Nassau County, a picturesque suburban gem nestled on Long Island known for its historic Gold Coast estates, plentiful beaches and quality schools, has recently garnered national attention for its remarkable safety record as well. According to a report by U.S. News & World Report, Nassau County has been rated as the safest community in the United States. The principal criteria used to arrive at the ranking are: “low crime rates, few deaths tied to accidents and motor vehicle crashes and a robust health and public safety infrastructure.”
The county’s approach to safety goes beyond the traditional metrics of crime rates. It encompasses a holistic view of public well-being, including healthcare, emergency services, and public safety capacity. With a per capita spending of $1,148 on health and emergency services, Nassau County significantly outpaces the national average. This investment reflects a proactive stance on ensuring that residents have access to quality emergency care, which is a crucial component of overall safety.
According to U.S. News, Nassau’s violent crime rate is 143.6 out of 100K, while the national average is 255.2 out of 100K. With a population of 1.4 million, the county reported 19,278 violent and property crimes in 2023. That includes 13 murders, 71 rapes, 1,668 aggravated assaults, 1,295 burglaries, 14,676 larcenies, 636 robberies and 919 motor vehicle thefts. By comparison, Westchester County, in New York City’s northern suburb, (population 991K) saw 11,992 similar crimes, and Upstate’s Erie County, with a population of only 946K, saw 26,128 similar crimes.
What’s more, the county’s law enforcement professionals have been praised for their dedication to protecting the community. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman attributes the high safety ranking to the “police officers, district attorney, and other law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line each and every day”. This collective effort has not only resulted in a decrease in crime but also fostered a sense of security among the populace.
The recognition of Nassau County as the safest community is also indicative of a broader trend in the New York metropolitan area. The region boasts half of the top 10 safest counties in the country, with neighboring counties like Rockland and Westchester also earning high marks. This regional success story underscores the potential for suburban areas to become havens of safety and tranquility.
U.S. News 10 Safest American Counties:
- Nassau County, New York
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Rockland County, New York
- Rio Blanco County, Colorado
- Arlington County, Virginia
- Westchester County, New York
- Manassas Park, Virginia
- Putnam County, New York
- Bergen County, New Jersey
- Brown County, Minnesota
