College town safety tips as new crime rankings show dangerous areas

As students go back to the premises for this decline, security is once again at the top of the mind for parents and new and returning students.

New data reveals the most dangerous college cities in the US for 2025 and, while each have their own challenges, former US secret service agent and campus security expert Bobby McDonald’s say that many students can protect themselves.

McDonald’s told Fox News Digital, “The common sense at the front end will deny a lot of bad things on the back end.” “Safety needs to be a muscle memory, such as bucking the seat belt.”

compiled by Washech Defense AdvocateThe 2025 “Most Dangerous College Town” ranking is based on FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting System and two years of crime data from local police departments (May 2023-May 2025).

The study examined 26 American college cities, which normalize violent crimes, property offenses, drug offenders and arms violations per 10,000 residents to allow proper comparison in various sized communities.

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1. Gainsville, Florida – University of Florida

Gainesville leads the nation in per capita crimes, with 179 incidents on 10,000 inhabitants between May 2023 and May 2025.

While the Florida University is well preserved in the campus itself, surrounding areas see high rates of property offenses, theft and theft. Both the vibrant nightlife and large student population of the city create opportunities for petty and serious crimes.

When it comes to nightlife, McDonald’s said that you “never want to leave anyone in the bar.”

“There is nothing good at the point in relation to the person you are leaving behind. So your friend may be upset with you for a few hours. But the fact of the fact that, you handle a situation, they got the charge, they got in a car, they got in the bus, got it on the rail, got it on the rail, got it in the subway, whatever it was, and they got a safe house.”

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2. Tuscalosa, Alabama – Alabama University

Tuskalosa, home to Alabama University, ranks second with 149 crimes per 10,000 inhabitants. Most risks are tied to areas with heavy nightlife activity, where alcohol -related incidents and theft are more common.

Mixing and visiting sports fans of city students can also create conditions for opportunistic crime.

3. Tempe, Arizona – Arizona State University

Tempe’s ranking is inspired by its size, dense student population and active party view. 136 crimes were registered per 10,000 residents per 10,000 inhabitants in the city, with property crimes such as theft and vehicle theft.

Its proximity with Phoenix, Arizona also adds to its crime rankings.

“We’ve found to think about small things. Close the door, close the door for your car. Many times, the children will leave their wallets or their keys open in their car and door.

4. New Heaven, Connecticat – Yale University

New Heaven landed at number four with 126 crimes on 10,000 residents. While Yale University makes heavily in campus security, the neighborhood has high levels of violent crime in the neighborhood, including robbery and attack.

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Like many, if not most, universities, Yale have invested in campus security. McDonald’s encouraged new and returned students to take advantage of the free resources provided to the students.

“It is very comfortable on police agencies that is a dialogue that is always running with students that they are acceptable. They are able to reach when they come, that they have a quick response time to show it that they are not only interested in students who are living in the dom, but living in a private house that are away from the campus that stays away from two blocks,” they said.

“Those students are still our customers and we want to make sure they have taken care of very well.”

5. Ethaka, New York – Cornell University / Ithaka College

Ethaka’s attractive small city image contradicts its property crime rate, which ranks fifth in the list of 120 crimes per 10,000 inhabitants. Theft and theft from unlocked residences and vehicles are common. While violent offenses are relatively low, opportunistic crime may increase during academic break when many students leave the city.

6. Logan, Utah – Utah State University

Of 112 crimes per 10,000 inhabitants, most incidents include property offenses and vehicle brake-in. The per capita rate is increased by the size of 57,000 small population size of logo.

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7. Iowa City, Iowa – University

With 109 offenses per 10,000 inhabitants, Iowa City faces challenges related to alcohol use, theft and topical violent offenses. The university’s vibrant city is a warm place for both district student activity and petty crime.

McDonald’s encourages students to manufacture safety habits before going out.

He said, “It is time to find out what happens when it happens when it is happening. It is a little plan beforehand.”

8. Cedar City, Utah – University of Souther

The crime rate of Cedar City is ranked eighth in the list by 91 per 10,000 inhabitants, with most of the events concentrated in low-crown residential areas.

While violent offenses are relatively rare, property offenses such as theft and theft occur more often than many times.

9. East Lanceing, Michigan – Michigan State University

East Lanceing reported 90 crimes per 10,000 residents, with incidents near the busy student corridors and nightlife hub. McDonald made students practical suggestions for general knowledge.

“We want students to take good decisions. And we also want them to have general knowledge. They want, we want, travel in couple,” they said. “Not showing a lot of money. Don’t leave anyone behind in the bar.”

Both theft and alcohol related disturbances are common, especially on the weekend with school sports fans.

“If you see those hanging around the campus who do not fit the bill, then certainly do not profile anyone, but most people around the campus are 18-22. Now, it is said that we do not have any students who are 40 who are 40? No, we do not have many students who are living in the dom, however, McDonald said. Should, then report them to the campus police or security, let them deal with it. “

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10. Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana University

Bloomington, Indiana, out of top 10 with 85 crimes per 10,000 inhabitants. From 2023 to 2024, the Bloomington Police Department recorded a 24% decline in violent crime.