Understanding College Safety: The Most Dangerous College Towns in the U.S.

When considering college options, students often prioritize factors such as academic reputation, campus culture, and financial aid. However, personal safety should also be a significant factor. With recent alarming reports of violence, many prospective students and their families are increasingly aware of the safety of college towns. A study conducted by Wasatch Defense Lawyers has brought to light the most dangerous college towns in the U.S., ranking them based on reported crime rates.

The Study’s Methodology

This study focused on 26 major college towns, examining crime data from May 2023 to May 2025. Rankings were determined by crime rates per 10,000 people in each town, allowing for a fair comparison across different population sizes. Crimes recorded included a range of serious offenses, such as assault, homicide, robbery, and drug-related incidents.

Gainesville, FL: The Most Dangerous College Town

Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, tops the list as the most hazardous college town. Over the study period, Gainesville recorded an alarming overall crime rate of 179 crimes per 10,000 residents, totaling 2,614 incidents. Notably, the town’s statistics include 977 cases of larceny and 444 instances of aggravated assault, outpacing all other towns in both property and violent crimes. This makes Gainesville a focal point of concern for student safety.

Tuscaloosa, AL: A Focus on Substance Offenses

Following closely behind is Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama’s home, with 149 reported crimes per 10,000 residents. The town’s total crime count is lower than Gainesville’s; however, it leads in drug-related offenses, reporting 728 incidents. This concentration on substance-related crime distinguishes Tuscaloosa from Gainesville, which showcases a broader spectrum of criminal activity.

Tempe, AZ: High Rates of Robbery and Vehicle Theft

Tempe, housing Arizona State University, ranks as the third most dangerous college town, with a crime rate of 136 per 10,000 people. Among the recorded offenses, Tempe had the highest instances of robbery—186 cases—and significant numbers of motor vehicle thefts, totaling 273. The town also recorded 14 homicides, an alarming figure compared to the previously mentioned college towns.

Ithaca, NY: Low Homicide Rates Despite Crime

In contrast, Ithaca—home to Cornell University and Ithaca College—reported a crime rate of 120 per 10,000 people. The number of crimes during this period totaled 394, primarily driven by larceny (with 235 cases). Interestingly, Ithaca reported no homicides and only three rapes, making it the least violent town among the top five in terms of violent crime.

Smaller Towns: Logan and Iowa City

Logan, Utah, home to Utah State University, had a crime rate of 112 per 10,000 residents. A considerable portion of its 621 reported crimes involved drug-related offenses, similar to Tuscaloosa’s trend, albeit on a smaller scale. Iowa City, hosting the University of Iowa, recorded 109 crimes, with drug violations equal to those in Logan. However, it also reported higher counts of assault and weapon incidents, suggesting a wider variety of crimes.

Cedar City, UT and East Lansing, MI: Lower Crime Rates

Cedar City, home to Southern Utah University, stands out with the lowest overall crime rate so far, at 91 per 10,000 people. The total crime count was just 363, with no single category dominating. Similarly, East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, recorded 90 crimes, with notable motor vehicle thefts (94 incidents). While East Lansing’s crime figures are modest, it still indicates a prevalence of certain types of offenses.

Bloomington, IN: A Diverse Crime Landscape

Bloomington, the location of Indiana University, rounds out the top ten with 85 crimes per 10,000 residents. The town recorded 670 total crimes, with a balanced distribution of offenses, including the second-highest number of drug violations. This even spread of crimes showcases the complexity of safety issues in college towns.

Implications for Prospective Students

With the statistics laid out, it is essential for students and their families to take college town safety seriously. While academic excellence is pivotal, the surrounding environment equally impacts the overall college experience. Engaging in thorough research on safety records and current crime trends can empower prospective students to make informed decisions regarding their future education and well-being.