,400 residents.  Las Cruces is the second largest city in the state, is close to El Paso, and is home to New Mexico State University as well as the home offices of Virgin Atlantic and Spaceport America.  The violent crime rate here is 394.7, and residents of Las Cruces have a 4.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#5 Lovington

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Located in Lea County, the city of Lovington is home to 11,000 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits in the southeast region of the state, encompasses 4.8 square miles, and is served by the Lovington Municipal School District.  The violent crime rate in Lovington is 403.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2%.

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5 Safest Cities in Nevada 2016

NevadaLocated in the Western region of the United States, Nevada is home to 2.8 million residents. The 7th largest and 9th least densely populated state, nearly 75% of the state’s residents live in the Las Vegas area. The state’s capital is Carson City, and much of Nevada is desert, located within the Great Basin. The tourism industry remains the state’s largest employer, and mining is a large concern here as well, as Nevada one of the world’s top producers of gold. If you’d like to settle in the Silver State, here are the 5 safest cities in Nevada.

Related: Check out our Nevada 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 636 for violent crime and 2,625 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Boulder City

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Located in Clark County, Boulder City is home to 15,000 residents.  The community is just 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas and is close to the Hoover Dam, is one of two cities in the state that prohibits gambling, and was included on Money magazine’s list of “Top 25 Places to Retire.”  Boulder City is the safest place to live in Nevada, with a violent crime rate of 78.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.4%.

#2 Mesquite

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Another city in Clark County, Mesquite is home to 15,200 residents.  The community is 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas and sits along the Arizona State line.  It is located on the banks of the Virgin River and is the site of growing retirement population.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 108.1, and residents of Mesquite have a 1.9% chance of being affected by property crime.

#3 Henderson

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Also located in Clark County, the city of Henderson has a current population of 270,800 residents.  The second largest city in the state, the community is home to several casinos and resorts and was named by Bloomberg Businessweek as “One of the Best Cities to Live in America.”  The violent crime rate in Henderson is 168.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 2%.

#4 Sparks

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A city in Washoe County, Sparks is home to 90,200 residents.  Located just east of Reno, the community was founded in 1904, has just one high-rise casino, and is the site of several historic properties.  The violent crime rate here is 253.3, and residents of Sparks have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#5 Reno

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Also located in Washoe County, the city of Reno has a current population of 233,200 residents.  Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,”  the community is also the county seat and is home to the University of Reno and several large businesses that include International Game Technology, Peppermill Reno, and Atlantis Casino Resort.  The violent crime rate in Reno is 517.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.2%.

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15 Safest Cities in Arkansas 2016

ArkansasLocated in the Southeastern region of the United States, Arkansas is home to 2.9 million residents. The state’s landscape stretches from the lowlands along the Mississippi River to the mountain regions of the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. The state’s capital and largest city is Little Rock, and there are several smaller cities throughout the region. Arkansas remains heavily involved in agriculture and is the country’s largest producer of both turkeys and rice. The state is also rich in culture and has over 50 state parks. If you’d like to make The Natural State your next home, here are the 15 safest cities in Arkansas.

Related: Check out our Arkansas 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 480 for violent crime and 3,338 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Mountain Home

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Located in Baxter County, the city of Mountain Home has a current population of 12,400 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits south of the Missouri state line in the southern Ozark Mountains and is home to a 2-year campus of Arkansas State University.  Mountain Home is the safest place to live in Arkansas, with a violent crime rate of 56, and the chance of being affected by property crime here at 4.3%.

#2 Bryant

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A city in Saline County, Bryant is home to 16,600 residents.  Considered a suburb of Little Rock, the community encompasses 9.1 square miles and is served by the Bryant School District.  Another safe place to call home in this state, the violent crime rate in Bryant is 93.4, and residents here have a 5.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Maumelle

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Located in Pulaski County, the city of Maumelle is home to 17,100 residents.  Another Little Rock suburb, the community lies along the banks of the Arkansas River and is the site of two recreational lakes, Lake Valencia and Lake Willastein.   The violent crime rate here is 161, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Maumelle is just 2%.

#4 Bentonville

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A city in Benton County, Bentonville has a current population of 40,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community has over 300 acres of parks but is best known as the home of Walmart’s home office and the Walmart Visitor Center.  The violent crime rate in Bentonville is 225.1, and residents of the city have a 2% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Magnolia

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Located in Columbia County, the city of Magnolia is home to 11,500 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is the site of Southern Arkansas University and is known for its popular Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cookoff.  The violent crime rate here is 223.7, and residents of Magnolia have a 4.2% chance of being affected by property crime.

#6 Cabot

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A city in Lonoke County, Cabot is home to 23,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of Little Rock, this fast-growing community was founded in 1873, encompasses 19.2 square miles, and is known for its Cabotfest event held each October.  The violent crime rate in Cabot is 251.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.2%.

#7 Van Buren

Located in Crawford County, the city of Van Buren is home to 22,700 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies northeast of Fort Smith, is bordered to the south by the Arkansas River, and houses several large poultry processors such as Tyson Foods and Simmons.  The violent crime rate here is 306, and residents of Van Buren have a 3.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#8 Siloam Springs

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A city in Benton County, Siloam Springs is home to 15,000 residents.  The community lies just east of the Oklahoma state line and Cherokee Nation territory and is the site of John Brown University, a private, interdenominational, Christian liberal arts college.  The violent crime rate in Siloam Springs is 316.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.8%.

#9 Russellville

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Located in Pope County, the city of Russellville has a current population of 27,900 residents.  Also the county seat, the community borders the Arkansas River and is home to the state’s only nuclear power plant as well as Arkansas Tech University.  The violent crime rate here is 332.5, and residents of Russellville have a 3.9% chance of being affected by property crime.

#10 Paragould

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A city in Greene County, Paragould is home to 26,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits atop a geologic anomaly called Crowley’s Ridge, encompasses 31 square miles, and has several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The violent crime rate in Paragould is 334.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 5.8%.

#11 Rogers

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Located in Benton County, the city of Rogers has a current population of 55,900 residents.  This fast-growing community has many parks, a revitalized historic district, and was included on CNN Money’s list of “100 Best Places to Live.”  The violent crime rate here is 349.7, and residents of Rogers have a 3.6% chance of being affected by property crime.

#12 Benton

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A city in Saline County, Benton is home to 30,600 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Little Rock, encompasses 47.8 square miles, and is served by three different school districts.  The violent crime rate in Benton is 368.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.3%.

#13 Sherwood

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Located in Pulaski County, the city of Sherwood is home to 29,500 residents.  Another Little Rock suburb, the community is served by the Pulaski County School District and major employers here include ABC Financial, FTD.com, and Cardinal Health.  The violent crime rate here is 407.8, and residents of Sherwood have a 3.4% chance of being affected by property crime.

#14 Conway

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A city in Faulkner County, Conway has a current population of 64,400 residents.  Also the county seat, the community is considered a suburb of Little Rock and is home to three colleges, the University of Central Arkansas, Central Baptist College, and Hendrix College.  The violent crime rate in Conway is 415.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.1%.

#15 Jonesboro

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Located in Craighead County, the city of Jonesboro is home to 71,500 residents.  The community is the largest in the northeastern region of the state, lies in the Arkansas Delta, and is the site of the main campus of Arkansas State University.  The violent crime rate here is 428.7, and residents of Jonesboro have a 4.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

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15 Safest Cities in Mississippi 2016

MississippiLocated in the southern region of the United States, Mississippi is home to 2.9 million residents. Outside of the Mississippi Delta area, much of the land is still heavily forested, and the state’s largest city and capital is Jackson. This mostly rural state remains heavily dominated by industrial farms and a large catfish aquaculture industry. The state also has a growing tourism sector along the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast due to its legalized gambling and large casino resorts. If you’d like to live in The Magnolia State, here are the 15 safest cities in Mississippi so that you can make the best choice.
Related: Check out our Mississippi 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 278 for violent crime and 2,921 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Petal

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Located in Forrest County, the city of Petal is home 10,400 residents.  This community lies on the banks of the Leaf River, features a new 70-acre park with mountain bike trails, and has been named by Sports Illustrated as “Sports Illustrated Sportstown for Mississippi.”  Petal is the safest city in the state, with a violent crime rate of 18.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .06%.

#2 Brandon

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A city in Rankin County, Brandon is home to 21,700 residents.  Also the county seat and considered an eastern suburb of Jackson, the community is known for its Black Rose Theatre Company and is the site of several historic properties.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate here is 27.2, and residents of Brandon have a 1% of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Long Beach

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Located in Harrison County, the city of Long Beach is home to 14,700 residents.  This coastal community lies just west of Gulfport on the Gulf Coast, was formerly known as the “Radish Capital of the World”, and is the site of the Gulf Coast campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.  The violent crime rate in Long Beach is 33, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.1%.

#4 Oxford

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A city in Lafayette County, Oxford has a current population of 20,800 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was founded in 1837, is home to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”), and was named by USA Today as one of the top six college towns in the country.  The violent crime rate here is 41.2, and residents of Oxford have a 1% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Madison

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Located in Madison County, the city of Madison is home 24,800 residents.  Considered a suburb of Jackson, the community was named for James Madison, has the highest income of any city in the state, and is the site of several university satellite campuses.  The violent crime rate in Madison is 56.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is .08%.

#6 Byram

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A city in Hinds County, Byram is home to 7,300 residents.  Considered a southern suburb of Jackson, the community was incorporated for a second time in 2009, encompasses 20.1 square miles and is served by the Hinds County School District.  The violent crime rate here is 60.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Byram is 2.2%.

#7 Horn Lake

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Located in DeSoto County, the city of Horn Lake is home 26,000 residents.  This fast-growing community lies just south of the Tennessee state line, is considered a suburb of Memphis, and is the site of both the “Elvis Ranch” and a plant owned by Newly Weds Foods.  The violent crime rate here is 90.3, and residents of Horn Lake have a 2.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#8 Brookhaven

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A city in Lincoln County, Brookhaven is home to 12,500 residents.  Also the county seat, the community was founded in 1818, encompasses 7.3 square miles of land, and is served by the Brookhaven School District and a statewide magnet arts high school.  The violent crime rate in Brookhaven is 111.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.8%.

#9 Clinton

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Located in Hinds County, the city of Clinton is home to 25,200 residents.  The community is considered a suburb of Jackson and is the site of both Mississippi College, a private university, and the headquarters of Skytel, a wireless company.  The violent crime rate here is 117.3, and residents of Clinton have a 2.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#10 Pearl

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A city in Rankin County, Pearl is home to 25,000 residents.  Another suburb of Jackson, the community lies on the eastern banks of the Pearl River, has several parks and walking trails, and has its own minor league baseball team called the Mississippi Braves.  The violent crime rate in Pearl is 129.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.4%.

#11 Ridgeland

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Located in Madison County, the city of Ridgeland is home to 24,000 residents.  The community is just north of Jackson, lies adjacent to the Ross Barnett Reservoir, and is the site of the headquarters of tech company Bomgar.  The violent crime rate here is 154.8, and residents of Ridgeland have a 2.8% chance of being affected by property crime.

#12 Gulfport

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The largest city on our list, Gulfport has a current population of 67,700 residents.  This Harrison County coastal community is a major tourist destination, with casinos, speedboat races, and fishing tournaments.  It is also home to the U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet Seabees, which is its largest employer. The violent crime rate in Gulfport is 175.9, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.5%.

#13 Ocean Springs

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Located in Jackson County, the city of Ocean Springs is home to 17,400 residents.  The community is just 2 miles east of Biloxi, has a reputation as an arts community, and has a thriving seafood industry from the Gulf of Mexico.  The violent crime rate here is 194.2, and residents of Ocean Springs have a 3.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

#14 Olive Branch

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A city in DeSoto County, Olive Branch is home to 33,400 residents.  Just south of the Tennessee state line, the community is considered a suburb of Memphis, encompasses 36.9 square miles, and is served by the DeSoto County School District. The violent crime rate in Olive Branch is 205, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.9%.

#15 Hattiesburg

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Located in Forrest and Lamar counties, the city of Hattiesburg has a current population of 47,500 residents.  The county seat of Forrest County, the community is home to both the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University as well as the largest National Guard Training base in the eastern U.S.  The violent crime rate here is 252.5, and residents of Hattiesburg have a 5.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

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15 Safest Cities in Iowa 2016

IowaIowa is a Midwestern U.S. state that is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Big Sioux and Missouri rivers to the west, making it the only state whose east and west borders are formed by rivers. Home to 3.1 million residents, Iowa is the 30th most populous U.S. state, with its capital and largest city being Des Moines. The state has a long history in agriculture, yet has made some transitions in the past century into such areas as energy production, manufacturing, high-tech, and financial services. Still, urban areas cover just 1% of this picturesque state. If you’d like to settle in the Hawkeye State, here are the 15 safest cities in Iowa to help you make a secure choice.

Related: Check out our Iowa 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 273 for violent crime and 2,094 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.

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#1 Spencer

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Located in Clay County, the city of Spencer is home to 11,200 residents.  Also the county seat, the community sits at the confluence of the Ocheyedan and Little Sioux rivers, is the site of the headquarters of Arnold Motor Supply, and is known for its annual Clay County Fair each fall.  Spencer is the safest place to live in Iowa, with a violent crime rate of 17.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 2.2%.

#2 Waukee

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A city in Dallas County, Waukee is home to 13,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of Des Moines, the community was incorporated in 1878, encompasses nearly 13 square miles, and is served by the Waukee Community School District, one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state.  Another safe place to call home, the violent crime rate in Waukee is 61.9, and residents here have a .09% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#3 Ankeny

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Located in Polk County, the city of Ankeny is home to 45,500 residents.  Another Des Moines suburb, this fast-growing community is the site of many large businesses, has been included on Money’s list of top places to live, and is known for its annual events such as Ankeny Summer Fest and Ankeny Art in the Park.  The violent crime rate here is 73.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Ankeny is just 1.3%.

#4 Carroll

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A city in Carroll County, Carroll is home to 10,100 residents.  Also the county seat, the community has an extensive parks and recreation system that includes Swan Lake, 13 parks, a skate park, Sauk Rail Trail, an aquatic center, and a stadium for a semi-pro baseball team.  The violent crime rate in Carroll is 78.7, and residents here have a 1.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.

#5 Johnston

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Located in Polk County, the city of Johnston has a current population of 17,200 residents.  Considered a suburb of Des Moines, this fast-growing community is home to the headquarters of several businesses such as Iowa Public Television and Pioneer Hi-Bred, as well as a large military reservation.  The violent crime rate here is 102.2, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Johnston is just 1.1%.

#6 Marion

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A city in Linn County, Marion is home to 34,700 residents.  Considered a suburb of Cedar Rapids, the community was incorporated in 1839, is served by two different school districts, and is known for its annual events such as The Marion Arts Festival and The Swamp Fox Festival and Parade.  The violent crime rate in Marion is 104.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.7%.

#7 Cedar Falls

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Located in Black Hawk County, the city of Cedar Falls has a current population of 39,200 residents.  The community was founded in 1845 and is home to both the University of Northern Iowa and the Hartman Reserve Nature Center.  The violent crime rate here is 118.9, and residents of Cedar Falls have a 1.6% chance of being affected by property crime.

#8 Ames

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A city in Story County, Ames is home to 58,900 residents.  Just 30 miles north of Des Moines, the community is the site of Iowa State University of Science and Technology as well as the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center (NADC) and the state’s Department of Transportation.  The violent crime rate in Ames is 131.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.4%.

#9 Urbandale

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Located in Polk and Dallas counties, the city of Urbandale is home to 39,400 residents.  Considered a suburb of Des Moines, the community encompasses 21.9 square miles, and top employers here include Marsh & McLennan Companies and Citigroup.  The violent crime rate here is 140.9, and residents of Urbandale have a 1.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#10 Mason City

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A city in Cerro Gordo County, Mason City is home to 28,000 residents. Also the county seat, the community lies on the banks of the Winnebago River, is known for its Prairie School architecture, and is famous as the birthplace of Meredith Wilson, who created the famous musical “The Music Man.”  The violent crime rate in Mason City is 142.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 4.9%.

#11 Altoona

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Located in Polk County, the city of Altoona has a current population of 14,500 residents.  Considered a suburb of Des Moines, the community is home to a popular casino, a horse racing track called Prairie Meadows, and an Amusement Park called Adventureland.  The violent crime rate here is 161.8, and residents of Altoona have a 3.5% chance of being affected by property crime.

#12 West Des Moines

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A city in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties, West Des Moines is home to 56,600 residents.  The community lies in the Raccoon River Valley, is the site of several large businesses such as Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Hy-Vee, and was included on Money’s list of 100 best places to live.  The violent crime rate in West Des Moines is 163.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 3.1%.

#13 Coralville

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Located in Johnson County, the city of Coralville is home to 18,900 residents.  Considered a suburb of Iowa City, the community lies on the banks of the Iowa River and was named for coral fossils found in the area in the 1800’s.  There is still an active archeological site here called Edgewater Park Site. The violent crime rate here is 165.9, and residents of Coralville have a 2.7% chance of being affected by property crime.

#14 Clive

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A city in Polk and Dallas counties, Clive is home to 15,400 residents.  Considered a suburb of Des Moines, the community encompasses 7.7 square miles and is known for its Greenbelt Park and trail system, an 11.3-mile urban recreational trail that runs through the entire area.  The violent crime rate in Clive is 169.6, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.1%.

#15 Dubuque

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Located in Dubuque County, the city of Dubuque has a current population of 58,200 residents.  Also the county seat, the community lies on the eastern state line, is home to many large businesses as well as several universities and a long list of historic properties.  The violent crime rate here is 219, and residents of Dubuque have a 3.1% chance of being affected by property crime.

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