Mountainside Ranks No. 17 on HomeSnacks 2026 Safest Towns List

Mountainside has been named one of New Jersey's 25 safest towns, ranking No. 17 on a 2026 list published by HomeSnacks and featured by 94.3 The Point. The borough was the only Union County municipality to make the top 25.

THE RANKING

The ranking draws on crime data reported in 2024. HomeSnacks compared violent and property crime rates in 308 New Jersey towns with more than 5,000 residents. In Mountainside, one violent crime was reported in 2024. The borough also had 24 property crimes reported that year.

The list is HomeSnacks' analysis of FBI crime data and is not an official FBI ranking. However, the designation reflects Mountainside's public safety profile and community policing efforts.

COMMUNITY POLICING PARTNERSHIP

Mayor Paul Mirabelli credited the recognition to years of community policing and cooperation between residents and officers.

"It is not by accident that Mountainside is among the safest towns in the state," Mirabelli said. "Our goal has been for the police and the residents to be on the same team when it comes to preventing crime."

Union County Life covers municipal government and public safety across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Police Chief Giannuzzi described the department's comprehensive approach. It includes neighborhood patrols and traffic enforcement, follow-up on cases with workable leads, daily school visits, and visits to houses of worship during Sunday services.

THE APPROACH

"Community policing is built into our daily operations," Chief Giannuzzi said. "Residents play an equally important role by staying connected with us and actively reporting issues and conditions that affect them so we can respond and address those needs."

The chief emphasized the partnership required for public safety. "It's a combination of proactive policing and an engaged community willing to communicate and look out for each other."

APPRECIATION & RECOGNITION

Mayor Mirabelli also thanked the department and residents for their contributions to the community's safety.

"I appreciate the efforts of the police department and our citizens in preventing crimes," Mirabelli said.

The ranking affirms Mountainside's commitment to creating a safe community through collaborative public safety practices and resident engagement.

FAQ

How safe is Mountainside compared to other New Jersey towns?
Mountainside ranked No. 17 among New Jersey's 25 safest towns on a 2026 list published by HomeSnacks. It was the only Union County town to make the top 25.

What crime data was used for this ranking?
The ranking analyzed crime data reported in 2024. HomeSnacks compared violent and property crime rates in 308 New Jersey towns with more than 5,000 residents.

How many crimes were reported in Mountainside in 2024?
One violent crime and 24 property crimes were reported in Mountainside in 2024, for a total of 25 reported crimes.

What makes Mountainside a safe town?
Mayor Mirabelli credits years of community policing and cooperation between residents and officers. The police department and residents work as a team to prevent crime.

What is the Mountainside Police Department's approach?
The department uses neighborhood patrols, traffic enforcement, follow-up on cases with workable leads, daily school visits, and visits to houses of worship during Sunday services. Community policing is built into daily operations.

How do residents contribute to Mountainside's safety?
Residents play an equally important role by staying connected with the police department and actively reporting issues and conditions. The approach requires community members willing to communicate and look out for each other.

Is this an official FBI ranking?
No. The list is HomeSnacks' analysis of FBI crime data, not an official FBI ranking.

Who published this ranking?
HomeSnacks published the 2026 list of New Jersey's 25 safest towns. The list was featured by 94.3 The Point.

Does the ranking include crime data from other years?
The 2026 ranking analyzed crime data reported in 2024. It is based on the most recent available crime statistics.