Budget-Friendly US Towns: Where Affordability Meets Security

Finding a place to settle that won’t drain your wallet while keeping you safe is increasingly challenging in today’s real estate market. Yet research has uncovered 15 American communities that successfully blend low housing expenses with strong security records. This comprehensive study examined crime statistics and living costs across the nation to identify locations where cheapest homes in america can still be found alongside minimal criminal activity.

The data reveals an interesting geographic pattern: Ohio dominates the list with seven featured communities, more than any other state. These towns may not appear on typical travel guides, but the numbers tell a compelling story about where stretched budgets and peace of mind can coexist.

Understanding the Winning Formula

The research methodology combined FBI crime data with housing market analysis to identify 150 communities with populations exceeding 10,000. From this pool, the analysis sorted locations by total annual cost of living, ensuring each recommendation met stringent safety thresholds. Data collection extended through February 2025, incorporating Zillow valuations, Census Bureau information, and Labor Statistics consumer spending reports.

The Top Contenders

New Philadelphia, Ohio kicks off the rankings with 17,563 residents enjoying a livable score of 76. Single-family homes average $186,258 in value with monthly mortgage payments around $1,101. The annual cost of living totals just $35,549, accompanied by violent crime rates of 0.69 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 1.50 per 1,000.

New Ulm, Minnesota offers an even lower violent crime rate of 0.29 per 1,000 despite a slightly higher livability index of 82. Home values reach $222,693 with $1,316 monthly mortgage obligations and an annual living expense of $36,361.

Parma Heights, Ohio presents 20,616 residents with comparable affordability—$196,742 home values and $1,163 monthly payments—while maintaining a 71 livability score and minimal violent crime at 0.39 per 1,000.

San Elizario, Texas stands out for extremely low violent crime at just 0.10 per 1,000. The smallest community featured with 10,123 residents, it boasts the lowest home values at $167,333 and the most economical mortgage costs at $989 monthly, with annual expenses of $36,738.

Yorktown, Indiana rounds out the initial five with 11,617 residents and home valuations of $218,330. Monthly payments average $1,290 with a $37,332 annual cost of living and a modest violent crime rate of 0.42 per 1,000.

Berea, Ohio features 18,330 residents with homes valued near $220,573 and a respectable 77 livability score. Monthly mortgages reach $1,303, supporting the $37,768 annual living cost while maintaining violent crime rates of 0.60 per 1,000.

Mount Vernon, Ohio encompasses 16,802 residents with home values of $225,575 and monthly payments of $1,333. The 75 livability rating reflects the community’s balanced profile with violent crime at 0.42 per 1,000 and $37,928 annual expenses.

Columbus, Indiana presents the largest featured community at 51,104 residents with higher home values of $261,995 but still-manageable $1,548 monthly payments. The annual cost reaches $40,402 with exceptionally low violent crime at 0.19 per 1,000.

Butler, Pennsylvania hosts 13,306 residents where homes average $229,211 in value. With a 71 livability score and $40,446 annual costs, violent crime remains minimal at 0.20 per 1,000, though property crime reaches 6.29 per 1,000.

Trenton, Michigan achieves an 86 livability rating—among the highest on the list—with 18,242 residents. Home values of $231,232 support $1,366 monthly payments and $41,641 yearly expenses while maintaining a violent crime rate of 0.33 per 1,000.

Hamilton, Ohio expands the scale to 63,124 residents with home values reaching $279,890. Monthly payments climb to $1,654 with annual expenses of $42,726, balanced by a violent crime rate of 0.39 per 1,000 and property crime at 2.43 per 1,000.

Orono, Maine serves 10,699 residents with higher home valuations of $295,752, reflecting a $1,748 monthly payment obligation. The 71 livability score and $44,036 annual cost align with low violent crime at 0.18 per 1,000.

Brunswick, Ohio brings 35,284 residents into the analysis with home values of $300,042 and monthly payments of $1,773. Despite the higher housing prices, the community maintains a strong 78 livability rating and $44,251 annual expenses with violent crime at 0.48 per 1,000.

North Ridgeville, Ohio serves 36,043 residents with home valuations of $313,398 and $1,852 monthly payments. The 75 livability score reflects $44,415 annual expenses while keeping violent crime rates at 0.56 per 1,000.

Edwardsville, Illinois concludes the list with 26,543 residents and an impressive 90 livability rating—the highest among all communities. Home values average $302,677 with $1,789 monthly mortgage costs and $45,323 annual living expenses, supported by a low violent crime rate of 0.30 per 1,000.

Key Takeaways

This research demonstrates that cheapest homes in america remain available in communities that don’t compromise on safety. While Ohio’s representation underscores certain regional advantages, opportunities span multiple states and regional markets. Whether prioritizing minimal crime statistics or rock-bottom mortgage obligations, these 15 communities offer viable alternatives to expensive metropolitan areas while maintaining the security and stability that families seek.

The data sources included FBI Quarterly Crime Statistics, U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling’s BestPlaces, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, Zillow Home Value Index, Federal Reserve Economic Data, and AreaVibes—all verified as of February 24, 2025.