USA peaceful towns

Generally anyything you can class more as rural, probably any state, just accept that the smaller a place is in size and population, the more ethic it will be, not as much diversity. You might need to steer from some borders, like the Rio and a handful of areas experiencing a surge in 'supremacy' (hate) groups.

Middle of New York is still spoken fondly of, not as built up as the city (through NJ). Well, come to think on it, you might skip New Jersey, and for that matter much of Florida and Texas and New Mexico. No comment on California, away from border, it is oft treated as more than one state, anyway, but if liking the coast, further up Oregon and Washington and even Alaska have good reputations (We're not talking Seattle here, like a Cleveland or a Cincinatti, but a Columbus might suit, at least better'n Philly or Atlanta, even though many covet thought of going to Atlanta some day).

Most places along rivers would be nice, like the Mississippi or Shenandoah, think of Mark Twain and riverboats - outside of St Louis. Mountains are ever cool, forget the eastern seaboard, (many will hate me for that, too bad, this is comment for novice), except maybe above Massachusettes. Skipping the big cities like Chicago, the Midwest should do well.

Crime can be everywhere and anywhere. Jobs and family are important too. Try looking at things like last census, for states gaining and losing, and beware the urban sprawl and superhighways. I prefer the highway myself, but so do those who want to hit and run. Never do a state capital is a good rule.Probably none are the largest city in state, probably all are influenced by any and every political sin, or political sinner.

I once had CD that listed cities like that, so I am sure that you'll be able to get a variety of sources of rankings, but those are or can be rather near-sighted, focused, or even censored (can also be political).

From money link above (they used to at least be a citation of many)
1. Fort Collins, CO                    6. Overland Park, KS
2. Naperville, IL                         7. Scottsdale, AZ
3. Sugar Land, TX                    8. Boise, ID
4. Columbia/Ellicott City, MD      9. Fairfield, CT
5. Cary, NC                             10. Eden Prairie, MN
_________________________________________
I'll vote a nix to midwest's 2. Naperville, I think it too built up, $$$ for good jobs at expense or rural and adaptation to urban sprawl and variety of crime. The east's 5. Cary, NC is close call, it should be real low on crime, high cost of living, and people looking down their nose at you. Nearby is Chapel Hill, probably more economical, cultured (not as snooty) and probable more rural flavor near. Maybe go in between two, ask Clif or OGG, I think they are or have been there, or near. For the west, 7. Scottsdale, AZ  might be among better choices, although it is like urban sprawl from Phoenix, and anywhere in the state you (jokingly) need to bring your own water. I've heard good about downstate, such as Tuscon area. Hey, go buy up a lot of desert in between, make your own town with no neighbours at all, only you and your mate to make crime with one another!

Beware of the downside of lists like this, they give much credit to jobs, pay, and education (schools), so it can help to identify personal need for being near or far from certain types of schools. Too bad, I see nothing there to represent NE US, like NH, VT, MN, where many like the room, trees, skiing, and laid back styles, and can handle the cold (did I mention: ski?). I did mention census, I think AZ, NC, UT were on the list of higher growth (popular), which should be good where attracting working class.

If looking only at crime stats, remember to heed density, go for % of pop, not total numbers, where one would expect an NYC to ever be near top no matter how safe, and do not neglect the sprawl, or metropolitan nature of a place

In review of amit_g:1st link, I recommend it highly, as being good representative of at least half of what it seems you are seeking. From that link(s):
< Chicago and Other Illinois Cities: For several years, rape numbers submitted by cities in the state of Illinois have not met the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines

That reminds me of a caution regarding stats, where some communities have made changes in reporting rules (ie not reporting) to make themselves look better. To give some sense of balance to that area, here's another google up:

http://village.homewood.il.us/2004agendas/jun11mgr.htm

< In a nationwide research project, Dr. Andrew Schiller, of Location, Inc. in Rhode Island, found five Chicago suburbs that are undervalued compared with their peers across the nation. The five suburbs are Homewood, Schaumburg, Park Forest, South Holland and Wheeling. His criteria for undervalued suburbs took into account low crime rate, excellent schools, a highly educated population, housing stock of predominantly single-family homes and affordable prices.

Fairfax , Virginia is a good place to live

Camden , NJ is not

Fairfax, or i's neighborhood is getting run down, part of the DC overflow. But like many places, there are different sections in same area. Some better, some not. How about Reston? (I dunno, it seems newer) or (romantically)  Alexandria  or even, um, Arlington or Adams Morgan? Like kittens?

I live in Eden Prairie (#10 on the list SunBow cited).  56,000 people in a 6 mile x 6 mile town about 15 miles SW of downtown Minneapolis.  Excellent place to live.  Economy, schools, retail, parks, safe community, you name it.  City will grow more though, so if you're looking for a smaller town, some of the towns next to it (Chaska, Chanhassen) are also excellent.  Bring warm clothes.

Have you been to this site yet?  http://www.findyourspot.com/

There are several competitors, but this is the only site that I could remember.  Very useful.

Basically a survey of what you like (city size, proximity to airport or college, climate, etc).   After about 100 questions (5-10 minutes) the program will provide a top 10 list of cities that match your criteria.  They even have *very* verbose descriptions of the town and surrounding areas.

I strongly encourage you to look at it.  It's a lot of fun, even if you don't plan to move.

FYI... after the questionaire it asks for email address and some user info.  To my knowledge, I have not received any spam because of findyourspot.com (although I did have to opt out of advertisments).