Is France safe to live in?
AI Answer
Yes, France is generally safe to live in, especially outside of major tourist hubs and specific urban areas. Our Net Life Value score for safety places France at 62/100, which is good, but not top-tier. For comparison, countries like Switzerland score 90/100, while the USA scores 55/100.
While street crime like pickpocketing is common in crowded areas of Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, violent crime is low. You’ll mostly encounter petty theft. For example, the homicide rate in France is around 1.2 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the USA’s 6.8 per 100,000.
The overall quality of life score for France is 62/100, reflecting a good balance of safety, excellent healthcare (scoring 85/100), and robust infrastructure. Most people find daily life very secure in smaller towns and rural regions.
When considering a move, research specific neighborhoods within major cities. For example, some areas in the northern suburbs of Paris have higher crime rates. For a safe and enjoyable experience, focus on well-established residential areas or smaller cities.