Rochester Hills, MI - The City of Rochester Hills has officially been recognized as the Safest City in Michigan and 5th Safest City in America for 2026-27, marking another major national milestone for the community.

The annual ranking from U.S. News and World Report highlights cities that demonstrate outstanding safety records, proactive crime prevention, and exceptional public safety infrastructure relative to population size.

Rochester Hills has long been recognized as one of the safest cities in Michigan among municipalities with populations over 70,000. This latest national recognition underscores the success of the City’s strategic investments in community policing, modern technology, and local outreach programs.

"We will never take this type of recognition for granted, and know our success is the direct result of deliberate long-term planning with a relentless focus on community safety," said Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. "Community safety is the number one goal for both the City Council and our administration. To hear we are among the very best in the entire country is incredibly rewarding. Our residents can know with confidence that there is no safer place to live, work, and raise your family than Rochester Hills.”

Public safety services in Rochester Hills are provided through a longstanding partnership with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). Under local leadership at the Rochester Hills Substation, deputies work closely with residents, schools, and neighborhood organizations to maintain high safety standards. In 2025, the City saw a decline in calls for service as well as decrease in Group A and B crimes. The City’s most recent citizen survey also gave high praise to the department, with 99% of residents saying they feel safe in their homes.

"A top-five national ranking is earned on every single shift," said OCSO Captain Paul Workman, Commander of the Rochester Hills Substation. "Our deputies hold themselves to a high standard, and having a community that actively stands behind us and a city team that gives us the tools to be successful, makes all the difference."

The U.S. News & World Report safest cities list can be found at: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/safest-places-to-live

About the City of Rochester Hills
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills is a prosperous community offering residents and businesses superior services. Voted one of the top places to live by several sources including CNN Money magazine, Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family. Through the city’s focus on health, education, and technology, the community continues to attract forward-thinking leaders and businesses.


Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett (center) with City Council President Jason Carlock (left) and OCSO Captain and Rochester Hills Substation Commander Paul Workman pose for a photo in front of Rochester Hills City Hall.