Exploring 8 Most Risky Cities in New Jersey for 2024

New Jersey, commonly known as the “Garden State,” is famous for its stunning scenery, lively culture, and varied communities. Just like any other state, it also experiences its fair share of crime.

This article delves into the 15 most perilous cities in NJ, determined by crime statistics and multiple factors influencing their elevated crime rates.

Top Risky Cities in New Jersey

Camden

Violent Crime Rate: 1,603/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 2,159 per 100,000 individuals (New Jersey Average: 1,158 per 100,000 individuals)
Number of reported crimes: 3,762 per 100,000 individuals (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100,000 individuals)

Camden is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in NJ. Located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, it is dealing with various socioeconomic issues such as poverty and unemployment. Camden’s high crime rate, particularly for violent crimes, is a source of worry for both residents and visitors.

Newark

Newark has a violent crime rate of 490 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the New Jersey average of 195 per 100,000 people.
Property crime rate is 1,457 per 100,000 people, compared to the New Jersey average of 1,158 per 100,000 people.
Number of reported crimes: 1,947 per 100,000 individuals (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100,000 individuals)

Newark is the largest city in New Jersey and is a vibrant hub for business and transportation. Nevertheless, it encounters significant challenges due to crime problems, especially in specific neighborhoods. Issues like poverty and drug-related problems significantly impact the city’s consistently high crime rates.

Trenton

Trenton has a violent crime rate of 1,169 per 100,000 people, compared to the New Jersey average of 195 per 100,000 people.
Property crime rate in this area is 2,090 per 100,000 people, compared to the New Jersey average of 1,158 per 100,000 people.
Number of reported crimes: 3,259 per 100k individuals (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100k individuals)

Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, has been dealing with crime for a long time. The city is considered one of the worst in NJ due to its high crime rates, especially in property crimes and violent offenses.

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Atlantic City

Violent Crime Rate: 823 per 100,000 individuals (New Jersey Average: 195 per 100,000 individuals)
Property Crime Rate: 2,698 per 100,000 individuals (New Jersey Average: 1,158 per 100,000 individuals)
Number of reported crimes: 3,521 per 100k individuals (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100k individuals)

Atlantic City is famous for its casinos and tourist spots, but it also deals with issues like gambling addiction, poverty, and unemployment. These factors lead to an increased crime rate in the city, ranking it as one of the most unsafe cities in NJ.

Bridgeton

Violent Crime Rate: 974/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property crime rate is 3,067 per 100,000 people, compared to the New Jersey average of 1,158 per 100,000 people.
Number of reported crimes: 4,040 per 100k residents (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100k residents)

Bridgeton, a city in Cumberland County, has a crime rate that is higher than the state average. In this area, crime problems are influenced by poverty and limited economic opportunities.

Asbury Park

Violent Crime Rate: 1,226/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate: 3,424 per 100,000 individuals (New Jersey Average: 1,158 per 100,000 individuals)
Number of reported crimes: 4,651 per 100k individuals (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100k individuals)

Asbury Park, a coastal city in Monmouth County, has experienced several revitalization initiatives in recent years. Although there have been some positive changes, the city still faces challenges with drug-related crimes and property offenses, making it one of the more dangerous cities in NJ.

Vineland

Violent Crime Rate: 383/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property crime rate in this area is 2,090 per 100,000 people, compared to the New Jersey average of 1,158 per 100,000 people.
Number of reported crimes: 2,473 per 100k individuals (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100k individuals)

Vineland, situated in Cumberland County, faces challenges such as unemployment and economic instability, which directly affect crime rates. There is a notable issue with property crimes in this region.

Elizabeth

Violent Crime Rate: 480/100k people (NJ Average: 195/100k people)
Property Crime Rate is 2,219 per 100,000 people, compared to the New Jersey average of 1,158 per 100,000 people.
Number of reported crimes: 2,699 per 100,000 individuals (New Jersey average: 1,354 per 100,000 individuals)

Elizabeth, a lively city in Union County, deals with crime problems, mainly because of its closeness to Newark. The city has higher crime rates compared to the state average, especially in property crimes and violent offenses.