For the second consecutive year, the City of Round Rock ranks as the 13th safest city in the United States, according to a national survey of crime statistics of cities with a population of 75,000 or more.

The survey, by CQ Press, used rates for murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft for its rankings. All cities of 75,000 population or more that reported data to the FBI in 2006 for the six categories of crime measured for the survey were included. Two years ago, Round Rock ranked as the 8th safest city in its first appearance in the survey.

"For the third year running, this report confirms what we’ve known for years in Round Rock – our police department, working closely with the community, has helped make this one of the best communities in the country to live, raise kids and run a business," Mayor Nyle Maxwell said. "The men and women of the Round Rock Police Department have done a fantastic job keeping Round Rock safe in the face of a rapidly expanding population."

Round Rock’s current population is 92,557. In 2000, it was 61,136.

City Manager Jim Nuse said the report validates what citizens tell the City in surveys, and that the ranking helps Round Rock recruit new businesses to the community.

"This ranking helps us sell Round Rock to prospective employers, which in turn helps keep our local economy growing and strong," Nuse said. "There’s no more important indicator of quality of life than public safety. The study also reinforces what our citizens tell us: They feel safe. In our biennial customer survey, 89 percent say they feel safe walking alone in their neighborhoods at night."

Police Chief Bryan Williams said the department’s philosophy of involving the community in fighting crime and deploying a range of proactive strategies are keys to keeping Round Rock’s crime rate low.

"We are fortunate to live in a community where citizens support law enforcement and also take an active role in maintaining a safe place to live," Chief Williams said. "This is part of the overall philosophy that makes Round Rock a special place to live and do business.

"The men and women of the Round Rock Police Department are an exceptional group of professionals. They remain committed to our mission of working in alliance with our community to build a safer Round Rock. Our city leaders are very supportive of the public safety mission and they continue to invest in resources that help us achieve this type of city recognition."

CQ Press publishes reference works, textbooks, directories and online resources on government, politics and world affairs that educate and inform readers about government and democracy. It is a division of Congressional Quarterly Inc. (CQ), a private, independent news-gathering and publishing firm based in Washington, D.C.