The Safest Places to Live in the UK
Discover the towns and counties with the lowest crime rates and highest quality of life in our comprehensive guide to the UK's safest locations.
Finding Safety and Security in the UK
For many homebuyers, safety is a top priority. A low crime rate contributes to a higher quality of life, stronger communities, and peace of mind. This guide explores the UK's safest regions, based on official crime statistics, to help you find the perfect secure location for your new home.
Key Findings
- Rural and Shire Counties Dominate: Areas with lower population density, like North Yorkshire and Wiltshire, consistently report the lowest crime rates in England.
- South West is a Safe Haven: The South West of England features prominently, with Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, and Dorset all ranking as exceptionally safe places to live.
- Safety Beyond Statistics: While data is crucial, factors like community cohesion, good schools, and accessible green spaces also contribute significantly to how safe a place feels.
- Check Local Data: National and county-level data is a great guide, but always check postcode-level statistics on sites like `police.uk` for a granular view of any neighbourhood.
Top 10 Safest Places to Live in the UK
This ranking is based on the latest available crime data (crimes recorded per 1,000 population), focusing on counties and unitary authorities.
North Yorkshire
Yorkshire and the Humber
Often topping the list, North Yorkshire boasts stunning national parks and historic cities with consistently low crime rates, making it a prime choice for families and retirees.
Wiltshire
South West England
Home to landmarks like Stonehenge, Wiltshire offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with one of the lowest crime rates in England, particularly for theft and burglary.
Surrey
South East England
Despite its proximity to London, Surrey maintains a reputation for safety and affluence. It has low levels of crime and offers a high quality of life with excellent amenities.
Devon and Cornwall
South West England
This peninsula is renowned for its coastal beauty and relaxed pace of life. It benefits from very low rates of violent crime and strong, tight-knit communities.
Cumbria
North West England
Encompassing the Lake District, Cumbria offers breathtaking scenery and a safe environment. Its low population density contributes to low crime statistics.
Warwickshire
West Midlands
Known for its medieval towns and castles, Warwickshire is one of the safest counties in the Midlands, offering a blend of history and modern, safe living.
Hertfordshire
East of England
A popular commuter county, Hertfordshire provides a safe and prosperous environment with excellent transport links to London and highly-rated schools.
Norfolk
East of England
With its serene Broads and long coastline, Norfolk offers a peaceful retreat with consistently low crime rates, especially in its more rural areas.
Scottish Borders
Scotland
The Scottish Borders region is known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil towns, boasting one of the lowest crime rates in all of Scotland.
Dorset
South West England
Famous for its Jurassic Coast, Dorset combines coastal living with safe communities. It has lower than average crime rates, particularly for residential burglary.
Safety FAQs
Find a New Home in a Safe Area
Ready to find your own slice of security? Explore new build developments in some of the UK's safest and most desirable locations.