Safety is likely the most pressing factor when considering a move, especially for young families and retirees. With that in mind, we looked into the safest and most peaceful places to live in Oregon, and identified the top 10, based on statistics. Keep in mind: this list is based on just one set of criteria, from Safewise, so if your favorite town didn't make the list, don't fret! You can view Safewise's full list of the top 20 safest towns in Oregon here.

1. West Linn

Situated between the Willamette and Tualatin rivers in Clackamas County, West Linn is a delightful town that consistently ranks as one of the safest and most affordable places to live in Oregon. With great schools, a low unemployment rate, and stunning scenery, West Linn is also rated as one of the happiest cities in Oregon.

2. Sherwood

Located in lovely Washington County, Sherwood is Safewise's second safest city in Oregon. Living in Sherwood offers residents a low-key suburban lifestyle, with Portland's big-city amenities mere miles away. The public schools in Sherwood are highly rated, too.

3. Lake Oswego

Despite being on the larger size in terms of population (roughly 40,000), Lake Oswego's violent crime rates are just 0.6% per 1,000 residents.

4. Monmouth

Located just 20 minutes from Salem, Monmouth is a beautiful little town of around 10,000 residents. While the city has relatively high property crime numbers, Monmouth earned its number four spot on Safewise's list for its low violent crime rates.

5. Newberg-Dundee

An idyllic suburban setting in Willamette Valley's wine country, Newberg-Dundee is actually two towns with a combined population of just over 27,000. The cities fall under the same police jurisdiction, and in recent years, violent crime rates for Newberg-Dundee (which were well below national average to begin with) have been on a steady downtrend.

6. Canby

This quaint, smaller city has incredibly low rates of violent and property crimes. Located roughly between Portland and Salem, Canby is a quaint little town that's also home to the annual Clackamas County Fair.

7. Keizer

Keizer is a medium-sized city located in Willamette Valley. It's experiencing a sea change in both violent and property crime rates, down 0.6% and 6.2%, respectively, in the last year. The town is an all-around lovely place to live, too.

8. Independence

The city of Independence is the third largest urban area in Polk County, Oregon. In addition to being a safe place to live for its size, Independence offers residents a lot in terms of community activities, arts programs, and outdoor recreation.

9. Bend

With a population of over 100,000, Bend is one of the largest cities to make Safewise's 2021 list. While property crime rates are higher than average here, violent crime rates in Bend are well below national average, and on a steady downtrend. Bend is a beautiful place to live, offering those seeking big-city amenities a lower cost of living than Portland, with equally amazing outdoor recreation.

10. Central Point

Central Point is a town of about 18,750 located in Jackson County, Oregon. Known for its good schools and vibrant downtown, Central Point rose five spots on Safewise's list from 2020 to 2021, due to a steady declines in both violent and property crime rates.

So there you have it. We're not making this up, these really are the top 10 safest and most peaceful places to live in Oregon. Did your hometown rank on the list? What do you consider when you're looking for a new place to live? Tell us in the comments below!