Where Can You Actually Afford Safe Housing? 15 US Communities Reveal Hidden Gems

Finding a place to live that won’t drain your bank account while keeping you safe is no small feat. Yet across America, there are at least 15 communities that prove this combination is possible. According to comprehensive data analysis examining crime statistics and living expenses, these towns and cities stand out as the cheapest state to live in relative to their safety profiles.

What’s striking about this research is that seven of these budget-friendly locations are clustered in Ohio—making it the most represented state in the rankings. Whether you’ve heard of these places or not, the numbers tell a compelling story: low violent crime rates paired with annual living costs that won’t leave your wallet empty.

The Most Affordable Safe Communities: A Closer Look

New Philadelphia, Ohio leads the pack with a total annual cost of living at just $35,549. With a population of 17,563, this town boasts an average home value of $186,258 and a manageable monthly mortgage of $1,101. Crime remains minimal, with violent crimes occurring at 0.69 per 1,000 residents and property crimes at 1.50 per 1,000.

New Ulm, Minnesota follows closely with $36,361 in annual living expenses. Its 14,066 residents enjoy even lower violent crime (0.29 per 1,000), though property crimes run slightly higher at 5.07 per 1,000. Home values average $222,693 with monthly mortgage payments around $1,316.

Parma Heights, Ohio represents another Ohio entry, positioned at $36,575 annually. The community of 20,616 maintains strong livability scores (71) with controlled crime rates—violent offenses at 0.39 per 1,000 and property crimes at 2.76 per 1,000. Average home prices sit at $196,742.

San Elizario, Texas breaks the regional pattern with remarkably low costs at $36,738 annually, backed by the lowest violent crime rate in this group at just 0.10 per 1,000 residents. The town’s 10,123 residents benefit from affordable housing at $167,333 average value and $989 monthly mortgage costs.

Yorktown, Indiana rounds out the $37,000 range at $37,332 yearly. Despite its smaller population of 11,617, homes average $218,330 with monthly payments of $1,290. Violent crime sits at 0.42 per 1,000, making it another solid option for budget-conscious buyers.

Mid-Range Options: Still Affordable, Still Safe

Berea, Ohio offers annual living costs of $37,768 within a population of 18,330. The town’s livability score of 77 reflects quality of life, while crime statistics show 0.60 violent crimes and 3.69 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Average homes cost $220,573.

Mount Vernon, Ohio pushes slightly higher at $37,928 annually but delivers with 16,802 residents enjoying solid safety metrics (0.42 violent crimes per 1,000). Home values reach $225,575 on average.

Columbus, Indiana stands as a larger option with 51,104 residents, offering exceptional low violent crime at just 0.19 per 1,000. Annual costs reach $40,402, with average home prices at $261,995 and a livability rating of 76.

Butler, Pennsylvania maintains similarly low violent crime (0.20 per 1,000) across its 13,306 residents at $40,446 annually. Monthly mortgage costs average $1,354 for homes valued around $229,211.

Expanding Your Options: Under $45,000 Annually

Trenton, Michigan breaks into the $41,000 range at $41,641 yearly with a standout livability score of 86. The 18,242-person community maintains good safety with 0.33 violent crimes per 1,000 residents despite slightly elevated property crime at 6.20 per 1,000.

Hamilton, Ohio brings the Ohio representation higher with 63,124 residents and $42,726 in annual living expenses. The larger city maintains manageable crime at 0.39 violent offenses and 2.43 property crimes per 1,000.

Orono, Maine offers a northeastern alternative at $44,036 annually for 10,699 residents. Exceptionally low violent crime (0.18 per 1,000) and impressive property crime control (2.30 per 1,000) make it attractive despite higher home values at $295,752.

Brunswick, Ohio continues the state’s strong showing with 35,284 residents enjoying a $44,251 annual budget. Livability reaches 78 with measured crime rates (0.48 violent, 4.67 property per 1,000).

North Ridgeville, Ohio further demonstrates why Ohio represents the cheapest state to live in for safety-conscious residents. With 36,043 residents and $44,415 annual costs, it maintains low property crime at 2.88 per 1,000 despite higher home values of $313,398.

Edwardsville, Illinois closes the list with the highest annual living cost at $45,323, yet compensates with the strongest livability score of 90. The 26,543-person community balances affordable living with minimal violent crime (0.30 per 1,000).

What This Data Reveals

The research examined violent and property crime rates from FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics alongside cost-of-living data from multiple sources including the U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and current home value indices as of February 2025. The analysis identified the safest 110 communities and sorted them by lowest total cost of living, revealing which neighborhoods offer genuine value without compromising security.

The dominance of Ohio across these listings—appearing seven times in the top 15—demonstrates that affordability and safety aren’t mutually exclusive goals. Whether you’re drawn to Texas’s lowest violent crime rates, Maine’s northeastern charm, or Ohio’s consistent value proposition, these communities prove that smart, budget-friendly living in safe neighborhoods remains achievable across diverse regions of the United States.