Willimantic, CT, home of Eastern Connecticut State University, is ranked the #21 safest college town in the United States by SafeWise.com. In a report issued on Nov. 9, SafeWise evaluated college towns with populations of more than 15,000 people that are home to accredited colleges and universities granting four-year degrees. The rankings are based on low violent crime and property crime rates per 1,000 people.

“I am pleased to hear that our home town of Willimantic is ranked so highly in this national report,” said Eastern President Elsa Núñez. “The safety of our students and other members of our campus community is our top priority, and we pride ourselves on the diligent work of our own campus police force. Knowing that Willimantic is one of our nation’s safest towns for students is added reassurance that our students, faculty and staff can feel secure and safe in our community. This is good news for our students, their parents and families, our faculty and staff, and students considering attending Eastern.”

In 2018, Eastern’s campus police department was ranked #4 in the nation for improving campus safety by Safe Campus, Inc. The organization reviewed policies and procedures in place to improve security systems and the overall campus safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.

At #21, Willimantic was the highest ranked college town in Connecticut on the SafeWise list and one of only four Connecticut towns on the list. Willimantic moved up 14 spots in the 2021 rankings over 2020, when it was ranked #35. Other college towns on the SafeWise list included Middletown, home of Wesleyan University, ranked #43; Fairfield, home of Sacred Heart University, ranked #45; and Danbury, home of Western Connecticut State University, ranked #46.

Willimantic’s crime statistics are not only low in comparison to other college towns, but are also very low compared to national data. The town’s violent crime statistic of 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 population is less than one-third the national average of 3.7. Property crimes — at a rate of 6.7 per 1,000 people — are also less than one-third the national average of 21.1.

To see the full SafeWise report, visit https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-college-towns-america/ .

SafeWise.com conducts crime and safety research and provides counsel on security and safety systems.