Safest cities in Vermont

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Known as the 'Green Mountain State,' Vermont is renowned for its stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and vibrant arts scene. Located in the northeastern United States, Vermont offers a diverse geography that includes rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque lakes. The state's economy is supported by industries such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Burlington, the state's largest city, is a cultural and economic hub known for its thriving arts scene, historic sites, and beautiful waterfront. Vermont is also famous for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and exploring its numerous state parks and natural reserves.

Low crime rates are essential for ensuring high livability, making the safest cities in Vermont particularly appealing for residents. Safety enhances community well-being and economic prosperity, providing a secure environment for families, businesses, and visitors. Contributing factors to the safety of Vermont's cities include effective law enforcement, community engagement, and comprehensive public safety programs. The rankings of these cities are based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a transparent and reliable metric. This emphasis on safety allows residents to fully appreciate Vermont's natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities without the overshadowing concern of crime, making it an attractive place to call home.

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Shelburne Population: 6,008 1,389 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 63 Property Crime / 100k: 1,326 chance of being a victim: 1 in 72

Shelburne proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Vermont. With only 1,389 crimes per 100,000 people, Shelburne has a crime rate that is 92% lower than the Vermont average. This equates to an average of 0.30 crimes per day and a 1 in 72 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Middlebury Population: 6,929 1,472 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 142 Property Crime / 100k: 1,330 chance of being a victim: 1 in 68

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Middlebury comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Vermont with a crime rate of 1,472 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 76 counts of burglary, 1,177 counts of theft, 76 counts of vehicle theft, 65 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 76 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Middlebury, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

St. Johnsbury Population: 5,815 2,276 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 296 Property Crime / 100k: 1,980 chance of being a victim: 1 in 44

With a population of 5,815 and a total crime rate of 2,276 per 100,000 residents, St. Johnsbury is the 3rd safest city in Vermont. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 93% lower than the Vermont average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Montpelier Population: 7,434 2,298 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 326 Property Crime / 100k: 1,971 chance of being a victim: 1 in 44

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Montpelier is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 2,298, 92% lower than the Vermont average. This amounts to 0.50 crimes per day and a 1 in 44 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Montpelier a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Bennington Population: 8,539 2,855 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 389 Property Crime / 100k: 2,466 chance of being a victim: 1 in 35

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Bennington consistently ranks high in safety. In Bennington, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 2,855, which is 85% lower than the state average.

Winooski Population: 7,320 2,944 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 348 Property Crime / 100k: 2,595 chance of being a victim: 1 in 34

Winooski has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Vermont. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 2,944 crimes per 100,000 people, 92% lower than the Vermont average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 132 reports of burglary, 2,283 reports of theft, 180 reports of vehicle theft, 276 reports of assault, 24 reports of robbery, 48 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Barre Population: 8,590 3,577 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 646 Property Crime / 100k: 2,931 chance of being a victim: 1 in 28

Barre ranks as the seventh safest city in Vermont and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.82 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Barre’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Vermont.

Rutland Population: 15,207 4,269 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 475 Property Crime / 100k: 3,794 chance of being a victim: 1 in 23

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Rutland is the 8th safest city in Vermont. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 84% lower than the Vermont average, reporting a total of 4,269 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

South Burlington Population: 19,359 4,620 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 235 Property Crime / 100k: 4,385 chance of being a victim: 1 in 22

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. South Burlington is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Vermont, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 4,620 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 79% lower than the state average.

Brattleboro Population: 6,429 4,681 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 645 Property Crime / 100k: 4,036 chance of being a victim: 1 in 21

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Vermont, is Brattleboro. With a low rate of crime that included 347 burglaries, 3,490 thefts, 198 vehicle thefts, 504 assaults, 58 robberies, 74 rapes and 8 homicides, the overall crime rate was 88% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Vermont

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Shelburne	6,008	63	1,326	1,389
2	Middlebury	6,929	142	1,330	1,472
3	St. Johnsbury	5,815	296	1,980	2,276
4	Montpelier	7,434	326	1,971	2,298
5	Bennington	8,539	389	2,466	2,855
6	Winooski	7,320	348	2,595	2,944
7	Barre	8,590	646	2,931	3,577
8	Rutland	15,207	475	3,794	4,269
9	South Burlington	19,359	235	4,385	4,620
10	Brattleboro	6,429	645	4,036	4,681
11	Burlington	42,645	479	4,290	4,769
12	St. Albans	6,796	992	12,403	13,395

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Vermont is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Vermont cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.