SafeHome.org analyzed hundreds of U.S. cities to reveal where trick-or-treaters are safest this Halloween season.With Halloween around the corner, safety is top of mind for parents as kids prepare to hit the streets for candy. A new analysis by SafeHome.org ranks Naperville as one of the nation’s safest cities for trick-or-treaters.
Naperville ranked No. 2 in the nation
According to SafeHome’s annual ranking, Naperville, Illinois, comes in at No. 2 nationwide — earning high marks for its low crime rate, strong law enforcement presence and safe streets for pedestrians.
Nearby Aurora also performed well, ranking 11th in the U.S.
How the rankings were determined
SafeHome.org analyzed 161 major U.S. cities and scored them across several key metrics tied to trick-or-treat safety:
- Violent and property crime rates
- Pedestrian fatalities
- Number of registered sex offenders
- Law enforcement officers per 10,000 residents
Each metric was standardized per 10,000 residents and weighted for importance:
- Violent crime (30%)
- Pedestrian fatalities (20%)
- Registered sex offenders (20%)
- Property crime (15%)
- Law enforcement staffing (15%)
Cities with fewer pedestrian accidents, strong police coverage and low violent crime fared best overall.
Naperville by the numbers
- Law enforcement officers per 10k: 17.9
- Registered sex offenders per 10k: 2.4
- Violent crime per 10k: 8.4
- Property crime per 10k: 88.4
- Pedestrian fatalities per 10k: 0.1
Aurora by the numbers
- Law enforcement officers per 10k: 23.1
- Registered sex offenders per 10k: 16.5
- Violent crime per 10k: 26.6
- Property crime per 10k: 125.2
- Pedestrian fatalities per 10k: 0.1
Regional trends and takeaways
The analysis found many of the safest cities clustered in major metro suburbs such as Chicago’s Naperville and Aurora, Phoenix’s Gilbert and Dallas’s Frisco. These communities share a few common traits: strong local police staffing, low pedestrian fatality rates and well-lit, walkable neighborhoods.
By contrast, the lowest-ranking cities — Memphis, Richmond, Little Rock, Oakland, and Salt Lake City — recorded higher violent-crime and pedestrian-injury rates, factors that can make Halloween night riskier for children on foot.
Top 5 safest cities for trick-or-treating
- Yonkers, New York
- Naperville, Illinois
- New York, New York
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Frisco, Texas
Top 5 most dangerous cities for trick-or-treating
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Richmond, Virginia
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Oakland, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Safety tips for families
Even in top-ranked cities, families should stay vigilant. Here are a few key safety reminders for Halloween night:
- Stick to well-lit, sidewalk-friendly routes.
- Travel in groups and keep kids visible with glow sticks or reflective gear.
- Cross streets at corners and avoid distractions like phones.
- Check treats before eating and ensure costumes don’t restrict visibility.
SafeHome.org notes that while data shows Naperville and Aurora are among the safest places to celebrate Halloween, awareness and preparation remain a family’s best defense for a safe and spooky night.
