UK Safety Report 2025

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.

Based on Latest Crime Data
Updated August 2025
Written by NewBuildHomes

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.

1
47.9 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Low violent crime rates
Strong community feel
Excellent schools
Beautiful countryside
2
52.1 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Very low property crime
Rich historical heritage
Good transport links
Rural tranquility
3
57.4 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Affluent and safe communities
Excellent schools
High employment rates
Close to London
4
58.5 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Coastal and rural safety
Popular tourist destination
Low levels of serious crime
High quality of life
5
60.2 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Lake District National Park
Low population density
Safe for outdoor activities
Strong local communities
6
62.5 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Historic and safe towns
Low rates of robbery
Good economic opportunities
Central location
7
65.1 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Safe commuter towns
High standard of living
Excellent schools
Good employment
8
67.0 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Peaceful rural and coastal life
Low violent crime
Slower pace of life
The Broads National Park
9
Varies, consistently low
Crime Rate

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.

Extremely low crime in Scotland
Stunning natural beauty
Strong community spirit
Outdoor lifestyle
10
72.3 per 1,000 people
Crime Rate

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.

Jurassic Coast scenery
Safe coastal towns
Low burglary rates
High quality of life for retirees

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.