SECOND ANNUAL FARMERS INSURANCE STUDY RANKS MOST SECURE U.S. PLACES TO LIVE
Richland–Kennewick–Pasco, Wash., Rated Number One

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 6, 2005) - Where are the most secure places to live in America? According to the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies’® second annual Most Secure U.S. Places to Live rankings, the most secure location to live in the U.S. is the Richland–Kennewick–Pasco area in southeast Washington state.

The Farmers rankings, compiled by database experts at www.bestplaces.net, took into consideration crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters and job loss numbers in 331 U.S. municipalities. The 2005 study divided the communities into three groups: large metropolitan areas, mid-size cities and small towns.

“Living, working and raising a family in a safe, secure area is important to many people,” said Jeff Beyer, senior vice-president & chief communications officer for Farmers. “It’s a form of protection. Whether it’s employment security, a stable climate or a low crime rate, we’d all like to find a place to live or work that provides us that feeling of wellbeing.”

The top-ranked Richland–Kennewick–Pasco area, with a population that places it in the mid-size cities category, lies at the confluence of the Snake, Yakima and Columbia rivers just 15 miles from the Oregon border. With nearly 300 days of sunshine and just 6.5 inches of rain per year it is in the heart of Washington’s wine country and produces 99 percent of the state’s wine grapes. The area scored high in recent job growth and rarely endures tornadoes, hurricanes, high winds or hail.

Nassau and Suffolk Counties, N.Y., located on Long Island, topped all large metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or greater in the Farmers Insurance study. With combined populations of 2.8 million residents, the area features the 2,400-acre Jones Beach State Park, 32-mile long Fire Island National Seashore and the luxurious resort community of The Hamptons. It is home to the Belmont Stakes and has hosted two of past three U.S. Open golf tournaments. Its overall crime rate is lowest among the 100 Large Metropolitan areas in the U.S.

The most secure small town with a population of 150,000 or fewer is Bismarck, N.D. Located on the Missouri River, the state capital ranks first among small towns in low unemployment rate and fewest violent crimes.

Here are the top 20 lists, in order, of Farmers’ Most Secure Places to Live in the United States:

Most Secure Places to Live — Large Metro Areas (500,000 or more residents)

Most Secure Places to Live — Mid-Size Cities (150,000 – 500,000 residents)

Most Secure Places to Live — Small Towns (Fewer than 150,000 residents)

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is the nation's third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty insurance group. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, the insurers comprising the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies provide Homeowners, Auto, Business, Life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com