WalletHub reveals America's safest cities based on diverse criteria

The latest report from WalletHub has identified the safest cities in America, taking into account various factors beyond just crime rates. According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, "The safest cities in America protect residents from these threats of bodily harm and property damage, but on top of that, they also help secure people’s financial safety." The study considered 41 key dimensions across three categories: home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety.

South Burlington, Vermont, emerged as the top city for safety. It ranks first in financial safety, sixth in natural disaster risk, and ninth in home and community safety. The city boasts a low pedestrian fatality rate and a high number of EMTs per capita. Additionally, South Burlington has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 1.9%.

Casper, Wyoming, is noted for its third-place ranking in financial safety and fifth place in natural disaster risk. It also has one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates nationwide. Warwick, Rhode Island excels with low crime rates and minimal risks from extreme weather events.

Other cities making it to the list include Burlington (VT), Boise (ID), Yonkers (NY), Cedar Rapids (IA), Columbia (MD), Portland (ME), and Virginia Beach (VA). Each city was evaluated based on metrics such as crime statistics, unemployment rates, foreclosure rates, and exposure to natural disasters.

The rankings highlight how various factors contribute to overall city safety beyond traditional measures like crime statistics alone.