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SafetyScorer

Methodology

How we score cities

The 6 factors, weights and scoring rubric behind every SafetyScorer score for cities, on a 0–100 scale where 100 is safest.

Factors and weights

Each factor is scored from 0 to 100 against the rubric below. The overall score is the weighted average, rounded to a whole number, but never more than the country's conflict score plus 35.

  1. Violent crime

    25% of score

    City homicide and assault rates from police or national statistics. 95+: under 1 homicide per 100,000. 80–94: 1–4. 60–79: 4–10. 40–59: 10–25. Below 40: over 25.

  2. Theft and scams

    20% of score

    Pickpocketing, bag snatching, car break-ins and tourist scams. 90+: rare. 60–79: common in tourist zones. Below 50: frequent, sometimes with violence.

  3. Walking at night

    15% of score

    How safe residents and visitors (including solo women) feel walking alone after dark, from surveys such as Gallup Law and Order and local data. 90+: most areas safe at night.

  4. Traffic safety

    15% of score

    Traffic deaths per 100,000 in the city and pedestrian and cyclist risk. 90+: under 2. Below 50: over 10 or very dangerous for pedestrians.

  5. Health and environment

    15% of score

    Air quality (annual PM2.5), water safety and access to emergency care. 90+: PM2.5 under 10 µg/m³ and excellent care. Below 50: PM2.5 over 35 or poor care.

  6. Natural hazards

    10% of score

    Earthquake, flood, storm and heat exposure, and how well the city prepares. 90+: low exposure or strong preparedness.

Score ceiling: country conflict + 35

The overall score can never be more than the country page's conflict and terrorism score plus 35. Missiles, terrorism and war do not stop at city limits, so a city uses the same cap as its country page. For most cities the weighted average is already below the cap, so it changes nothing.

See all cities scores