U.S. News ranks Rochester Hills safest city in Michigan, fifth in the nation, city says

U.S. News & World Report has named Rochester Hills the safest city in Michigan and the fifth safest city in the United States for 2026-2027, The Oakland Press reported Wednesday, citing a City of Rochester Hills news release.

The Oakland Press describes the annual ranking as based on safety records, crime prevention and public safety infrastructure relative to population size. The Journal was not able to load the U.S. News list itself to confirm the ranking or its method.

The city's release credits its investments in community policing, technology and outreach programs. Public safety services in Rochester Hills are provided by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, with local leadership from the sheriff's Rochester Hills substation.

According to the release, the city saw fewer calls for service in 2025, along with fewer major crimes and other offenses. It did not give figures in the portion quoted by The Oakland Press. The city's most recent citizen survey found 99% of residents feel safe in their homes, the release said.

Mayor Bryan Barnett said in the release that community safety is the top goal of both the City Council and his administration, and that the city "will never take this type of recognition for granted."

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Capt. Paul Workman said in the release that a top-five national ranking "is earned on every single shift."

Sources: The Oakland Press, "U.S. News and World Report ranks Rochester Hills 'safest city in Michigan,' 5th safest in nation," by Aileen Wingblad (Oct. 21, 2026), quoting a City of Rochester Hills news release.