Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in New Jersey
New Jersey is known for its diversity and vibrant communities, but it's important to be aware of safety concerns when considering where to live or visit. In this updated list of the 10 most dangerous places in New Jersey, we delve into recent crime data to provide insights into safety conditions. Please note that crime rates may have changed since our last update in September 2021.
1. Asbury Park
Asbury Park, NJ
Asbury Park has seen a decline in population, which can be attributed in part to its high crime rate. In 2013, it had the third-highest number of crimes per person in the state, totaling 1,106 for its relatively small population. This included the third most property crimes (842) and the second most violent crimes (264) per person. Six of these violent crimes were murders, ranking Asbury Park third for murders per person out of all the places we assessed.
2. Atlantic City
Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City surpassed Asbury Park in violent crimes in 2013, reporting the highest number of violent crimes per person in the state. This included three murders (the 18th most per person), nine rapes, 367 robberies, and 306 assaults. Additionally, Atlantic City had a substantial number of property crimes, with 393 burglaries, 2,011 thefts, and 71 vehicle thefts, totaling 3,160 crimes for the year—the second-highest number in the state.
3. Newark
Newark, NJ
Newark had the ninth highest number of crimes per person in 2013 and notably high rates of violent crimes, including murders. With a population of 278,246, Newark reported 3,516 violent crimes, ranking sixth per person. Out of these violent crimes, 112 were murders, giving Newark the second highest number of murders per person in the state. The city also had 8,965 property crimes, resulting in a total of 12,481 crimes for the year.
4. Bridgeton
Bridgeton, NJ
In 2013, Bridgeton reported 1,526 crimes in total. With its population of 25,280, this meant it had the fourth highest number of crimes per person in the state. This included 1,186 property crimes and 340 violent crimes, two of which were murders. Bridgeton ranked seventh, fourth, and 16th for property crimes, violent crimes, and total crimes per person, respectively, resulting in residents having a 1 in 17 chance of being a crime victim.
5. Irvington
Irvington, NJ
Irvington has faced challenges with high crime rates, particularly in violent crimes. In 2013, it reported 815 violent crimes, giving it the third highest number of violent crimes per person. These included 27 rapes, 492 robberies, 279 assaults, and 17 murders—the fourth most per person in the state. All of this, combined with the 21st highest number of property crimes, led to Irvington ranking 10th for total crimes per person in our study.
6. Woodbury
Woodbury, NJ
Woodbury performed better in terms of violent crimes per person, ranking 22nd, but it had elevated rates in other categories. Despite having just the 22nd most violent crimes per person, it reported the 11th most murders and the fourth most property crimes. In total, Woodbury had the fifth highest number of crimes per person, resulting in residents having a 1 in 18 chance of being a victim.
7. Trenton
Trenton, NJ
Trenton residents had a lower overall likelihood of being crime victims due to the city's lower total number of crimes per person, ranking 12th in this category with 3,443 crimes for its population of 84,439. However, Trenton stood out for having the highest likelihood of being a victim of murder, reporting 37 murders in 2013—the most per person in the state. It also had the fifth highest number of violent crimes per person.
8. Orange
Orange, NJ
While Orange didn't rank as poorly in property crimes (ranking 27th), it faced higher rates of violent crimes. In 2013, Orange reported 377 violent crimes, including five rapes, 266 robberies, 100 aggravated assaults, and six murders—the fifth most per person. With 269 burglaries, 377 thefts, and 225 vehicle thefts, it had a total of 1,248 property crimes for the year.
9. Paterson
Paterson, NJ
Paterson, located in Passaic County, had the 17th highest number of crimes per person in 2013, totaling 5,656 for its population of just over 145,000. This included 1,984 thefts, 1,368 burglaries, and 749 vehicle thefts among its 4,101 property crimes. While property crimes ranked 26th per person, Paterson had the eighth highest number of violent crimes, with 1,555 for the year, including 18 murders.
10. Lindenwold
Lindenwold, NJ
The Borough of Lindenwold, with nearly 18,000 residents, reported a total of 655 crimes in 2013, ranking 19th per person. These included 533 property crimes and 122 violent crimes, including two murders. Lindenwold ranked 20th, 14th, and 10th for property crimes, violent crimes, and total crimes per person, respectively.