Introduction to America’s Safest and Richest Cities
The American Dream is alive and well in these prosperous places. The 50 richest and safest cities in the US have been unveiled in a new list — and it doesn’t look good for the Empire State. New York didn’t score a single entry on the list, compiled by GOBankingRates after examining household mean income, average home prices, cost of living, property crime rates, and violent crime rates.
New Jersey’s Impressive Showing
However, neighboring New Jersey fared far better, snagging an impressive seven spots in the rankings. For their research, GOBankingRates defined a “city” as a residential area with a substantial population. Some of the “cities” on the list are considered commuter towns or suburban areas within a larger metropolis.
Western Springs, Illinois — a suburban area within Greater Chicago — took out the title of America’s Richest and Safest City for 2025. Western Springs is extremely safe, with a property crime rate of 2.657 per 1000 and a violent crime rate of just 0.076 per 10000.
Characteristics of Western Springs
The affluent enclave is home to around 14,000 residents, who have a mean household income of $294,896. The average value of a single-family home is $837,328, meaning it’s relatively affordable when factored against earnings. Western Springs is also extremely safe, with a property crime rate of 2.657 per 1000 and a violent crime rate of just 0.076 per 10000.
Other Top Cities
Lexington, Massachusetts, snagged second place on the list, with similarly low crime rates and high household incomes. However, the cost of living was considerably higher there, as was the average home value, which currently stands at an eye-popping $1.69 million. Winchester, Massachusetts, located just north of Boston, rounded out the top three.
New Jersey’s Top Cities
The top New Jersey “city” on the list was Ridgewood, which came in at number 11. The Bergen County commuter town is incredibly wealthy, with a mean household income of $288,861 and an average home value of $1.18 million. Ridgewood, New Jersey, town square is pictured.
It also fares well for safety, with a property crime rate of 6.252 per 1000 and a violent crime rate of 0.379 per 1000. The six other Garden State cities on the list were: Westfield (#13), Madison (#21), Haddonfield (#22), Glen Ridge (#23), Summit (#31), Metuchen (#50).
Conclusion
The list of the 50 richest and safest cities in the US provides valuable insights into the characteristics of these prosperous places. From low crime rates to high household incomes, these cities offer a unique combination of safety and wealth. Whether you’re looking to relocate or simply interested in learning more about these cities, this list is a great resource.
FAQs
Q: What criteria were used to determine the 50 richest and safest cities in the US?
A: The criteria used included household mean income, average home prices, cost of living, property crime rates, and violent crime rates.
Q: Which state had the most cities on the list?
A: New Jersey had the most cities on the list, with a total of 7.
Q: What is the average home value in Western Springs, Illinois?
A: The average home value in Western Springs, Illinois is $837,328.
Q: What is the property crime rate in Ridgewood, New Jersey?
A: The property crime rate in Ridgewood, New Jersey is 6.252 per 1000.
Q: Which city took the top spot on the list?
A: Western Springs, Illinois took the top spot on the list as America’s Richest and Safest City for 2025.
