EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville, home to the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has again been ranked nationally as one of the safest college towns in America.
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In an article “50 Safest College Towns in America for 2026,” Research.com ranked Edwardsville as No.14, noting low violent crime rates, community safety and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding SIUE.
Edwardsville recorded 0.30 violent crimes and 5.77 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Rankings were determined using the latest available FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.
“Being named the 14th safest college town reflects the strong partnership between SIUE and the City of Edwardsville,” said SIUE Police Chief David Goodwin. “This recognition underscores what we see every day— a community where engaged residents, campus partners and dedicated law enforcement work side-by-side to create a safe, supportive environment for our students and community.”
The report touched on Edwardsville’s blend of educational opportunities, cultural amenities and community engagement as contributing factors to its continued recognition as one of the safest college towns in the country. It joins the ranks of other notable college towns like Wellesley, Amherst and Princeton.
“Edwardsville is a vibrant, terrific community and SIUE is a vital part of what makes this such a great place to live and to enjoy a fulfilling college experience,” said Major Mike Lybarger of the Edwardsville Police Department. “Protecting and serving our citizens and students is the highest priority for us.”
This is not the first time SIUE and Edwardsville have received national recognition for safety. Previous rankings have consistently highlighted the partnership between the University and the Edwardsville community, as well as opportunities to provide a secure and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff and guests.
As SIUE prepares to celebrate commencement for its Spring 2026 cohort on Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, the recognition reflects the environment many students and families experience throughout their time on campus.
Learn more about SIUE’s Points of Pride. For the full rankings, visit Research.com.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Home to a diverse student body, SIUE is situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis.
