The Economist’s 2017 safe cities index has been released and it shows that big cities aren’t necessarily unsafe. It’s worth noting that some of the safest cities in the world are urban hubs that boast low crime rates and high levels of safety.
NEC sponsored The Economist’s 2017 safe cities index report lists 60 safe cities that are based on the factors of personal security, digital security, health security, and infrastructure security.
Personal security takes into account urban crime, terrorism, and other violence. Digital security measures threats like cyber attacks. Health security considers healthcare access, hospitals, and emergency services. Infrastructure security looks into cities with safe buildings, roads, and bridges. The Economist analyzed 49 indicators across each aspect of security in order to come up with a score out of 100. Safer cities received higher scores.
Overall, however, The Economist found that man-made dangers, like cyber threats, terrorism, and inequality-induced violence are on the rise in urban areas.
No US cities cracked the very top of the list — San Francisco came closest, with a ranking of 15. On the other hand, Japan and Australia each saw two cities make the top 11.
11. Frankfurt, Germany
Overall score: 84.86
Personal security ranking: 11
Digital security ranking: 16
Health security ranking: 3
Infrastructure security ranking: 23
10. Zurich, Switzerland
Overall score: 85.2
Personal security ranking: 20
Digital security ranking: 19
Health security ranking: 4
Infrastructure security ranking: 10
9. Hong Kong
Overall score: 86.22
Personal security ranking: 7
Digital security ranking: 5
Health security ranking: 24
Infrastructure security ranking: 7
8. Stockholm, Sweden
Overall score: 86.72
Personal security ranking: 9
Digital security ranking: 13
Health security ranking: 10
Infrastructure security ranking: 4
7. Sydney, Australia
Overall score: 86.74
Personal security ranking: 12
Digital security ranking: 12
Health security ranking: 6
Infrastructure security ranking: 9
6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Overall score: 87.26
Personal security ranking: 10
Digital security ranking: 4
Health security ranking: 12
Infrastructure security ranking: 6
5. Melbourne, Australia
Overall score: 87.3
Personal security ranking: 8
Digital security ranking: 11
Health security ranking: 9
Infrastructure security ranking: 7
4. Toronto, Canada
Overall score: 87.36
Personal security ranking: 5
Digital security ranking: 6
Health security ranking: 11
Infrastructure security ranking: 14
3. Osaka, Japan
Overall score: 88.87
Personal security ranking: 3
Digital security ranking: 14
Health security ranking: 1
Infrastructure security ranking: 11
2. Singapore
Overall score: 89.64
Personal security ranking: 1
Digital security ranking: 2
Health security ranking: 13
Infrastructure security ranking: 1
1. Tokyo, Japan
Overall score: 89.8
Personal security ranking: 4
Digital security ranking: 1
Health security ranking: 2
Infrastructure security ranking: 12