Where America's Most Affordable and Secure Communities Really Are: A Deep Dive Into Budget-Friendly Living

Finding a place to live that combines both safety and affordability remains one of the biggest challenges for Americans considering relocation. While coastal states and major urban centers often command premium prices, a comprehensive analysis of crime statistics and cost-of-living data reveals an unexpected truth: some of the nation’s most secure towns offer surprisingly low living expenses, with Ohio emerging as the clear leader.

The Geographic Pattern: Why Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Towns Lead

Our investigation examined the safest communities across the United States, cross-referencing violent and property crime rates with total annual living expenses. The research identified 15 standout locations where residents enjoy both peace of mind and financial relief. Notably, seven of these communities are concentrated in Ohio, demonstrating a strong regional pattern of affordable housing combined with low crime rates.

When compared to regions like Oregon—where median home prices and living costs have climbed significantly in recent years—these heartland communities offer stark contrasts in both property values and monthly budget requirements.

Top Tier: The Most Budget-Conscious Options ($35,000-$37,000 Annually)

New Philadelphia, Ohio leads the pack with a yearly cost of living at $35,549. This community of 17,563 residents features median single-family homes valued at $186,258, translating to roughly $1,101 in monthly mortgage payments. The livability score stands at 76, supported by a violent crime rate of just 0.69 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 1.50 per 1,000.

New Ulm, Minnesota follows closely at $36,361 annual expenses, despite slightly higher home values ($222,693). What distinguishes this town is its exceptional safety profile: violent crime sits at only 0.29 per 1,000—among the lowest recorded. The livability index reaches 82, indicating strong community quality.

Parma Heights, Ohio rounds out this tier at $36,575 yearly, with a population of 20,616. Homes average $196,742, and both violent (0.39) and property (2.76) crime rates remain remarkably low.

Mid-Range Opportunities ($36,000-$42,000 Annually)

San Elizario, Texas offers perhaps the lowest home values on this list at $167,333, resulting in monthly mortgages near $989. Annual living expenses reach $36,738 with exceptional safety metrics: violent crime of just 0.10 per 1,000 residents.

Yorktown, Indiana and Berea, Ohio both cluster around the $37,000-$37,700 range, each boasting livability scores in the mid-to-high 70s. Mount Vernon, Ohio similarly positions itself in this band at $37,928 annually.

Columbus, Indiana marks a transition point with yearly costs of $40,402. Despite a larger population (51,104), this community maintains excellent safety with violent crime at only 0.19 per 1,000 and property crime at 1.12 per 1,000. Home values average $261,995.

Butler, Pennsylvania and Trenton, Michigan both hover near $40,000-$41,600 annually. Trenton notably achieves a livability score of 86—the highest in this expense tier—while maintaining low crime metrics.

Premium Yet Accessible: $42,000-$45,000 Range

Hamilton, Ohio accommodates 63,124 residents with annual living expenses at $42,726. This represents the largest population center among Ohio’s representatives, with home values reaching $279,890.

Orono, Maine and Brunswick, Ohio both exceed $44,000 in yearly costs, reflecting higher home valuations. Brunswick, with 35,284 residents, shows home values near $300,042 but maintains a respectable livability score of 78.

North Ridgeville, Ohio reaches $44,415 annually with 36,043 residents and a livability index of 75. Edwardsville, Illinois completes the top 15 at $45,323 yearly expenses, earning the highest livability score overall at 90, with a population of 26,543.

The Takeaway: Strategic Relocation Possibilities

What emerges from this analysis is a clear geographic pattern: communities in the Midwest and parts of Pennsylvania consistently deliver the combination of low crime and reasonable living expenses that many Americans seek. While regions experiencing rapid appreciation—such as parts of Oregon—have priced many potential homebuyers out of the market, these 15 communities demonstrate that affordable, safe living remains achievable across multiple states and regions.

The data reflects figures current through February 2025, sourced from FBI crime statistics, U.S. Census data, Zillow valuations, and Bureau of Labor Statistics expenditure surveys.