On Thursday, August 8, Nassau County, located on Long Island, was officially recognized as the safest county in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. The announcement highlighted the county’s outstanding safety record, crediting local law enforcement and emergency services for maintaining a secure environment for residents. County Executive Bruce Blakeman expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing that Nassau’s top ranking is a testament to the dedication and bravery of the police officers and other law enforcement professionals who work tirelessly to protect the community.
The U.S. News & World Report’s rankings were based on a comprehensive evaluation of several factors beyond just crime rates, including health care services, emergency preparedness, and overall public safety capacity. Nassau County’s high scores in these areas, particularly its substantial per-capita spending on health care and emergency services, were instrumental in securing its top position. The study also noted that Nassau County was not alone in representing New York well on the list.
The New York metropolitan area dominated the rankings, with 10 of the top 25 safest counties located in the region. Following Nassau, Rockland County was ranked third, while Westchester County secured the sixth spot. Additional New York counties in the top 25 included Putnam County in eighth, Richmond County (more popularly known as Staten Island) in 17th, Queens in 20th, Suffolk County in 22nd, and Brooklyn in 25th place. This strong showing underscores the broader region’s commitment to public safety and high living standards.
In addition to New York counties, New Jersey’s Bergen County and Morris County were also featured in the top 25, ranked ninth and 23rd, respectively. The leaders of these counties expressed their pride in the rankings, attributing their success to effective law enforcement, robust emergency services, and proactive community programs.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the results, stating that public safety remains a top priority for her administration. She noted that the state’s approach to reducing crime and enhancing public safety has proven successful, as evidenced by the presence of multiple New York counties on the list.
