13 Safest Places to Live in the UK in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Safety is almost always a top consideration for many when contemplating a move to a new area, no matter where you are considering calling home.

Although it is almost impossible to name a county, town, city, or indeed another country that is totally free of crime, the UK is comparatively one of the safest places to live in the world.

The United Kingdom offers a plethora of safe havens where residents can enjoy life with the all-important peace of mind that they are living in a safe environment.

From the serene Scottish Highlands to the bustling yet secure suburbs of Southern England, the UK offers numerous options for those who place safety and tranquillity at the heart of their life.

This guide aims to explore 13 of the safest places to live in the UK, providing detailed insights into what makes each location a secure and desirable place to call home.

Who knows, maybe your new home is on this list!

1. East Dunbartonshire

East Dunbartonshire is known for its outstanding safety levels.

East Dunbartonshire, located just north of Glasgow, is often touted for its impressive safety record.

With a crime rate of only 254 per 10,000 people, it is one of the UK’s safest areas and is well worthy of a place on our list!

Alongside safety, this county offers a high quality of life, with numerous local nature reserves, such as Merkland and Kilmardinny Loch.

Its ongoing and extensive local community programs are aimed at improving health and employment​ for all its residents, meaning you not only have a safe environment but also a nurturing one.

There are numerous family-friendly suburbs or more rural locations within the local countryside, meaning finding the perfect spot to call home is extremely easy.

City or village life, whatever appeals to you, Dumbartonshire has it and is well worth considering if you are thinking of heading to Scotland.

2. Rutland

Rutland is a great location for those seeking a safe place to call home in the heart of England.

Rutland, a ceremonial county in the East Midlands, borders Leicestershire to the north and west, Lincolnshire to the north-east, and Northamptonshire to the south-west.

Rutland, often viewed as the quintessential English countryside, has one of the lowest crime rates in the country at 42.5 crimes per 1,000 residents!

It is a small yet charming county that offers a picturesque environment with rolling hills and historical towns, making it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle​ where safety is a primary consideration.

3. The Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands are a remote paradise perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

Another of Scotland’s wonderful locations, the Shetland Islands (one of over 100 islands), are known for their stunning landscapes and remote location, reporting an impressively low crime rate of 278 crimes per 10,000 people.

The isolation of these islands contributes to its safety and enhances its appeal as a serene and peaceful place to call home.

The islands are surprisingly well-equipped with plenty of public services as well as a unique blend of natural beauty and a wonderful community spirit.

Residents here experience a subarctic climate, with cool summers and mild winters, if you think that the mainland is chilly you’re in for a surprise!

If you are searching for a unique place to live that is far from the madding crowd, one of the Shetland islands could be right up your street.

4. Devon and Cornwall

Devon and Cornwall are some of the UK’s most popular locations, offering great safety levels to boot.

Devon and Cornwall, nestled in the picturesque southwest of England, are truly a haven for those seeking the sought-after mix of safety, amenities and natural beauty.

In Devon, the historic city of Exeter boasts a blend of ancient architecture and modern amenities, while the tranquil towns of Salcombe and Lynmouth offer coastal beauty and a welcoming community.

Cornwall, famous for its rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, is home to picturesque towns like St Ives and Falmouth, where art, culture, and seaside charm thrive.

These regions are also among the safest in the UK, with Devon’s crime rate standing at 54.34 per 1,000 people.

The low crime rates and the region’s natural beauty make it a highly desirable place to live, with an increasing number of people looking to make the move to the region.

5. North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire offers excellent safety levels across the whole region.

North Yorkshire is the perfect location for anyone in search of an area packed with scenic beauty without sacrificing on safety.

In fact, this region’s safety record is excellent.

With a 49.9 crime rate per 1,000 people, it is the safest area to live in the whole of England and Wales!

The county is known for its historic towns, like Harrogate and York which we have written about in more detail, as well as its picturesque countryside.

With over 40% of its land mass within a national park, this region provides residents ample opportunities to spend time immersed in natural surroundings.

In addition to the beautiful countryside, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit, with Lightwater Valley Theme Park and Castle Howard nearby.

6. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital has surprisingly low crime rates.

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is celebrated not only for its cultural heritage but also for its safety.

A small city with a big heart, it is an extremely welcoming and safe place to consider moving to!

With a relatively low crime rate, Edinburgh offers a secure living environment and the chance to observe history at every corner.

Summers tend to be short here; however, if you don’t mind donning your raincoat, there are plenty of things to do outside and indoors – you can read our full guide to life in Scotland’s capital for more info!

Cosy pubs, trendy bars and a plethora of restaurants will keep you busy throughout the year and provide plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make some friends.

Overall, Edinburgh is a winner, providing security, history, great food and drink, a stone’s throw from Scotland’s stunning landscape, and reasonable property prices.

7. Plymouth

Plymouth is a city packed with things to do whilst retaining a great safety level.

Plymouth, located in the Southwest of England, is home to over 250,000 residents, is a lively and bustling place that still manages to maintain impressive safety statistics.

Burglaries are notably low at 240 per 100,000 people, and violent crime rates are thankfully rare, making it a secure environment for families and individuals to enjoy.

Steeped in history, Plymouth played a crucial role during the English Civil War and has roots that trace back to the Bronze Age.

It hosts the largest Western European naval base, reflecting its significant maritime significance.

Today, its rich heritage is palpable as you wander through ancient lanes lined with Tudor and Jacobean buildings, housing boutique shops, galleries, and diverse restaurants.

Additionally, the University of Plymouth stands as one of the most respected educational institutions, offering top-tier education and research opportunities.

This blend of history, safety, and modern amenities makes Plymouth an appealing place to call home and well worthy of its place on our list.

8. Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire provides residents with the peace of mind you would except from a region on this list.

With its stunning countryside and low crime rates, Aberdeenshire is another safe haven in Scotland, there really are some very safe places to live in this wonderful country!

The region promotes several community safety initiatives and boasts a high standard of living, making it a wonderful place to live regardless of your age.

Residents can enjoy an opposing mix of peace and quiet and adventure, with numerous castles, golf courses, and distilleries to explore throughout the region.

You can find out more about Aberdeenshire’s safety statistics by visiting Statista.

Alongside its positive safety record, the city has a relatively low cost of living, which has ensured that, in recent years, it has become a favoured destination for many relocators.

9. Wiltshire

Wiltshire is one of the UK’s safest counties.

Nestled in the heart of England, Wiltshire stands out as another of the UK’s safest counties.

This predominantly rural area is home to several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the picturesque Cotswolds to the north and the stunning Cranborne Chase to the southwest.

Bordered by six other counties, including Dorset, Somerset, and Hampshire, Wiltshire is ideally situated and offers easy access to both southern and northern England.

The county features 21 charming towns and countless quaint villages, providing a variety of attractive and unique homes.

In terms of safety, Wiltshire ranks among the top ten safest counties in the UK, with only 53 crimes per 1,000 people reported in 2021.

This low crime rate underscores Wiltshire’s reputation as a secure and serene place to live, making it an ideal choice for those seeking the perfect blend of beauty and peace of mind.

10. Shropshire

Shropshire offers residents low crime rates and some stunning locations to call home.

Shropshire is a picturesque county brimming with charm and appeal thanks to its stunning countryside scenery.

It is also recognised for its safety, making Shropshire ideal for both families and retirees to settle down.

The county is dotted with numerous safe and attractive towns, such as Ludlow and Bridgnorth, each has unique attractions and a strong community spirit.

With excellent transport links, including proximity to major motorways and railway stations, Shropshire ensures convenient access to larger cities while maintaining its serene and secure environment.

This fusion of safety, beauty, and accessibility makes Shropshire a truly desirable place to call home.

11. York

York is a wonderful city packed with history.

Located in the heart of England, the ancient city of York has an enviable reputation and rich history that you can sense when exploring its storied streets.

It is an enchanting city that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for its historical grandeur.

York also has an excellent safety record, boasting low crime rates that are sure to appeal.

The strong police presence significantly contributes to its reputation as a safe haven, ensuring peace of mind for its residents and the thousands of visitors.

Living in York means you don’t have to sacrifice the perks of city life for safety.

Its rich heritage is evident as you stroll through its medieval streets, which are lined with historic buildings and the iconic York Minster.

The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, from boutique shops and cosy cafes to renowned museums and galleries.

York is not content with being a safe UK city.

Its track record of safety has led to it being named among the world’s safest cities, and local people are very proud of this.

12. Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire is a top choice for those seeking a safe place to live.

Gloucestershire is a gem region situated in the South West of the UK.

Gloucester is the county’s heart, a stunning cathedral city with historic period homes that attract tourists year-round.

Beyond Gloucester, the county is dotted with secure and charming sanctuaries such as Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury, and Dursley, each with its unique appeal.

Cheltenham, famous for its Regency architecture and vibrant cultural scene, hosts the renowned Cheltenham Literature Festival, while Stroud is celebrated for its artistic community and scenic beauty.

Despite its serene setting, Gloucestershire maintains a commendable safety record. Its crime rate is 58.3 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average.

Overall, Gloucestershire’s safety ranking remains high, ensuring a secure environment for its residents.

13. Surrey

Surrey is packed with plenty of safe places to live.

Surrey, a Southeast England County, is synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle.

Home to numerous millionaires, including football stars, actors, and musicians, Surrey’s appeal is undeniable.

But beyond its wealth and beauty, is Surrey a safe place to live?

According to a recent survey conducted by Alliance Security, the county of Surrey incorporates as many as 10 safe towns based on the latest crime statistics, community feedback, and available local amenities.

The safest one is Woking. Woking’s overall crime rate is about 30.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the national average of 79.5 per 1,000 residents.

Surrey’s impressive safety record continues, with towns like Waverley, Camberley, and Farnborough North, as well as several charming villages, boasting low crime rates.

Surrey’s strategic location adds to its desirability.

The county offers fantastic transport links to London, making it ideal for commuters. Additionally, Surrey is known for its friendly communities and excellent schools, providing a well-rounded environment for families.

This county presents residents with an unparalleled quality of life due to its blend of safety, beauty, and proximity to the capital.

Ready to Start Your Move to One of the Safest Places to Live in the UK?

We hope our guide has been insightful and helped you identify some of the safest places to live in the UK.

As you prepare for your forthcoming move, consider the reliable services of White & Company to ensure a smooth transition.

Our expert team will handle your belongings with care, ensuring they arrive safely and without disruption, no matter which location you choose.

For further assurance, we are founder members of our industry’s most prestigious regulators, the British Association of Removers.

Using a removal company that is a member of BAR protects you in the unlikely event that you are unhappy with our service.

As well as home visits, we also conduct remote removal surveys, a popular way to gather all the necessary information for your move from the comfort of your home.

So why wait? Call us today or fill out a quick quote form on our website.

Let White & Company help you embark on your journey to one of the UK’s safest and most desirable locations. Your dream move is just a phone call away!

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.