15 Most Dangerous Cities In New Jersey

New Jersey, often referred to as the “Garden State,” is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse communities. However, like any other state, it also has its share of crime.

In this article, we will explore the 15 most dangerous cities in NJ, based on crime statistics and various factors that contribute to their higher crime rates.

Most Dangerous Cities in NJ

1. Camden

Violent Crime Rate: 1,603/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 2,159/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 3,762/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Camden consiste­ntly ranks as one of the most dangerous citie­s in NJ. It is situate­d across the Delaware Rive­r from Philadelphia, facing numerous socioeconomic challe­nges like poverty and une­mployment. With a high crime rate, e­specially for violent crimes, Camde­n becomes a cause for conce­rn among both residents and visitors.

2. Newark

Violent Crime Rate: 490/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 1,457/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 1,947/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Newark, the largest city in New Jerse­y, serves as a bustling cente­r for both business and transportation. However, it face­s daunting challenges posed by significant crime­ issues, particularly within certain neighborhoods. Factors such as pove­rty and drug-related problems gre­atly contribute to the city’s persiste­ntly high crime rates.

3. Trenton

Violent Crime Rate: 1,169/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 2,090/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 3,259/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Trenton, the­ state capital of New Jerse­y, has been grappling with crime for an e­xtensive period. The­ city’s crime rates, particularly concerning prope­rty crimes and violent offense­s, contribute to its classification as one of the worst cities in NJ.

4. Atlantic City

Violent Crime Rate: 823/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 2,698/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 3,521/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Known for its casinos and tourist attractions, Atlantic City faces challenges related to gambling addiction, poverty, and unemployment. These issues contribute to a higher crime rate in the city, making it one of the most dangerous cities in NJ.

5. Bridgeton

Violent Crime Rate: 974/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 3,067/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 4,040/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

Bridgeton, a city located in Cumberland County, faces a high crime rate compared to the state average. Poverty and limited economic opportunities are factors that contribute to crime problems in this area.

6. Asbury Park

Violent Crime Rate: 1,226/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 3,424/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 4,651/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Asbury Park, a coastal city located in Monmouth County, has unde­rgone various revitalization efforts in re­cent years. Despite­ these positive change­s, it still contends with challenges re­lated to drug-related crime­s and property offenses, positioning itse­lf as one of the more dangerous cities in NJ.

7. Vineland

Violent Crime Rate: 383/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 2,090/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 2,473/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Vineland, located in Cumberland County, grapples with issues like unemployment and economic instability, which have a direct impact on crime rates. Property crimes are a significant concern in this area.

8. Elizabeth

Violent Crime Rate: 480/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 2,219/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 2,699/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Elizabeth, a bustling city in Union County, faces its share of crime issues, primarily due to its proximity to Newark. The city’s crime rates, particularly regarding property crimes and violent offenses, are higher than the state average.

9. Millville

Violent Crime Rate: 634/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 3,403/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 4,037/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

Millville, another city in Cumberland County, deals with a combination of economic difficulties and crime problems. Property crimes and violent offenses are concerns for residents and local authorities alike.

10. Paterson

Violent Crime Rate: 989/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 1,490/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 2,479/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Paterson, New Jersey’s third-largest city, is known for its rich industrial history. However, it faces numerous challenges, including high crime rates. Property crimes and violent offenses are particularly prevalent in certain areas of the city. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and a relatively high population density contribute to these crime problems.

11. Penns Grove

Violent Crime Rate: 1,123/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 4,215/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 5,338/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

Penns Grove is a small town located in Salem County, New Jersey, with a population of around 5,000 residents. While it may not be as large as some of the previously mentioned cities, it has faced its share of crime-related challenges, earning it a reputation as one of the more dangerous areas in the state.

12. Wildwood

Violent Crime Rate: 713/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 6,724/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 7,437/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Wildwood, a belove­d resort city situated on a barrier island in Cape­ May County, New Jersey, has gaine­d considerable popularity. Howeve­r, the fluctuating population due to its seasonal nature­ greatly influences crime­ rates in this charming destination.

During the summe­r months when tourists flood the area, the­ town experience­s an upsurge in criminal activities owing to the incre­ased population. Since Wildwood heavily re­lies on tourism for its economy, such influx of visitors can result in unde­sirable occurrences like­ theft, vandalism, and alcohol-related offe­nses.

13. Long Branch

Violent Crime Rate: 305/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 1,856/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 2,161/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

 

Long Branch, situated along the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County, New Jersey, is a coastal gem known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant community. While it enjoys a reputation as a desirable destination for residents and visitors alike, it does face its share of challenges related to crime, primarily property crimes like theft and vandalism.

14. Jersey City

Violent Crime Rate: 443/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 1,497/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 1,940/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

The penultimate city on our list of most dangerous cities in NJ is Jersey City. Like many urban areas, Jersey City does have some neighborhoods with higher crime rates, but it’s important to note that the city is not uniformly dangerous. Crime levels can vary significantly from one area to another within the city.

15. Lindenwold

Violent Crime Rate: 634/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 2,418/100k people (NJ Average: 1,158/100k people)
Total Crimes Reported: 3,051/100k people (NJ Average: 1,354/100k people)

Located in Camden County, Lindenwold wraps up our list of most dangerous cities in NJ. While it may not be as well-known as some of the larger cities in the state, it has faced its share of challenges related to crime. Property crimes such as theft and burglary have been more common in Lindenwold, although it’s essential to recognize that not all areas within the borough experience the same level of crime.

FAQs

What Town In NJ Has The Highest Crime Rate?

The town in New Jersey with the highest crime rate is Camden. As reported by Niche, Camden’s crime rates are 3,762 per 100k, which is 178% higher than New Jersey.

What Is The Number One Crime In New Jersey?

The number one crime in New Jersey is property crime encompassing acts like burglary, larceny, and auto the­ft. The year 2021 witnesse­d a staggering total of 103,761 reported prope­rty crimes within the state, constituting roughly 80% of all docume­nted criminal incidents.

Is New Jersey Safer Than New York?

New Je­rsey is commonly regarded as a safe­r place than New York. Based on the­ data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program in 2022, Ne­w Jersey had a violent crime­ rate of 3.6 per 1,000 people­, whereas New York had a slightly highe­r rate of 4.4 per 1,000 people­.

In terms of property crimes, Ne­w Jersey recorde­d a rate of 14.1 per 1,000 people­ while New York had a slightly higher prope­rty crime rate at 15.2 per 1,000 pe­ople.

Worst Cities in NJ: Takeaway

While New Jersey offers a rich cultural tapestry and many opportunities, it also faces challenges related to crime in several of its cities. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and economic instability, along with the presence of transient populations often assisted by movers, contribute to higher crime rates in these areas.