Based on U.S. News World Report, New Jersey ranks #3 in the country in regard to public safety. This figure is based on the violent crime and property crime rates per 100,000 people. This figure was determined based on recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Understanding the New Jersey crime rate by city can help residents and visitors get a better picture of the state’s safety.
Whether you are a resident of New Jersey, someone looking to relocate to the area, or are simply visiting The Garden State, understanding the rate of crime in the city is important. It is likewise important to understand these statistics if you find yourself facing allegations of a crime, as this understanding may help you when planning out a defense strategy with your attorney.
New Jersey Overall
According to the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), the New Jersey aggravated assault crime rate has risen drastically from the numbers seen in 2023. In 24% of cases, the perpetrator was a stranger to the victim. Property offenses, such as arson, burglary, or theft, were also on the rise.
Individual Cities in New Jersey
FBI data covers individual states and cities as recently as 2018. This data shows:
- -Newark: The overall crime rate was 274.32 per 10,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 73.3 and a property crime rate of 201.02.
- -Jersey City: The overall crime rate was 222.6, with a violent crime rate of 45.64 and a property crime rate of 176.96.
- -Paterson: Paterson had an overall crime rate of 315.88, with a violent crime rate of 73.25 and a property crime rate of 242.63.
- -Elizabeth: The overall crime rate was 379.53 per 10,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 69.49 and a property crime rate of 310.04.
- -Lakewood Township: Lakewood’s overall crime rate was 88.22, which included a violent crime rate of 12.53 and a property crime rate of 75.69.
- -Edison Township: The overall crime rate was 125.06, with a violent crime rate of 11.84 and a property crime rate of 113.22.
- -Woodbridge Township: Woodbridge had an overall crime rate of 165.24 per 10,000 residents, including a violent crime rate of 11.2 and a property crime rate of 154.04.
- -Toms River Township: The overall crime rate in Toms River was 148.83, with a violent crime rate of 5.97 and a property crime rate of 142.86.
- -Hamilton Township, Mercer County: The overall crime rate was 206.63, with a violent crime rate of 13.2 and a property crime rate of 193.43.
- -Trenton: The overall crime rate was 410.73 per 10,000 residents, making it the most populated city with a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 116.17 and a property crime rate of 294.56.
- -Clifton: The overall crime rate was 169.24, with a violent crime rate of 11.31 and a property crime rate of 157.93.
- -Cherry Hill Township: The overall crime rate was 300.1, including a violent crime rate of 13.04 and a property crime rate of 287.06.
- -Brick Township: The overall crime rate was 129.7 per 10,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 8.7 and a property crime rate of 121.0.
- -Camden: Camden had an overall crime rate of 467.2 per 10,000 residents, which included a violent crime rate of 163.8 and a property crime rate of 303.4. This is the highest overall crime rate reported in New Jersey in 2018.
- -Passaic: The overall crime rate in Passaic was 241.92, including a violent crime rate of 57.64 and a property crime rate of 184.28.
- -Bayonne: The overall crime rate was 132.74, with a violent crime rate of 17.06 and a property crime rate of 115.68.
- -East Orange: The overall crime rate was 191.41 per 10,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 51.53 and a property crime rate of 139.88.
Gun Crime in New Jersey
In 2024, the state of New Jersey saw a strong decrease in crime. This decline was also seen in shootings, as the state saw the lowest number of this type of violence in state history for the second year in a row. In 2024, around 778 individuals in New Jersey suffered gunshot wounds and related injuries, a rather significant drop of 16% from the numbers seen in 2023. Of the total number of victims in 2024, there were 152 fatalities reported, another decrease from 2023.
Most Popular Crimes by City
According to FBI data from 2019, certain crimes are more often committed in certain cities in the state of New Jersey. These statistics are as follows:
- –Atlantic City saw some of the highest numbers of crimes that year. Being a popular tourist destination, this larger percentage makes sense. With a population of 37,593, Atlantic City saw 11 cases of murder or nonnegligent manslaughter, 29 cases of rape, 101 events of aggravated assault, 182 cases of robbery, and only two cases of arson.
- –Jersey City, another bustling and vibrant city in New Jersey, also saw a large number of crimes in 2019. With a population of 266,508, Jersey City saw 13 cases of murder or nonnegligent homicide, 81 rape cases, 868 cases of aggravated assault, and 431 cases of robbery.
- –Newark, a large area just outside of New York City, sees a large number of crimes every year. With a population of 281,422, this city deals with a large number of rapes, totaling 120 cases in 2019; murder and nonnegligent homicide, totaling 57 cases; 929 cases of aggravated assault; and 636 cases of robbery.
- –Paterson, with a population of 144,866, also sees a large range of violent crimes. In 2019, the city experienced 19 murders or nonnegligent homicides, 54 cases of rape, 682 events of aggravated assault, and 464 cases of robbery.
These are just a few of the most popular crimes that occur in a few of the larger New Jersey cities. Understanding these crime rates can help keep you safe while walking down the street, or if you are facing criminal charges, your attorney can review local statistics to see if they work in favor of your defense. If you have been arrested on criminal charges in any city in New Jersey, the team at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, is here to help.
FAQs
What Is the City With the Highest Crime Rate in New Jersey?
Camden has one of the highest crime rates in New Jersey, with 1,198 violent crimes and 2,219 property crimes reported by the Camden County Police Department in 2018, giving it a crime rate of 46.72 per 1,000 residents. According to the same 2018 data, Trenton has a crime rate of 41.07 per 1,000 residents.
Paterson, with 1,076 violent crimes and 3,564 property crimes, had a rate of 31.59. Newark reported 2,069 violent crimes and had an overall crime rate of 27.43. Jersey City reported 1,233 violent crimes and an overall crime rate of 22.25 per 1,000 residents.
Where Does New Jersey Rank in Crime?
Information gathered in 2021 shows that New Jersey has the lowest violent crime rate in the nation. The crime rate is 4.3, significantly lower than the next-lowest state.
When looking at general crime statistics, according to data gathered by U.S. News World Report, New Jersey ranks #5 in crime and corrections. The state ranks #3 in respect to public safety. Crime and corrections are also factors in the outcome of corrections, which New Jersey ranks #13. This considers the incarceration rate per 100,000 residents, the juvenile incarceration rate, and the racial parity in incarceration.
Where Does Jersey City Rank in Safety?
In 2023, Jersey City reported a decrease in several major areas of crime compared to 2022. This included a decrease in homicides, shootings, burglaries, robberies, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and criminal mischief. Jersey City had a violent crime rate of 4.56 and a property crime rate of 17.70 per 1,000 residents in 2018, based on FBI data, giving it a relatively low rate for its population.
The violent crime rate in Jersey City is 2.12 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate is 13.34, making the overall rate 15.57 per 1,000 residents. The crime rates are much lower than the national median.
What Is the Crime Rate in Galloway, New Jersey?
In 2018, the FBI reported an overall crime rate of 12.94 in Galloway Township. The violent crime rate in Galloway Township was 2 per 1,000 residents, based on 73 reported violent crimes and a population of 36,467. The property crime rate was 10.94 per 1,000 residents, based on 399 reported property crimes.
New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys
The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, want to help you if you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey. Contact our team today and see how we can help defend your future.
