The Numbeo Safety Index 2026 rankings were released in January 2026, covering 304 cities worldwide based on crime perceptions and safety surveys. Qingdao, China topped the global list with the highest safety score, while Mangaluru, India emerged as the safest city in India, reflecting varying urban safety conditions across regions.

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The Numbeo Safety Index measures perceived safety and crime levels in cities based on crowd-sourced survey responses from residents and users worldwide. Scores range from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates stronger safety perception.

Qingdao (China) secured the global top rank with a safety score of 89.2, indicating very low perceived crime and high public confidence in urban safety.

Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Doha (Qatar) followed Qingdao in global safety rankings, with high scores reflecting strong policing and low crime rates.

Mangaluru (Karnataka) was ranked No.1 in India and 46th globally with a safety score of 74.4, becoming the safest Indian city in the 2026 index.

Other top Indian cities include Ahmedabad (68.5), Jaipur (65.3), Coimbatore (62.0), and Thiruvananthapuram (61.0) based on their safety perception scores.

The index’s methodology uses crowd-sourced perceptions of safety while walking alone, violent and property crime, and overall security. Responses are statistically weighted to produce final safety scores.

India’s national safety ranking placed the country 70th overall with a moderate safety score of 55.8, showing room for improvement in broader urban safety.

Large Indian metros like Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram were noted among the least safe cities, highlighting urban security challenges in major population centers.

The index helps policymakers and urban planners compare safety perceptions and craft strategies to enhance city governance and community security.