Oregon Public Broadcasting

Corvallis is the safest small city in the nation, according to a report released Monday by Farmers Insurance.

The company looked into crime statistics; the risk of various natural disasters; the threat of a terrorist attack; the quality of the local air as well as several other measures.

Farmers spokesman, Jerry Davis, says after 9/11 the industry wanted to reward cities for preparing themselves and this annual ranking has proved successful.

Jerry Davis: "If you have to move, the first thing you're going to do, is you have to know what kinds of schools are available, what kind of job market is available. If I make this move, will my family feel comfortable, be secure in this city. Yes, we've had a lot of interest from the cities. "

Corvallis inched out Harrisburg, Virginia, and Ithaca, New York, for the top spot.

The safest big cities according to the report are San Jose, California, Boise, Idaho, and Bethesda, Maryland.

Online:

www.bestplaces.net