America's Safest Midsize City In 2026 Is A Gorgeous Mountain Gem Nestled Between Denver And Boulder

Good news: The homicide rate in America has been dropping sharply since 2020, with a study by the Council on Criminal Justice showing a sharp average drop in property crime and almost all violent crime rates between 2024 and 2025 in 40 American cities. This study ignores one kind of risk that has increased rapidly over the last decade, though: natural disasters. According to a report by the National Centers for Environmental Information, nine of the 10 years with the highest number of natural disasters came in the last decade. Wildfires, heatwaves, floods, major storms, and more are persistent threats throughout much of the country. So if you're going to be analyzing the relative safety levels of different cities, you should probably factor in the likelihood of natural disasters. 

That's just what SmartAsset, a personal finance company, did in its new survey of the safest midsize cities in America. It ranked over 300 cities with between 65,000 and 250,000 residents on four main data points: violent crime rates, property crime rates, automobile fatality rates, and natural disaster risks based on FEMA's disaster risk index. They've released a list of the top 75, and number one is a beautiful mountain town almost halfway between Denver and Boulder: Broomfield, Colorado.

SmartAsset found that Broomfield fares well in traditional crime statistics. The frequency of violent crime is only 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, whereas property crime comes in at 19 incidents per 1,000. Its auto fatality rate is 5.2 per 100,000 residents — less than half the national average of 11.5 per 100,000 according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Although those are great numbers, they aren't necessarily the lowest rates of any of the ranked cities; what really elevates Broomfield to the top of the pack is its FEMA disaster risk rating. It's the only city surveyed that comes in at "very low" — so not only will you not have to worry too much about sudden violent crime or getting robbed, but you're also less likely to fall victim to nature's unpredictability than any other city this size. This safety is almost like a cherry on top for a place like Broomfield, which is surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Just 25 minutes northwest of Denver and 20 minutes southeast of Boulder on US-36, Broomfield is sandwiched between two of Colorado's most popular destinations. It stands out amid the many peaceful cities nestled in the mountains of Colorado. At an elevation of over 5,300 feet, this mile-high city of over 80,000 residents is as gorgeous as it is safe, with sweeping views of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. That beauty and that safety have helped make Broomfield a burgeoning hub in Colorado's tech industry, and a great place to either live or visit.

Broomfield also capitalizes on its natural wonder with ample opportunity for outdoor action. The city touts its sizable amount of developed parkland — over 700 acres, in all, along with over 280 miles of trails. Broomfield's leaders have done the math and love to point out that this comes out to 16 acres of outdoor activity per 1,000 citizens — a statistic that pairs nicely with the low crime stats that make it one of the safest cities in America. The top-ranked park in Broomfield is the Broomfield County Commons Open Space, whose almost 350 acres are split between well-kept walking trails, peaceful open spaces , playgrounds, and a recreational center that features gyms, play areas, and even an indoor aquatic park with a lazy river and waterslides.

The highest-rated of the Open Space's trails is called the Big Loop; the 2.2-mile walk circles by two reservoirs and the wetlands within the park, and is a good place to see wildlife, including rabbits, coyotes, and prairie dogs. You can also soak in Broomfield's breathtaking scenery on McKay Lake Trail, the city's highest-rated on AllTrails with a 4.5-star rating, and particular praise for its lake and mountain views. This mile-and-a-half trail is popular for hikers and bikers, and if you're a bird lover on a tour of this pretty Colorado city, keep an eye out for downy woodpeckers, American goldfinches, and waterfowl like horned grebes and American coots. Amazing scenery is everywhere in this very safe, very gorgeous mountain gem, which should put Broomfield on your map.