
Strafford consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire. The town has a low population density and spreads across 44 square miles of wooded terrain, which naturally results in low violent crime rates. Due to the town's expansive layout, amenities are limited, and daily errands require a drive. However, Strafford offers privacy alongside safe surroundings, which makes it an ideal fit for families and retirees seeking a laid-back, rural lifestyle.
Strafford consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire. The town has a low population density and spreads across 44 square miles of wooded terrain, which naturally results in low violent crime rates. Due...
Personal Safety : 97
Property Safety : 98
Community Safety : 97
Median Home Price
$482,500
Median Home Rent
$1,500

Atkinson has one of the lowest property crime rates in the entire state, and violent crime incidents are rare. The town's strong local policing and active community involvement naturally keep the crime rate low. The town is located near the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border, offering easy access to Boston. Families looking for a safe, stable suburban lifestyle with declining crime trends will find Atkinson an excellent long-term option for living in New Hampshire.
Atkinson has one of the lowest property crime rates in the entire state, and violent crime incidents are rare. The town's strong local policing and active community involvement naturally keep the crime rate low. The town is locate...
Personal Safety : 97
Property Safety : 99
Community Safety : 98
Median Home Price
$650,000
Median Home Rent
$3,800

Meredith is a small town perched on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The violent crime rate in Meredith is significantly below the national average. The town has about 6,500 residents and a high homeownership rate. Key areas include Meredith Bay, Weirs Road, and the downtown near Mill Falls Marketplace. Lake Waukewan and Lake Winnisquam add to its appeal. Local shops, marinas, and seasonal events support the economy. Close access to Route 3 connects Meredith to nearby towns. Residents enjoy a quiet lakefront lifestyle with scenic views and a strong community feel.
Meredith is a small town perched on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The violent crime rate in Meredith is significantly below the national average. The town has about 6,500 residents and a high homeownership rate. Key areas incl...
Personal Safety : 93
Property Safety : 91
Community Safety : 78
$585,000
Median Home Rent
$2,700

The crime rate in Lincoln has been declining for the past few years. The town is located along the White Mountains at the edge of Loon Mountain ski country. The town's mountainous terrain and sparse population naturally help keep the crime rate low. The northeastern sections of the town report the lowest crime rates. With its low violent crime and easy access to the mountains, it's a perfect fit for families and remote workers.
The crime rate in Lincoln has been declining for the past few years. The town is located along the White Mountains at the edge of Loon Mountain ski country. The town's mountainous terrain and sparse population naturally help keep ...
Personal Safety : 100
Property Safety : 74
Community Safety : 72
$433,950
Median Home Rent
$9,936

Gorham is a safe town in northern New Hampshire near the White Mountains. The Gorham Police Department maintains a strong presence and quick response times. Violent crime rates stay well below state and national averages. Most reports involve minor property issues. Local neighborhoods such as Main Street and Cascade Flats remain quiet and secure. Community watch efforts and active residents support safety. Families and retirees trust Gorham for its calm streets and reliable public safety services.
Gorham is a safe town in northern New Hampshire near the White Mountains. The Gorham Police Department maintains a strong presence and quick response times. Violent crime rates stay well below state and national averages. Most rep...
Personal Safety : 97
Property Safety : 63
Community Safety : 69
$205,000
Median Home Rent
$1,775

Dover is one of the larger cities in New Hampshire, yet it maintains a safety record that rivals much smaller towns in the state. Violent and property crime rates stay below the U.S. average, supported by an active and well-regarded Dover Police Department that runs consistent community patrols and neighborhood engagement programs. Dover's growing downtown has brought in young professionals and families without pushing crime figures up. Close access to the University of New Hampshire in nearby Durham also contributes to a well-educated, civic-minded population in the broader area.
Dover is one of the larger cities in New Hampshire, yet it maintains a safety record that rivals much smaller towns in the state. Violent and property crime rates stay below the U.S. average, supported by an active and well-regard...
Personal Safety : 89
Property Safety : 81
Community Safety : 79
$573,710
Median Home Rent
$2,150

Exeter's crime rates are well below state and national averages, and the figures have remained consistent over the past few years. The town has about 16,000 residents and a strong historic character. Key areas include Front Street, Water Street, and the downtown district. Phillips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781, anchors the community. Local shops, cafes, and galleries line the town center. Route 101 provides easy access to Portsmouth and Manchester. Residents enjoy walkable streets, river views, and a close-knit New England setting.
Exeter's crime rates are well below state and national averages, and the figures have remained consistent over the past few years. The town has about 16,000 residents and a strong historic character. Key areas include Front Street...
Personal Safety : 76
Property Safety : 85
Community Safety : 63
$540,000
Median Home Rent
$2,200

With just 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Portsmouth is one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire. Areas adjacent to Sagamore and streets north of downtown report the lowest crimes in the city. The Portsmouth Police Department runs active patrols and community programs. The city sits on the Piscataqua River and offers a vibrant downtown, Prescott Park, and a working waterfront. Residents enjoy walkable streets, historic homes, and a lively coastal culture.
With just 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Portsmouth is one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire. Areas adjacent to Sagamore and streets north of downtown report the lowest crimes in the city. The Portsmouth Polic...
Personal Safety : 74
Property Safety : 65
Community Safety : 61
$720,000
Median Home Rent
$3,000

Rochester reports 20.23 total crimes per 1,000 residents, well below the U.S. average of 33.37. The Rochester Police Department runs active patrols and community safety programs. Violent crime remains rare across the city. Safe neighborhoods like Gonic and East Rochester offer quiet streets and strong community watch efforts. Local programs and quick police response support a secure environment for residents.
Rochester reports 20.23 total crimes per 1,000 residents, well below the U.S. average of 33.37. The Rochester Police Department runs active patrols and community safety programs. Violent crime remains rare across the city. Safe ne...
Personal Safety : 71
Property Safety : 67
Community Safety : 67
$425,000
Median Home Rent
$1,947

Nashua's violent crime rate is well below the national average, thanks to its well-funded police department and an educated workforce. Its expansive layout helps keep the residential areas quiet and distinct from commercial zones. Southwest neighborhoods such as Crown Hill report the lowest incidents. The city is a preferred choice for young professionals due to a strong presence of defense, financial services, and retail companies that create steady job opportunities in the city.
Nashua's violent crime rate is well below the national average, thanks to its well-funded police department and an educated workforce. Its expansive layout helps keep the residential areas quiet and distinct from commercial zones....
Personal Safety : 68
Property Safety : 73
Community Safety : 52
$477,500
Median Home Rent
$2,000
Transparent & data-driven
Each city is scored against the national average across three weighted categories, built entirely from FBI NIBRS crime data spanning 18 offense categories. Every metric is converted to a per-capita rate and a common 0–100 scale, so no single offense can dominate — and a city served by a non-reporting agency is never treated as crime-free.
Homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, kidnapping & human trafficking vs. the national rate.
Burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson & theft from buildings or vehicles vs. the national rate.
Simple assault, sex offenses, stolen property, vandalism, weapon & drug violations — the tiebreaker.
Recalculated as each new annual NIBRS reporting year is released · agency-to-city mappings refresh quarterly.
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