Home to over 333 million people, spread across thousands of towns and cities, it’s perhaps no surprise that the US encounters issues with crime and debates around visitor safety. Experts at MoneyGeek, the personal finance company, have looked at 302 cities with populations over 100,000. They've analysed the most recent crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and paired them with academic research on the societal cost of crime per capita (i.e. per person). Among other things, their report reveals the rates of violent crimes and property crimes per 100,000 residents in each city.

Click through the gallery to discover America’s safest and most dangerous cities...

With its bustling culture and low crime statistics, it’s no surprise that the Californian city of Temecula is such a popular tourist destination. It's 15th on the list of the safest cities in the US, with a crime cost of $461 (£364) per capita. This is significantly less than the $2,221 (£1,753) average cost of crime per person across all of the studied US cities. The Wine Country is famous for its 50 wineries, and has more than 33,000 acres of vineyards. The city – with its historic Old Town – also hosts iconic festivals year-round, including an International Film Festival.

McKinney in Collin County, just 30 miles (48km) north of Dallas, is home to one of the oldest downtowns in Texas. Its pretty tree-lined streets see relatively low numbers of crime, with MoneyGeek’s report revealing its crime cost at $437 (£345) per capita. Just by wandering around on foot you can see the city’s charismatic mix of old and new. This coming together creates an authentic and busy culture, filled with arts, entertainment, museums, shops, restaurants and parks.

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Situated in Sacramento County in California, Elk Grove is a 42-square-mile (109sq km) city with a small-town feel. Its crime cost comes in at $427 (£337) per capita according to MoneyGeek’s findings, making it one of the top 15 safest cities in the US. As well as having more than 93 parks and a historic downtown, the low-crime city is surrounded by several top attractions that take visitors into nature. There’s Laguna Creek Parkway, a 13-mile (21km) waterway, and Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a fascinating area to spot thousands of bird species.

Plano is the largest city in Collin County, Texas, and according to the annual analysis report, has a crime cost of $420 (£331) per capita. It ranks as one of the least dangerous cities in the US. Travellers can head downtown to explore Plano Arts District and the vibey food and drink scene. Feeling adventurous? Go ziplining through Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve.

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Known for having a safe and friendly community, Surprise’s crime cost came out at $418 (£330) per capita in the report. This city in Arizona has a lot more than just that going for it though. For one thing, it's home to an impressive sports scene. In addition to the hiking and biking opportunities on offer at the White Tank Mountains nearby, there’s also the huge Aquatics Centre and Surprise Stadium. The latter is the spring training facility for two Major League Baseball teams, the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. Surprise has a five-acre urban fishing lake and a gloriously sunny climate to be enjoyed all year round.  

Ranked as one of the safest cities in the US, Carmel of Indiana’s Hamilton County is a super dynamic city with a crime cost of $405 (£320) per capita. The Arts and Design District here is a trendy hub bursting with character and history; a place where galleries, independent shops and eateries combine to inspire visitors’ creativity and tastebuds. For some time outdoors, go and test your swing at the golf clubs or enjoy some biking and hiking on the Monon Trail. Random fact: Carmel has over 150 roundabouts, more than any other city in the US. It's known as the ‘Capital of Roundabouts’.

While in Simi Valley, you’re conveniently situated near several airports and not far from some of Los Angeles’ most famous attractions. On top of that, you also get the charm of rolling hills and a picturesque landscape. Surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains, it’s a popular hiking and mountain biking destination with an epic 4,000 acres of parkland to be explored. For the bookworms, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is well worth a look. In terms of safest cities in America, the city ranks ninth overall and has a crime cost of $404 (£319) per capita.

The suburban city of Naperville is situated 28 miles (45km) to the west of Chicago, Illinois, and is considered one of the best cities to raise a family in the US. Safety plays a big part in this, with analysis finding its crime cost to be $402 (£317) per capita. The city has an exciting array of restaurants, cafes and parks, as well as cultural attractions which can be seen along its pretty two-mile (3.2km) Riverwalk. Don’t miss the Millennium Carillon, one of the world’s largest musical towers, and Centennial Beach, a historic quarry that's now a swimming spot.

Not far from the top of the list for the safest cities in the US is Coral Springs in Broward County, Florida. Crime costs sit at $375 (£296) per capita here, with violent crime rate figures at less than one hundred per 100,000 residents. Feeling safe while they do so, locals and travellers alike are free to enjoy what the city has to offer in relative peace. From its eateries, art galleries and shopping options, to Sawgrass Nature Centre and Tall Cypress Natural Area, with all of its beautiful fauna and wildlife, there’s plenty to see and do in this corner of America.

Out of the 302 US cities assessed, Irvine ranks as the sixth safest. When looking exclusively at built-up areas with populations over 300,000 though, it’s actually considered the safest of these larger cities. It has crime costs of $364 (£287). Due to its lower crime rate, this city situated in the heart of California’s Orange County is a great family-friendly destination that’s home to heaps of attractions. There’s the prestigious University of California, Irvine, fruit picking at Tanaka Farms and plenty of hiking and cycling to be done. Alternatively, head to Newport Harbour for some whale watching in the Pacific Ocean.

Gilbert is set in Arizona’s ‘Valley of the Sun’ (take your sunglasses, it’s always sunny). Not far from Phoenix, it’s easy to get to and just a stone’s throw from San Tan Mountain Regional Park. Spanning over 10,000 acres of Sonoran Desert, it’s a must-see in the area. MoneyGeek’s analysis revealed its crime cost to be $356 (£281) per capita, making it a generally safe place to visit. For sport fans, there are six major golf courses to check out. Those looking to indulge in a spot of culture should go for a stroll through the city’s Historical Heritage district and make the most of its restaurants, shops and galleries.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Houston, the city of Pearland offers a safe environment for the whole family to enjoy. MoneyGeek found its crime cost to be $328 (£259) per capita, with violent crime rates under one hundred per 100,000 residents. Offering an array of restaurants for foodies, some nice shopping spots, several live entertainment spaces and 540 acres of parks to embrace the outdoors in, this Texan city really does have something for everyone.

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One of the top three safest cities in the US is Pembroke Pines in Florida. The suburban area has a crime cost of $322 (£254) per capita, as revealed by MoneyGeek’s analysis. Its sunny climate, beautiful public parks, accessibility and selection of nearby beaches make it an attractive destination. Miami International Airport is 30 minutes away by car while the iconic city of Hollywood is just five miles (8km) up the road. The best beaches include Hallandale Beach, Hollywood Beach and Sunny Isles Beach.

Fishers in Hamilton County, Indiana, comes in at number two on the list of safest cities in the US. It has a crime cost of $296 (£234) per capita. Despite the size of its community growing rapidly since the 1960s, it has still managed to keep crime rates low. Named one of America’s friendliest spots, visitors love exploring the independent shops and restaurants here. Factor in the luscious parks and it’s easy to see why so many choose it as a city break option. Conner Prairie, its outdoor museum, takes you through the history of Indiana. Adventurous types can choose to ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage to view Fishers from 350 feet (107m) up in the air.

Thousand Oaks in Greater Los Angeles is ranked the safest city in America. It has the lowest crime cost of $241 (£190) per capita, with the least violent crimes and property crimes per 100,000 residents. The MoneyGeek analysis suggests that the area’s strict policing and effective social programmes have contributed to this ranking. Named after the region’s many oak trees, the rolling hills of the Californian landscape are also home to an abundance of wildlife and plant species. Top nature attractions here include Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, Wildwood Regional Park and Gardens of the World.

Onto the less safe parts of the US, Atlanta in the state of Georgia ranks 15th on the country’s most dangerous cities list. Its crime costs are $5,502 (£4,352) per capita. Violent crime rates are 841 per 100,000 residents, while property crime rates are 3,748 per 100,000 residents. These figures are driven by poverty and unemployment. On the plus side, the city is also known for its nice weather, stunning parks, eclectic markets and the popular Peachtree Street from Gone with the Wind.

Philadelphia is the birthplace of the US, the spot where the Founding Fathers formed a new country. It is also the country’s first World Heritage City. Despite its famous history and being known as one of the prettiest cities in America, it is also on the map as one of the country’s more dangerous cities. Crime costs here are $5,570 (£4,406) per capita. There are 1,041 violent crimes per every 100,000 residents, and 4,321 property crimes per every 100,000 residents. Factors such as poverty, gang activity and drug trafficking tend to drive these figures.

The first ever McDonald’s opened in San Bernardino in 1940 and a stretch of the famous Route 66 passes through the Californian city. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, it’s considered a hub of cultural happenings. Unfortunately though, it is also a place with high crime rates. MoneyGeek’s analysis found San Bernardino had violent crime rates of 1,186 and property crime rates of 2,955 for every 100,000 residents. This has resulted in a crime cost of $5,691 (£4,502) per capita, well above the national average.

Thanks to its great climate, culture and open spaces, Oakland in California is often ranked among some of America’s top cities to live in. However, when it comes to safety, it is also one of the most dangerous cities in the US. Criminal offences such as theft, assault, and even murder combine for a cost of $5,710 (£4,518) per capita. Violent crimes have a rate of 1,521 per 100,000 people, with property crimes occurring at a rate of 6,475 per 100,000 people. Numbers like this dent the busy port city’s desirability.

With a crime cost of $5,979 (£4,731) per capita, Pueblo in the US state of Colorado is not the safest of places. The rate of violent crimes is 1,621 per 100,000 residents, and the rate of property crimes is a worrying 6,390 per 100,000 residents. This could be a result of high levels of unemployment in the area. Often referred to as ‘Steel City’, a reference to its steel-producing history, Pueblo is in decline and has developed a dangerous reputation. It also has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country.

Dorothy’s home in The Wizard of Oz might spring to mind when you hear Kansas City. Alternatively, perhaps you think of the thriving jazz scene and barbecue culture. Maybe what pops into your head is the fact the city has more than 200 fountains. That's more than any city in the world except for Rome, Italy, by the way. Sadly, however, it is also a place hit hard by crime. Violent crimes are at 1,481 per 100,000 people, while property is at 4,715 per 100,000 people. 

Located on Lake Michigan’s western shore in Wisconsin state, Milwaukee has a population of more than half a million and draws travellers in with its vibrant feel. From breweries and restaurants to museums and the Riverwalk, there’s plenty of reasons visitors head here. On the downside though, Milwaukee sits in the top 10 most dangerous cities in the US, with MoneyGeek reporting its total crime cost at $7,029 (£5,557) per capita. Violent crime figures are at 1,509 per 100,000 people, while property crime is at 3,507 per 100,000 people.

Perhaps Cleveland’s diminishing police force has landed the city at number eight of the most dangerous cities in the US. It has a high rate of violent crimes (1,614 per 100,000 residents) and property crimes (4,317 per 100,000 residents). This has resulted in a crime cost of $7,397 (£5,848) per capita. Although home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and an array of speciality museums and gardens, the number of criminal offences, especially involving knives, might put people off visiting.

You might recognise the name Little Rock after the controversial incident in 1957 when the state’s National Guard was ordered to block nine Black students’ entry into the city’s Central High School. Sadly, the city is still often in the news for the wrong reasons. Over 60 years on, Little Rock has a large crime cost of $7,781 (£6,151) per capita. Violent crime rates are at 1,833 per 100,000 people, while property crime rates are at 5,359 per 100,000. It has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft of any city in the US.

Baltimore, the port city in Maryland, ranks as the sixth most dangerous city in the US. It’s a place where poverty-stricken areas and gang culture in certain neighbourhoods pull the stats in the wrong direction. The rate for violent crime is 1,553 per 100,000 residents, while the figure for property crime is 3,277 per 100,000. The crime cost is $8,160 (£6,448) per capita. With its stunning waterfront views, tasty seafood and impressive history, Baltimore can serve up deeply contrasting experiences depending on where you go. 

Famous for its music scene, and for being the place where musical legends such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their tunes, Memphis sits on the Mississippi River. It’s bursting with cultural history, bustling nightlife and Southern charm. However, according to MoneyGeek’s analysis, it also has a very high crime rate. Statistics reveal the city to have a crime cost of $9,056 (£7,159) per capita. The number of violent crimes is 2,421 per 100,000 people, with property crime at 7,166 per 100,000 people.

Putting its name on the map as ‘Motor City’ during the early 20th century, after becoming the automobile capital of the world, the city of Detroit in Michigan state has also long had a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the US. It scores at number four in the MoneyGeek analysis. The crime cost to the city is $9,281 (£7,337) per capita. The rate of violent felonies is at 2,028 per 100,000 people, with property offences at 4,478 per 100,000.

St Louis has consistently been ranked one of the most dangerous cities in the US. It might be known for its blues music scene and its iconic Gateway Arch, one of America’s best-known landmarks, but sadly it also suffers from a high rate of crime. There's 1,472 violent crimes per 100,000 people, and also a high number of property crimes (7,254 per 100,000 people). These figures result in a crime cost of $11,055 (£8,739) per capita. Poverty and gangs are two factors behind these high numbers.

You might associate New Orleans with jazz, colonial architecture and Creole cuisine. You're unlikely to associate it with safety. The famous Louisiana city, located along the Mississippi River, is the second most dangerous city in the US. It has a crime cost of $11,094 (£8,770) per capita. The violent crime rate is at 1,444 per 100,000 residents here, while the property crime rate is at 4,641 per 100,000 residents. Assault and robbery are the most common crimes in the city, with rape and murder following on behind.

Most commonly known for the international attention it received during the civil rights struggle of the 1950s and 1960s, Birmingham in Alabama is – according to MoneyGeek’s annual analysis – America's most dangerous city. The violent crime rate was shown to be 1,682 per 100,000 residents, with the property crime rate revealed to be 4,173 per 100,000 residents. At $11,392 (£9,005), it has the highest crime cost per capita in the United States.

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