As reported in the Danbury News-Times, the personal finance website ValuePenguin.com researched 2012 crime numbers in 90 municipalities across the state and published its analysis last week. If you judge mainly by the prevalence of violent crime — or the lack of it — Ridgefield is the safest place to live in Connecticut.

Ridgefield led seven other Fairfield County communities that ranked among the state’s 10 safest — including Darien, Wilton, Redding, New Canaan and Greenwich.

“We’ve always fared well when it comes to safety, and I think it has a lot to do with the sense of community that we have and the caring that neighbors do for each other,” said First Selectman Rudy Marconi to the News-Times. “But it also has to do with luck. If you had a social scientist analyze what we are doing here, you wouldn’t find it any different than what they are doing in Wilton and New Canaan and Redding.”

The rankings correspond to an index number based on the assumption that violent crimes such as murder and rape are much more of a safety concern to people than property crime. The state average was 336.

Ridgefield’s violent crime index was Connecticut’s lowest at 39 — even compared to towns with similar geography and demographics. The state’s cities had higher index numbers and were deemed more dangerous.

In Ridgefield, Marconi said the police department deserved credit for the top safety score but added the town’s generous spirit of volunteerism and its culture of compassion was equally responsible for the strong sense of security.

With a host of cultural and volunteer opportunities available to residents, it’s easy to see why a strong sense of community is fostered in Ridgefield. The upcoming Ridgefield Holiday Stroll, Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K benefitting the Boys and Girls Club, recent opening of the Prospector Theater which employs adults with disabilities, as well as a myriad of community groups and organizations all working together for the common good of Ridgefield and surrounding area residents, lends itself to a strong sense of “watching out for your neighbor.”

If you’re looking move into Connecticut’s #1 small town, contact us at karla@neumannrealestate.com or call/text 203-856-5534.