Best States to Live in the US: 15 Hidden Gem Cities Combining Affordability and Safety

When searching for the best state to live in the USA, most people focus on either cost or safety—but rarely both. Yet GOBankingRates’ comprehensive analysis reveals a surprising truth: multiple American cities successfully merge low crime rates with genuinely affordable housing. This deep dive uncovers 15 communities where your dollar stretches further while you sleep soundly at night.

Why Ohio Dominates the List

Seven of the 15 most budget-friendly and secure communities sit in Ohio alone—more than any other state. This concentration shouldn’t surprise anyone tracking regional housing markets. The state consistently delivers favorable property valuations combined with manageable mortgage payments. Cities like New Philadelphia, Parma Heights, Berea, Mount Vernon, Hamilton, Brunswick, and North Ridgeville each tell the same story: lower violent crime rates paired with annual living costs under $45,000.

New Philadelphia, Ohio leads the pack with a livability score of 76, where residents pay just $1,101 monthly for mortgages on homes averaging $186,258. The violent crime rate of 0.69 per 1,000 residents ranks among the lowest nationwide. Total annual living expenses come to $35,549—exceptional value for secure neighborhoods.

Berea, Ohio and Mount Vernon, Ohio follow similar patterns, with annual costs hovering around $37,000-$38,000 and livability scores in the mid-to-high 70s. Both communities maintain violent crime rates below 0.65 per 1,000 residents.

The Midwest’s Quiet Winners Beyond Ohio

New Ulm, Minnesota represents the second-most affordable option overall at $36,361 annually, despite higher property values ($222,693 average). What distinguishes New Ulm is its exceptional safety profile: a violent crime rate of just 0.29 per 1,000—among the lowest anywhere. The livability score of 82 suggests residents genuinely feel secure in their surroundings.

Yorktown, Indiana and Columbus, Indiana offer similar Midwestern stability. Columbus, with a population over 51,000, maintains surprisingly low violent crime (0.19 per 1,000) while keeping annual living costs at $40,402. This larger city proves that affordability and safety aren’t restricted to tiny towns.

Texas and Indiana’s Emerging Opportunities

San Elizario, Texas stands out as the most affordable entry on this list. Annual living costs reach just $36,738, with average home values at $167,333 and monthly mortgages under $1,000. Perhaps most impressively, the violent crime rate registers at 0.10 per 1,000—extraordinarily low. The trade-off: a livability score of 62 suggests fewer amenities compared to higher-ranked peers.

Yorktown, Indiana fills the gap between ultra-affordability and moderate size, with roughly 11,600 residents and costs under $37,500 annually.

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Alternatives

Moving eastward, Butler, Pennsylvania maintains violent crime below 0.20 per 1,000 while keeping annual expenses at $40,446. The livability score of 71 indicates solid community infrastructure.

Trenton, Michigan deserves attention for its exceptional livability rating of 86—highest among smaller cities—despite moderate living costs ($41,641 annually). Orono, Maine rounds out the Northeast representation, though costs climb toward $44,000 annually.

Illinois and the Upper Midwest Summit

Edwardsville, Illinois ranks highest for livability with a score of 90, suggesting excellent schools, amenities, and services alongside its $45,323 annual living cost. With a violent crime rate of just 0.30 per 1,000, this community balances urban conveniences with genuine safety.

What the Data Reveals About Best States to Live in the USA

The analysis examined FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics, U.S. Census data, property valuations from Zillow, and Bureau of Labor Statistics expenditure data through February 2025. Researchers identified the nation’s 150 safest cities (population 10,000+), then sorted by total cost of living to pinpoint locations delivering both affordability and security.

Key takeaway: the best state to live in the USA depends on your priorities, but Ohio’s seven representatives suggest the Buckeye State offers consistent value. Average home values across these 15 communities range from $167,000 to $314,000, with monthly mortgages spanning roughly $1,000 to $1,850. Violent crime rates cluster between 0.10 and 0.69 per 1,000 residents—well below national averages.

Property crime rates show wider variation (1.08 to 6.29 per 1,000), worth monitoring when evaluating neighborhoods. Livability scores range from 62 to 90, reflecting differences in schools, employment, and local services rather than just safety metrics.

Making Your Move

Whether you prioritize the lowest absolute costs (San Elizario), the safest streets (New Ulm), or the best overall livability (Edwardsville), these 15 communities prove that affordable housing and low crime need not remain mutually exclusive. The concentration in the Midwest—particularly the best state to live in the USA for value-seekers, Ohio—offers proven track records, while scattered options across Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maine, and Illinois ensure geographic diversity for those preferring other regions.