Mangalore (Karnataka): The coastal city of Mangalore has been ranked as India’s safest city in the mid-2025 Safety Index released by global data platform Numbeo, which measures the perceived safety and crime levels across major cities worldwide. The index places India at the 67th position globally, with an overall Safety Index score of 55.8.

According to the latest rankings, Mangalore leads India with a Safety Index of 74.3 and a Crime Index of 25.7, indicating a relatively low crime rate compared to other urban centres. The city’s reputation for calmness, civic order, and strong community bonds contributed to its top ranking.

Numbeo’s Safety Index compiles crowd-sourced perceptions of safety, crime, and public order from residents and visitors. The 2025 edition highlights a clear trend: medium-sized, well-planned Indian cities—particularly those in Gujarat—performed strongly, reflecting improved policing, urban design, and public-space management.

Gujarat dominates the list

After Mangalore, Gujarat cities occupied three of the top five spots. Vadodara ranked second with a Safety Index of 69.2 (Crime 30.8), praised for its cultural roots, visible policing, and well-maintained roads. The city’s landmarks such as Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Garden, and Baroda Museum continue to attract both tourists and residents seeking a blend of safety and heritage.

Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage City, stood third with a Safety Index of 68.3 (Crime 31.7). Its strong civic infrastructure, night surveillance, and thriving economy have contributed to its reputation as one of India’s most liveable urban centres.

Surat, Gujarat’s diamond and textile hub, ranked fourth (Safety Index 66.9, Crime 33.1). The report cited its robust monitoring of public spaces and comparatively low incidence of street crime.

Other top-ranked Indian cities

Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Pink City, secured the fifth spot with a Safety Index of 65.2 (Crime 34.8). Its tourism-focused safety measures and heritage management systems helped maintain security in heavily visited areas like Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace.

Navi Mumbai ranked sixth (Safety Index 63.5, Crime 36.5), benefiting from its planned infrastructure and modern urban governance. As a satellite city, its orderly traffic systems and cleaner streets stood out compared to its parent metropolis.

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, was ranked seventh with a Safety Index of 61.0 (Crime 39.0), supported by strong community networks, an educated population, and efficient municipal services.

Chennai followed at eighth (Safety Index 60.0, Crime 40.0), scoring well on public transport access and urban maintenance, while Pune came in ninth with 58.7 (Crime 41.3), praised for its vibrant neighbourhoods and youth-driven civic awareness.

Rounding out the list, Chandigarh ranked tenth (Safety Index 57.6, Crime 42.4), with its structured city design and broad roads promoting both safety and ease of movement.

India’s performance and global context

Numbeo’s mid-2025 report places India 67th globally, with a modest improvement in perceived safety compared to 2024. While major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru did not feature in the top ten, several Tier-2 cities performed better due to urban renewal programmes, lower violent crime rates, and active civic engagement.

Analysts note that urban planning, consistent policing, and public cooperation are key factors driving safety perceptions. “Cities like Mangalore and Vadodara show that efficient civic systems and community trust can drastically improve how safe people feel,” the report observed.

Conclusion

The findings underscore a shifting narrative — smaller, well-governed Indian cities are outpacing larger metros in safety and liveability. As India continues its rapid urbanisation, balancing growth with public safety and infrastructure quality will be crucial for maintaining this upward trend.