Top 10 Safest Places to Live in the UK in 2025

1. Western Isles (Outer Hebrides), Scotland

The Western Isles, also known as the Outer Hebrides, top our list with an extremely low crime rate of about 15.5 per 1,000 people. This remote archipelago offers a close-knit community where serious crime is virtually unheard of. Residents enjoy peaceful surroundings, minimal urban pressures, and a relaxed pace of life.

While healthcare facilities exist – with a hospital in Stornoway – specialized care might require travel to the mainland. However, the overall environment is one of tranquility and safety, making it ideal for those seeking a secure, rural lifestyle.

2. Shetland Islands, Scotland

Located far to the north, the Shetland Islands boast one of the lowest crime rates in the UK, with just 19.8 crimes per 1,000 people recorded during 2020–2021. Despite the notoriety of the popular TV crime drama set here, real-life crime is almost nonexistent.

The islands benefit from a strong sense of community, low violent crime, and accessible healthcare with a hospital in Lerwick. Although the weather can be harsh, natural disaster risks remain minimal, making Shetland a secure and idyllic place to live.

3. Orkney Islands, Scotland

Just off Scotland's north coast, the Orkney Islands are renowned for their exceptional safety, with crime rates around 22–23 per 1,000 people. This archipelago has repeatedly been celebrated in surveys for its peaceful environment and high quality of life.

The islands offer a serene rural lifestyle, a robust sense of community, and adequate healthcare services available in Kirkwall. With virtually no serious crime, Orkney is an excellent choice for families and retirees.

4. Highlands (Highland Council Area), Scotland

Scotland's Highland region, which includes Inverness and vast rural areas, is famed not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its safety. With a crime rate of around 42.4 per 1,000 people, the area enjoys remarkably low levels of theft and violent crime.

Small, closely-knit communities throughout the Highlands contribute to a secure living environment. Inverness, often noted as one of Scotland's safest cities, provides accessible healthcare and reinforces the region's reputation for tranquility.

5. Powys (Mid Wales), Wales

In Wales, rural regions tend to offer the greatest safety, with Powys standing out. This expansive county in Mid Wales has an overall crime rate of just 44 per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest areas in the UK.

Powys features a quiet countryside lifestyle and strong community cohesion. With basic healthcare accessible via local hospitals and clinics, and only minor risks of natural disasters such as occasional flooding, Powys is an ideal choice for those seeking secure, rural living.

6. North Yorkshire, England

North Yorkshire is frequently highlighted as England's safest region. With a crime rate of roughly 47.5 per 1,000 people, this county—home to historic York, Harrogate, and numerous market towns—boasts significantly lower crime levels compared to the national average.

Along with low crime rates, North Yorkshire offers excellent healthcare facilities and minimal natural disaster risks, ensuring that residents enjoy a high quality of life in a picturesque setting.

7. Wiltshire, England

Nestled in South West England, Wiltshire is renowned for having one of the lowest overall crime rates in the country, with around 52.8 crimes per 1,000 people. Historic landmarks like Stonehenge and the charming city of Salisbury add to its allure.

The county benefits from strong community networks, effective policing, and accessible healthcare in cities like Swindon and Salisbury. While occasional flooding may occur in low-lying areas, major natural disasters are extremely rare.

8. Devon and Cornwall, England

The South West peninsula of England, covering Devon and Cornwall, consistently ranks as one of the safest regions in the UK. With a combined crime rate of approximately 58.4 per 1,000 people, these counties offer a mix of small cities, market towns, and idyllic coastal villages.

Residents benefit from high community well-being and excellent healthcare facilities in hubs like Exeter, Plymouth, and Truro. Although the region can experience Atlantic storms in winter, the risk of major natural disasters is very low.

9. Surrey, England

Surrey, located just southwest of London, is renowned for its safety and affluence. Despite its proximity to the capital, Surrey maintains a low crime rate of around 61 per 1,000 people. The county's mix of suburban towns and leafy villages experiences notably low levels of violent crime and theft.

With excellent healthcare infrastructure and a variety of community-driven initiatives, Surrey offers a high quality of life. The area also faces minimal natural disaster risks, with only occasional localized flooding.

10. Mid Ulster & Rural Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland, overall, enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and its rural districts are particularly safe. Mid Ulster, characterized by small towns and strong community bonds, records exceptionally low levels of crime – for example, fewer than one burglary per 1,000 people annually.

Along with low instances of serious violence, residents have access to quality healthcare through the NHS, and the risk of natural disasters remains minimal. Rural Northern Ireland thus stands out as a remarkably secure place to live.

Conclusion

Low crime rates are the defining feature of the locations listed above, making them the top contenders for the title of "safest places to live in the UK." From the remote Scottish isles to the peaceful rural counties of England and Wales — and even into Northern Ireland — these areas offer the peace of mind and secure environment essential for a high quality of life.

Each destination comes with its own unique benefits, whether it's the stunning natural beauty, tight-knit communities, or accessible healthcare services. If safety is your top priority, one of these ten locales might just be the perfect place to call home.

We hope this fact-based guide, supported by recent crime statistics and safety indexes, helps you in your search for a secure and welcoming community. Happy house-hunting!