Texas Cities Shine in Safety Rankings, with Plano and Laredo in Top 10

A recent study by SmartAsset has identified Plano as the second safest large city in the United States, with only Virginia Beach ranking higher. This study evaluated 83 cities across the country, all with populations exceeding 250,000, which represent over 90 percent of major urban areas in the nation.

The ranking utilized a composite score that factored in four distinct measures. These included violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents, sourced from the FBI's 2024 Crime in the United States report.

Additionally, motor vehicle fatalities per 100,000 residents were taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while the fourth measure assessed disaster risk based on FEMA's National Risk Index as of April 2026.

Plano's statistics showed 1.5 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 14.7 property crimes per 1,000 residents. However, the city faced a setback with a “Relatively High” disaster risk rating, which impacted its overall score despite its strong crime figures.

The study also highlighted that Texas hosts both some of the safest and least safe cities in the nation. Alongside Plano's impressive second-place finish, Laredo secured the sixth position in the rankings. In contrast, Dallas and Houston were noted among the bottom ten, with Houston ranked second from last.

The methodology behind the rankings included using county-level data as a proxy for city conditions, which may skew results, particularly for larger cities that encompass diverse urban and suburban areas. This aspect is crucial to understanding the rankings, as it can lead to significant differences in how cities are evaluated.

While the rankings are based on reliable public data from established sources, they come with limitations. The crime statistics reflect conditions that may be a year or more outdated, and the accuracy of FBI data can vary based on local reporting practices. The composite scoring method also means that altering the weight of disaster risk could change the rankings considerably.

Plano's consistent presence in safety rankings over the years, particularly its low violent crime rate, underscores its reputation as a safe community. This recognition may be particularly relevant to residents in Gunter, located approximately 40 miles northwest of Plano, as they consider the safety and livability of nearby cities.

Sources

https://smartasset.com/data-studies/americas-safest-big-cities-2026-study