Fair Oaks Ranch Named Fifth Safest City in Texas

A Small Town's Big Achievement

Fair Oaks Ranch, a small town located in northwest Bexar County, has been named the fifth safest city in Texas, according to a 2026 study from SafeWise, a Utah-based safety and home security research group. The study also named Fair Oaks Ranch as the safest city in the Greater San Antonio area. This recognition puts the tiny community of roughly 10,000 residents ahead of major metropolitan areas across the Lone Star State.

According to SafeWise, there were no violent crimes reported in Fair Oaks last year, and 6.2 incidents of property crime per 1,000 people in 2025. The report notes that property crime in Texas has increased in recent years, but in Fair Oaks Ranch, both property crime and violent crime have decreased for two years in a row. This achievement becomes even more impressive when considering the broader context of rising crime rates across the state.

SafeWise analyzed 343 different cities across Texas, adjusting for population size. Trophy Club, Texas, a wealthy suburb outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, took SafeWise's top ranking. A number of other suburbs in North Texas were also recognized: Parker, Texas, and Melissa, Texas, are ranked as the second and fourth safest cities, respectively. Fair Oaks Ranch was the only San Antonio area city to make it to the list, which favored towns of 30,000 residents or fewer.

The Secret Behind the Safety

Under the department's "We Go First" motto, officers focus not only on rapid emergency response—averaging approximately two minutes for emergency calls—but also on building strong, personal relationships with the residents they serve. Lieutenant John Ojeda of the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department says over the past 16 years, they've grown from two officers per shift to five. This investment in public safety infrastructure has clearly paid dividends.

The City attributes much of this success to the active partnership between law enforcement and the community. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged with the department through programs like the Citizens Police Academy and various community events, ensuring that the "unique charm" and security of Fair Oaks Ranch are preserved for all who call it home. Maxton says neighbors are always partnering with police for events. He says everyone looks out for each other.

A defining characteristic of Fair Oaks Ranch is the town's luxurious homes located directly on spacious golf courses. It isn't uncommon to see residents making their way around neighborhoods on their golf carts. This unique lifestyle, combined with high homeownership rates and community engagement, creates an environment where safety naturally flourishes.

Hill Country Appeal

There's a reason why so many people are moving to the Texas Hill Country - the wide open sky, small-town charm and top-notch schools call out to city dwellers, families and retirees across the Lone Star State, looking for a more idyllic life. And according to a new report, there's yet another major reason why prospective movers might be showing some love to the Hill Country, especially one small town located just minutes outside of San Antonio.

The distance from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX to San Antonio, TX is 26.1 miles. This proximity offers residents the perfect balance—access to big-city amenities while maintaining the tranquility of small-town living. We were trying to find an area that was focused on residential. Trying to keep commercial out of it, more of a bedroom community catering to San Antonio with access to everything we need. It's a nice, quiet bedroom community and I can't imagine living anywhere else right now.

The median home price in Fair Oaks Ranch currently stands around $667,902. While this reflects the community's affluent nature, it also demonstrates the value residents place on safety and quality of life. Now home to roughly 10,000 people, the City of Fair Oaks Ranch is growing every year. Some time in the 10 to 20 year horizon, we expect to be fully built out.

A Model for Texas Communities

Fair Oaks Ranch's achievement offers valuable lessons for communities across Texas seeking to enhance their safety profiles. The town's success stems from a combination of strategic policing, community engagement, and thoughtful development that prioritizes residential character over commercial expansion.

As Texas continues to experience rapid population growth and urban expansion, Fair Oaks Ranch demonstrates that maintaining small-town safety and charm is possible even in proximity to major metropolitan areas. The community's approach—investing in police resources, fostering resident participation, and maintaining clear development priorities—provides a blueprint that other growing Texas towns might follow.

For prospective residents weighing their options in the competitive Texas real estate market, Fair Oaks Ranch's recognition as both the state's fifth safest city and the San Antonio region's safest community adds another compelling reason to consider Hill Country living. In an era where safety concerns increasingly influence residential decisions, this small town's big achievement may signal the beginning of even greater growth and recognition.