Safest And Richest Cities In The US, See Which 2 Union Co. Communities Made The List

UNION COUNTY, NJ - Two Union County cities are being recognized for the wealth and well-being of their residents in a new nationwide ranking.

The "Safest and Richest US Cities To Live in 2025" list compiled by GoBankingRates narrows down the country to its top 1,000 municipalities based on highest household mean income. The cities are then evaluated based on four key data points: average home value, annual cost of living, and property and violent crime rates.

A total of six New Jersey communities made this year's ranks, including both Westfield (No. 13) and Summit. Last year's rankings also included six New Jersey entrants, but only showcased the top 30 cities nationwide. New to the list this time around is Madison, while Chatham falls from No. 14 to outside the top 50.

The Top Safest and Richest Cities to Live in NJ

11. Ridgewood, NJ (2024 Rank: 7)

• Household mean income: $288,861
• Single family home average value: $1,182,764
• Total cost of living annually: $112,398
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 6.252
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.379

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13. Westfield, NJ (2024 Rank: 9)

• Household mean income: $297,367
• Single family home average value: $1,263,623
• Total cost of living annually: $117,378
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 8.662
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.164

MORE FROM PATCH: Westfield Named Among Top 10 Family Friendly Towns In NJ

21. Madison, NJ

• Household mean income: $247,235
• Single family home average value: $1,047,592
• Total cost of living annually: $102,035
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 4.807
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.125

22. Haddonfield, NJ (2024 Rank: 12)

• Household mean income: $279,257
• Single family home average value: $832,771
• Total cost of living annually: $83,587
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 13.310
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.239

MORE FROM PATCH: Haddonfield Among 'Best' Places To Live In NJ, Per New Rankings

23. Glen Ridge, NJ (2024 Rank: 11)

• Household mean income: $300,489
• Single family home average value: $1,165,641
• Total cost of living annually: $111,066
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 17.652
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.370

31. Summit, NJ (2024 Rank: 13)

• Household mean income: $304,408
• Single family home average value: $1,368,214
• Total cost of living annually: $124,152
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 8.216
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.494

MORE FROM PATCH: Summit Makes List Of Top 10 Suburbs To Live In NJ

50. Metuchen, NJ

• Household mean income: $190,858
• Single family home average value: $712,725
• Total cost of living annually: $78,779
• Property crime rate (per 1,000): 12.327
• Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 0.400

Western Springs, Illinois defended its 2024 spot atop the list and repeated as the No. 1 safest and richest city in America.