15 Safest Cities in Texas [2023 Data]

 

Known for its famous barbecue, hot weather, live music, and Friday night lights, the Lone Star State has a large population for a reason. And if you’re looking to move to Texas, you may wonder about the safest places to live in Texas.

But with a state as large as Texas, it can be difficult to wrap your head around where the safest place to live is. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, researching and ranking the safest cities in Texas based on eight factors:

 

• City violent crime rate

• City property crime rate

• FEMA index rating 

• USA.com violent crime city safety rating

• Median income

• Poverty rate

• Cost of living

• Population density

 

We sourced this data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, USA.com, Best Places, and FEMA.

Methodology disclaimer: We've included indirect factors like poverty rates and median income to broaden our scale. However, these factors are weighted less than crime rates because poverty rates and income alone don’t determine whether or not a city is safe. We break down how each element was weighted in our methodology section.

 

 

1. Prosper, TX

 

• County: Collin and Denton

• Population: 28,825

• Violent Crime Rate: 21 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 742 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 15.38

 

Located northwest of Plano, Prosper is at the top of our list as the safest city in Texas. Known for its high quality of life and small-town charm, Prosper is a great place to enjoy your life.

Whether playing 18 holes at Gentle Creek Country Club or taking a stroll through Frontier Park, you can do so peacefully, as Prosper boasts an exceptionally low violent crime rate, helping establish its place as the safest place to live in Texas.

2. Flower Mound, TX

 

• County: Denton

• Population: 75,050

• Violent Crime Rate: 55 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 650 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 16.34

 

Rated as one of Money’s Best Places to Live in 2021, Flower Mound sits above and between Fort Worth and Dallas. This safe community is known for its small-town feel and festive events, from its annual Independence Fest celebration to summer concerts.

If you’re a nature lover, look no further than Lake Grapevine along the southern border of the town. Whether you’re an avid fisher or love to camp, you’ll always have a fun activity to enjoy while living in Flower Mound.

Pair these fun experiences with low poverty and property crime rates, and you can spend more time enjoying yourself and less time worrying about your safety.

3. Leander, TX

 

• County: Williamson and Travis

• Population: 57,696

• Violent Crime Rate: 101 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,049 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 10.13

 

Featuring the 10th lowest poverty rate on our list, the city of Leander sits on the outskirts of Austin, near the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. This makes it the perfect place for those who are looking for easy access to a larger city with the safety benefits of a small community. 

Even if you never plan to head into Austin, you’ll still have plenty to do. Whether you’d like to take a weekend trip to Lake Travis to experience its floating water park or unwind at Devine Lake Park, you’ll always have a safe place to play or relax in one of the safest towns in Texas.

4. Wylie, TX

 

• County: Collin

• Population: 55,426

• Violent Crime Rate: 79 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 554 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 15.38

 

Once deemed the Best Small Town for Families in America, Wylie has one of the lowest property crime rates on our list. Also known as “Wide Awake Wylie,” this town features a historic downtown dotted with cafes, restaurants, and vibrant shops.

On top of that, Wylie is only a short drive away from Lake Lavon, making it a wonderful place for boaters and hikers alike. No matter your interests, you’re sure to love calling the safe community of Wylie home. 

5. Midlothian, TX

 

• County: Ellis

• Population: 33,914

• Violent Crime Rate: 106 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,120 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 8.81

 

Located below and between Fort Worth and Dallas, residents of Midlothian enjoy easy access to two major cities, all while experiencing the safety perks of a small town. But don’t let the proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth fool you, as you’ll never have to travel far for something to do.

Whether you’re grabbing a pint of Texas craft beer at Twisted Sisters Tap House or made-from-scratch barbecue at Big D BBQ, you can spend your days soaking up all the safe community of Midlothian has to offer.

In addition to having a low crime rate, Midlothian is also one of the lowest-risk cities on our list when it comes to natural disasters, making it one of the safest areas in Texas.

6. Rockwall, TX

 

• County: Rockwall

• Population: 46,150

• Violent Crime Rate: 104 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,398 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 5.4

 

Wrapped around a lake, the city of Rockwall is another one of the safest places to live in Texas. Not far from Dallas, Rockwall is a safe community with a low poverty rate.

Rockwall is also known for its beautiful sunsets and views of Lake Ray Hubbard. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy scenic views and relaxing safety, try spending a weekend at The Harbor Rockwall shopping center.

Whether you’re catching a movie or taking in the views of The Scott Self Lighthouse at The Harbor Rockwall, there is always fun to be had while living in Rockwall.

7. Schertz, TX

 

• County: Guadalupe

• Population: 41,607

• Violent Crime Rate: 94 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 901 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 16.59

 

Schertz is another one of the safest places in Texas to live. As the third largest city in the San Antonio metropolitan area, Schertz boasts impressively low crime rates.

Plus, Schertz is home to several beautiful parks and outdoor spaces for you to enjoy, including Heritage Oaks Park. As the name suggests, this 13-acre park is surrounded by 150-year-old oak and pecan trees, making it a beautiful escape for a weekend picnic or afternoon stroll.

8. Cibolo, TX

 

• County: Guadalupe

• Population: 31,489

• Violent Crime Rate: 83 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 940 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 16.59

 

Situated between San Antonio and New Braunfels, Cibolo is a great place to live if you value safety. As the third smallest city in our top 15, Cibolo is home to just 31,489 residents and one of the safest small towns in Texas.

But don’t let its small size fool you, as there is still plenty to do in this small town. In the spring, the town hosts Downtown Market Days, where you can experience unique local vendors and a tight-knit community. Plus, this safe place to live won’t break the bank, as its cost of living is below the national average. 

9. Southlake, TX

 

• County: Tarrant

• Population: 30,754

• Violent Crime Rate: 20 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,021 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 31.52

 

Slightly smaller than Cibolo, the town of Southlake boasts the lowest violent crime rate on our list, making it another safe place to live in Texas. Home to 30,754 residents, Southlake is known for its beautiful town square, eight-time state championship-winning high school football team, and strong public schools. 

If sports and shopping aren’t your things, you can also enjoy the free MasterWorks Concert Series at Rustin Pavillion. This annual concert series is a perfect place for music and food lovers to gather safely, offering eight concert dates in 2023. 

10. Frisco, TX

 

• County: Collin and Denton

• Population: 193,140

• Violent Crime Rate: 101 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,043 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 15.38

 

Just 25 minutes north of Dallas, Frisco is home to nearly 200,000 residents. Compared to the other cities in our top 15, Frisco is the largest. But even with its large size, it’s still a pleasant, safe place to live. With one of the lowest poverty rates on our list, Frisco has a median income of $134,210.

Known as “The City That Plays,” you’ll never run out of things to safely enjoy while living in Frisco. Whether you’re spending a weekend at the National Videogame Museum or watching the Frisco RoughRiders play, you’ll never have to sacrifice fun for a safe place to live.

11. Cedar Park, TX

 

• County: Williamson

• Population: 74,741

• Violent Crime Rate: 122 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,357 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 10.13

 

Located 30 minutes from downtown, Cedar Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin. Whether you’re cheering on the Texas Stars hockey team or playing fetch with Fido at Cedar Bark Park, you’ll never have to leave this safe community for something to do.

If you’re a foodie or craft beer enthusiast, you’ll always have plenty of spots to choose from, like enjoying a bite at Alzer’s BBQ or a pint at Hedgehog Brewing. In addition to being a fun city, the area features a low FEMA rating, meaning it has a lower risk of natural disasters.

12. Keller, TX

 

• County: Tarrant

• Population: 45,190

• Violent Crime Rate: 86 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 549 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 31.52

 

Sitting 30 minutes northeast of Fort Worth, Keller has one of the lowest property crime rates on our list. The town also has a low violent crime rate, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

With over 300 acres of developed parks, you’ll always have open space to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. But nature won’t be the only thing you can marvel at, as Keller’s parks are known for their public art displays, including various bronze and stainless steel sculptures.

13. Little Elm, TX

 

• County: Denton

• Population: 45,124

• Violent Crime Rate: 182 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 439 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 16.34

 

Bordering Lewisville Lake, Little Elm is an extended suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With the second lowest property crime rate on our list, Little Elm is one of the safest Texas cities.

Home to The Lakefront at Little Elm, you’ll have year-round access to all the family-friendly entertainment The Lakefront has to offer, from beach volleyball at Little Elm Beach to hiking at Lakefront Trail.

14. Sugar Land, TX

 

• County: Fort Bend

• Population: 110,272

• Violent Crime Rate: 60 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,263 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 18.83

 

Even though Sugar Land is the third largest city in our top 15, it has the fifth lowest violent crime rate on our list, making it another one of the safest cities to live in Texas. Located southwest of Houston, the vibrant city of Sugar Land is full of things to do.

Home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Sugar Land Art Center, there’s never a shortage of things to learn and enjoy. For baseball fans, Sugar Land is also the home of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. No matter your interests, you’ll make plenty of fun memories in the safe community of Sugar Land.

15. McKinney, TX

 

• County: Collin

• Population: 189,394

• Violent Crime Rate: 129 per 100,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 1,032 per 100,000 residents

• FEMA Rating: 15.38

 

Located 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney is known for its tree-lined streets and historic downtown. On top of that, McKinney has the 13th lowest property crime rate and 20th lowest violent crime rate on our list, making it an exceptionally safe city in Texas for its size.

Home to nearly 190,000 residents, McKinney has plenty to offer. Whether spending your weekend on a brewery tour or enjoying a concert at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, you can enjoy the perks of big-city living while reaping the benefits of small-town safety.

More of the Safest Cities in Texas

If you’re looking for more safe options in Texas, here are other top-ranking cities we studied:

 

16. Georgetown

17. Friendswood

18. Missouri City

19. Mansfield

20. League City

21. Kyle

22. Pearland

23. Coppell

24. Round Rock

25. Pflugerville

26. Mission

27. Plano

28. Burleson

29. Harker Heights

30. Weatherford

FAQ

Which city in Texas has the lowest violent crime rate?

Southlake has the lowest violent crime rate on our list.

What is the safest city with over 100,000 residents in Texas?

According to our research, Frisco is the safest city with over 100,000 residents in Texas.

Which city in Texas has the lowest property crime rate?

Mission has the lowest property crime rate on our list, though it ranks 26th overall in safety.

What are the safest cities in Texas to live?

According to our research, the safest city to live in Texas is Prosper, followed by Flower Mound and Leander.

Methodology

To determine the safest cities in Texas, we gathered data from the 100 most populous cities in the state. Due to a lack of data, the following cities were excluded from our list:

 

• The Woodlands

• Allen

• Atascocita

• Spring

• Channelview

• Mission Bend

• Del Rio

 

We sourced population and economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, crime and law enforcement data from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, crime index score from USA.com, FEMA score from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the cost of living from the Best Places Cost of Living Index.

We analyzed the following factors and weighted them as noted:

 

• City violent crime rate — 30%

• City property crime rate — 15%

• FEMA index rating — 20% 

• USA.com violent crime city safety rating — 10%

• Median income — 5%

• Poverty rate — 5%

• Cost of living — 5%

• Population density — 5%

• Law enforcement per 1,000 residents — 5%

Find Your Next Place With UpHomes

Whether it's because of the warm weather, beautiful parks, or historic downtowns, it’s no wonder nearly 30 million people call Texas home. Texas has many other amazing cities like San Antonio, Plano, and Dallas. That’s why we researched and gathered the safest cities in Texas to help you and your family pick the best place to live in Texas.