Located on the eastern coast of the United States, New Jersey is a state that boasts of its diversity. It shares its borders with Pennsylvania and New York, making it an important state in the region.
New Jersey is famous for a variety of things that including its mountains, beaches, tomatoes, and iconic musicians like Springsteen and Bon Jovi. However, it is also known for its association with organized crime.
New Jersey, with a population of 9.3 million individuals, has a relatively low overall crime rate.
Last year, New Jersey reported 137,012 crimes, and shockingly, 45 other states have a higher crime rate than this state. This statistic highlights the need for a better approach towards crime prevention and safety measures in New Jersey.
According to statistics, the bulk of criminal activity (85%) falls under the category of property crimes. These types of offences involve theft or damage to property, such as burglary, larceny, and auto theft.
In New Jersey, 13% of all crimes are categorized as violent.
According to the latest statistics, New Jersey had a total of 18,375 cases of violent crimes reported in the previous year.
The heinous crimes that fall under this category include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
The majority of these criminal activities were carried out in densely populated urban areas, which resulted in these areas becoming highly unsafe.
Here is a rundown of the top 10 most dangerous cities in New Jersey that you should watch out for.
The top 10 cities in New Jersey with the highest crime rates.
10. New Brunswick, NJ
When people think of New Brunswick, Rutgers University is often the first thing that comes to mind. This city is known for being the home of this prestigious university, which has a long history of excellence in education.
With a population of 55,000 inhabitants, this city is not just a residential hub but also a hub for arts and entertainment, medical research and services, and numerous historic buildings.
According to statistics, New Brunswick is ranked lower in terms of safety compared to 82% of other cities that are of similar size.
According to statistics, residents of New Brunswick have a 1 in 226 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 2 in 54 chance of falling victim to property crime. These figures are a cause for concern and highlight the importance of taking precautions to ensure personal safety and protect one’s belongings. It is crucial to stay vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings when in public spaces.
9. Jersey City, NJ
Situated in the northeast region of the state, just on the opposite side of the river from New York City.
Jersey City, located in New Jersey, is home to the highest population in the state.
With a population of over 700,000, one might assume that the crime rate in the city is high. However, upon closer examination, it is evident that the crime rate is not as bad as perceived.
Despite improvements in safety, Jersey City still lags behind 70% of other cities in terms of crime rates, according to NeighborhoodScout.
Jersey City’s evolution has taken it from being Lenape land to a bustling hub of commerce, business, and the arts.
The city saw a total of 4,540 reported crimes last year.
While the majority of the crimes were related to property, specifically larceny and theft of motor vehicles.
According to the latest statistics, there were a total of 939 incidents of violent crimes reported.
8. Elizabeth, NJ
With a population of 137,240, Elizabeth, NJ, is recognized as the fourth largest city in the state of New Jersey.
The city is most renowned for its picturesque waterfront port and marina, which has also earned it a place in the opening credits of the famous TV show The Sopranos.
Elizabeth was once the proud home of Singer sewing machines, which were manufactured in a massive warehouse located in the heart of the city.
According to available data, Elizabeth has a crime rate of 26.73 per 1,000 individuals. You can verify this information by visiting the source.
According to the latest statistics, the city witnessed a total of 644 cases of violent crimes and 2,976 incidents of property crimes in the previous year.
Larcenies, burglaries, and auto thefts are the most prevalent crimes in Elizabeth.
7. Asbury Park, NJ
Once upon a time, Asbury Park used to be a charming vacation spot that attracted the affluent from northern New Jersey who came to enjoy the sea breeze.
During the 1950s, Asbury lost its prominence due to the post-war housing boom and evolving leisure preferences of people.
During the summer, New Jersey’s beaches are known for being extremely crowded. However, Asbury beach was an exception as it was quite deserted. This was due to the high levels of crime that were present in the area.
Over the last two decades, Asbury has experienced a resurgence of sorts.
The beach has seen a resurgence of visitors. However, the instances of crime have not decreased.
It’s astounding to think that Asbury’s crime rate is so high, especially considering that the town has a population of only 15,200.
According to statistics, Asbury Park is deemed to be only 5% safer than other cities of similar size across the nation. This indicates that there is still room for improvement in terms of safety measures and crime prevention strategies in the city.
In the previous year, the town experienced a total of 156 cases of violent crimes and 476 property crimes.
According to statistics, there are 41 incidents of crime per 1,000 residents.
Asbury Park has a crime rate that indicates a likelihood of 1 in 60 becoming a victim of a crime.
6. Newark, NJ
Dating back to 1666, Newark is among the oldest cities in New Jersey. It was established by Puritans and boasts a rich history.
Interestingly, during the 1800s, the city gained a reputation for its leather factories and breweries.
The state gradually transformed, with the focal point shifting towards it. It became a hub of manufacturing, commerce, and culture, presenting a plethora of opportunities.
In 1922, Newark boasted of 63 live theatres and was adorned with stunning homes and parks.
It’s unfortunate that the Newark riots, which were part of a series of riots that took place across the country, marked the end of the city’s remaining charm in 1967.
Many businesses left in large numbers, alongside residents who were financially capable of doing so.
Once upon a time, Newark used to be known as one of the most perilous cities in the United States.
Although Newark has made significant progress towards restoring its past glory, it still grapples with the issue of crime.
In the previous year, the city of Newark experienced a total of 5,852 criminal incidents, as reported by NeighborhoodScout.
According to recent statistics, there were a total of 1,456 violent crimes reported within a particular area. Shockingly, this includes 50 recorded murders, 187 shootings, 121 cases of rape, and 1,156 assaults. These figures equate to a rate of 4.7 violent crimes per 1,000 people, highlighting the concerning state of safety within this region.
According to the statistics, there were a total of 4,396 incidents of property crime, which translates to 14 incidents for every 1,000 individuals.
A total of 1,982 motor vehicle thefts were reported, according to the data.
Out of the total population of Newark, which is 311,549 individuals, a staggering 32% are currently living in poverty.
5. Irvington, NJ
Irvington, a once peaceful suburb of Newark, has unfortunately transformed into a place so perilous that people tend to steer clear of it altogether.
The 1980s crack epidemic left a deep impact on Irvington, and the town has been grappling with crime issues ever since.
In the previous year, a total of 1,230 crimes were reported in the town, according to official records.
It’s quite remarkable considering the fact that its population stands at just 61,176.
According to the statistics, there were a total of 190 violent crimes in the area, out of which 20 were classified as murders. This translates to a rate of 3 per 1,000 residents.
The total number of property crimes reported was 1,040, which translates to 17 incidents per 1,000 individuals.
4. Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City, renowned globally as a hub for high-stakes gambling and entertainment, is home to a mere 38,500 residents throughout the year.
Beyond its small pockets of glamour and the bustling boardwalk lies a series of dilapidated neighbourhoods overrun with criminal activity.
According to recent data, the average household income stands at a meager $26,900, and almost one-fourth of the population, which is about 23%, lives below the poverty line.
Every year, more than 150,000 calls are received by the Atlantic City police department, which they handle with utmost dedication and professionalism. It is a massive responsibility, and the department takes pride in ensuring the safety and security of the residents and visitors of Atlantic City. Whether it’s an emergency or a routine call, the police department is always ready to respond promptly and effectively. Their commitment to serving the community is exemplary and worthy of appreciation.
In the preceding year, Atlantic City had a total of 1,199 criminal offences.
Out of the total reported incidents, there were 257 cases of violence per 1,000 residents and 1,100 property-related cases per 1,000.
According to the crime rate to population ratio, Atlantic City is considered less safe than 90% of cities in the United States.
3. Paterson, NJ
Paterson, with a population of 159,700, is situated in northern New Jersey and is in close proximity to New York City.
Nestled near the stunning Passaic River Falls, this town was once a sight to behold with its beauty. It was also renowned for being the hub of the nation’s biggest silk manufacturing industry.
Currently, it has secured its place among the top 100 perilous cities in the United States of America.
In the previous year, there were a total of 3,137 recorded crimes, consisting of 1,168 violent crimes (equivalent to 7.4 per 1,000 people) and 1,969 property crimes (equivalent to 12.4 per 1,000 people).
2. Trenton, NJ
Trenton is the state capital of New Jersey and is located in Mercer County in west-central New Jersey.
It has a population density of 12,000 people per square mile.
Trenton has a population of 90,000.
Despite a decrease in total crime between 2021 and 2022, the city was named one of the United States Murder Capitals.
In 2022, Trenton had 40 murders.
This is 6.8 times higher than the national average based on population.
In August 2022, the city held a celebration since it had gone two months without a homicide.
There were 818 violent crimes and 1,652 property crimes in 2022.
In Trenton, the odds of being a victim of a violent crime are 1 in 111, while the odds of being a victim of a property crime are 1 in 55.
Trenton is safer than only 13% of comparable cities in the United States.
1. Camden, NJ
Camden is a city in Camden County, New Jersey, with a population of 74,000 people.
The median household income in the United States is $30,000.
Approximately 33.6% of its population live in poverty.
It is not just the most deadly location in New Jersey but also the third most dangerous location in the United States.
Camden ranked third in crime and violence after Detroit and St. Louis.
The city has also been named one of the “Murder Capitals of America” for 2022.
Last year, the city’s overall crime rate was 35.47 per 1,000 residents.
There were 989 violent crimes and 1,557 property crimes committed.
In Camden, the chances of being a victim of a violent crime are 1 in 73.
One in every 46 people is a victim of a property crime.
The city has an annual murder rate of 23.
Unfortunately, what was once an exciting link between New Jersey and Pennsylvania is today a desolate, crime-ridden wasteland with a terrifying national reputation.
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