In this time of economic uncertainty, a safe and secure environment in which to live, work and raise a family has become an even greater priority to many Americans. And there's no more secure place than the Austin-Round Rock metro area, according to a recent study.

According to the sixth annual Most Secure U.S. Places to Live rankings from Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, the central Texas area of Austin-Round Rock is the most secure U.S. community among large metropolitan areas (population of 500,000 or greater).

The rankings, compiled by database experts at www.bestplaces.net, took into consideration crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, housing depreciation, foreclosures, air quality, terrorist threats, environmental hazards, life expectancy and job loss numbers in 379 U.S. municipalities. The study divided the communities into three groups: large metropolitan areas, mid-size cities and small towns.

"Farmers congratulates all of the communities ranking in the Farmers Most Secure Places to Live study. "In today's fast-paced world, citizens look for a strong local government to make their communities secure, and especially desirable for individuals and families to live, work and grow," siad Robert Woudstra, Farmers CEO.

"Since its founding in 1928, Farmers has been committed to improving the communities where its customers, agents and employees live and work. Improving safety, expanding educational opportunities, enhancing health and human services, encouraging civic participation and supporting the arts and culture help drive Farmers' commitment," Woudstra added.

The Austin-Round Rock area, which was 15th among large metropolitan areas in the 2008 Farmers study, is a center for technology and business and is attracting more and more pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Such Fortune 500 companies as Dell, Whole Foods Market and Freescale Semiconductor are headquartered there, with Austin serving as the state capital and home to the University of Texas. A high job growth rate and minimal housing depreciation contributed to its top rating in the study.

Here are the Most Secure U.S. Places to Live for 2009, Large Metro Areas (500,000 or more residents):

   1. Austin-Round Rock, Tex.
   2. Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa
   3. Madison, Wis.
   4. Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, Md.
   5. Rochester, N.Y.
   6. Honolulu, Hawaii
   7. Syracuse, N.Y.
   8. El Paso, Tex.
   9. Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Me.
  10. Nassau-Suffolk Counties, N.Y.