Last Updated on December 17, 2022 by Jason Nguyen
Do you live in one of the 34 most dangerous cities in New Jersey? According to recent reports, this is a possibility. If you’re not sure whether or not your city made the list, keep reading. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed description of each city that made it into the top 34. We will also provide some safety tips for those who reside in these areas. Stay safe!
1. Asbury Park.
Population: 15,661
Asbury Park is a city located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It has a reputation for being one of the more dangerous cities in the state due to its high levels of violent crime and property crimes.
The violent crime rate here is 752 per 100,000 people, which is nearly four times the national average. Property crime is also high, with 9,820 incidents per 100,000 people.
This city also has problems with drugs and gang activity. In order to stay safe in Asbury Park, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas known for criminal activity.
2. Atlantic City.
Population: 39,558.
Atlantic City has seen a recent surge in violent crime and drug-related felonies. It is currently considered one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey with a crime rate three times higher than the national average.
In 2019, there were more than 2,500 reported incidents of criminal activity including aggravated assault, robbery, homicide, and rape.
There have also been reports of gang violence, armed robberies, and drug trafficking in the city. Residents should be especially cautious when visiting parts of Atlantic City as it is known for its high rate of crime.
3. Bridgeton.
Population: 25,349
Bridgeton, located in south-western New Jersey, is one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
The crime rate here is much higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate that’s more than double the national average and property crime rates that are nearly triple.
Residents face an elevated risk of becoming victims of crimes such as murder, assault, rape, and robbery. The city also has an alarmingly high poverty rate at 36.7%, nearly double the national average.
As a result, many people are struggling to make ends meet in Bridgeton, leading to higher levels of crime and violence.
4. Buena.
Population: 4,206
Crime Rate: 22.94% higher than the national average
Buena is located in Atlantic County and is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. According to FBI crime data, Buena has a high violent crime rate and consistently ranks among the highest in car theft and robbery cases each year.
Residents are advised to be extra cautious when it comes to their safety, particularly in the evening and at night.
5. Ventnor City.
Population: 10,650
Crime Rate: 31.23% higher than the national average
Ventnor City is located in Atlantic County and has a substantially high crime rate compared to other cities in New Jersey.
The city’s violent crime rate is especially concerning, with a higher than average number of assaults and robberies reported each year.
Residents should be extra vigilant when it comes to their personal safety and take precautionary measures such as staying in well-lit areas at night and avoiding unknown people or suspicious activities.
6. Burlington.
Population: 9,926
The poverty rate in Burlington is high, and the crime rate is no exception. The city’s violent crime rate is 576 incidents per 100,000 citizens—well above New Jersey’s state average of 320 incidents per 100,000 people.
It also has a property crime rate of 3,403 incidents per 100,000 citizens, again significantly higher than the state average of 1,922 incidents per 100,000 people.
Property crimes in Burlington include burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft; burglary is particularly high with 703 cases per 100,000 citizens reported annually. As such, residents should take extra precautions when living in this area.
7. Camden.
Population: 73,323
Crime Rate: Camden has the highest crime rates in New Jersey and is one of the most dangerous cities in America. Property crimes comprise almost half of all reported incidents and violent crimes account for about one-third.
The city also has an alarming rate of aggravated assaults and shootings, making it a particularly unsafe place to live or visit.
8. East Orange.
Population: 64,270
East Orange is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. The city has a violent crime rate that is more than double the state’s average and higher than the national average by nearly three times.
Property crimes such as burglary and theft also occur at a much higher rate than other areas of the state. This can be attributed in part to poverty, which affects the city at a rate of more than 30% of its population.
The police department actively works to reduce crime but the numbers remain high due to a lack of resources and personnel.
9. Egg Harbor City.
Population: 4,243 (2017).
Egg Harbor City is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. This small city has a crime rate that is well above both the state and national averages. Violent crimes like murder, rape and armed robbery are alarmingly common in Egg Harbor City.
Property crimes such as burglary and theft occur often as well. Residents of Egg Harbor City report feeling unsafe in their own city and experiencing a general sense of unease.
The local police department has attempted to crack down on crime, but these have been ineffective so far. Despite its dangerous reputation, the residents of Egg Harbor City work hard to make their community a better place. Community organizations like the Egg Harbor City Improvement Association work to make Egg Harbor City a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
10. Elizabeth.
Population: 124,969
Crime rate: 8/1,000
Elizabeth is the fourth-most populous city in New Jersey and its crime rate is more than double that of the national average. Violent crimes like murder and assault are particularly common in Elizabeth, making it one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey.
Property crime is also a problem here, with incidents of burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft occurring at a rate significantly higher than the national average. Residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their property when in Elizabeth.
11. Hillside township.
Population: Hillside Township has a population of about 10,000 people and is located in Union County, New Jersey. Despite its relatively small size, Hillside Township has consistently been listed as one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey due to high rates of crime.
In fact, according to Neighborhood Scout’s 2020 Crime Risk Index, Hillside Township is the fourth most dangerous city in New Jersey.
The crime rate in Hillside Township is more than double the national average, with violent crimes and property crimes both higher than the national median.
In fact, violent crime rates are 36 percent higher than the national average while property crimes are 25 percent higher.
The risk of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is one in 34, making Hillside Township an especially unsafe place to live.
Additionally, the police-to-citizen ratio in Hillside Township is quite low; there are only 1.3 officers per 1,000 citizens. This means that fewer officers are available to respond to and investigate criminal activity, making it more difficult to prevent and address crime.
Despite its dangerous reputation, Hillside Township is home to some of the best schools in New Jersey and boasts a vibrant community of people dedicated to making their city safer.
In recent years, local organizations have worked with law enforcement to reduce crime rates and increase police presence in the area.
Though it may not be the safest city in New Jersey, Hillside Township certainly has potential. With ongoing efforts to reduce crime and improve safety, it may one day be a safe place for its residents.
12. Irvington.
Population: 57,000.
Irvington is the second most dangerous city in New Jersey according to FBI crime statistics from 2017. Violent crimes such as murder and aggravated assault occur at far higher rates than anywhere else in New Jersey.
The poverty rate of 31% contributes to a high level of crime, as does its close proximity to larger cities like Newark and Elizabeth. In addition to violent crime, property crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle theft are also major issues in Irvington.
The city has implemented several initiatives to try and reduce the high levels of crime, but for now Irvington remains one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey.
Overall, residents of Irvington need to take special precautions when it comes to personal safety. The city is encouraging its residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings while staying informed on the latest crime updates in order to help keep Irvington safe.
13. Jersey city.
Population: 264,152
Crime rate: Just outside of New York City, Jersey City’s crime rate has been steadily increasing over the years. Violent crime and property crime are both higher than the national average.
Violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault occur more frequently in this city than most other cities in New Jersey.
14. Laurel Lake.
Population: 2,661
Crime rate: High
Located in Burlington County, Laurel Lake is an unincorporated community with a high crime rate. It has seen numerous drug and gang related crimes, including murders and assaults.
The police presence is minimal because of the low population. Although the area is relatively small, it should not be overlooked when considering the most dangerous cities in New Jersey.
15. Lindenwold.
Population: 17,000
Lindenwold is a small town in New Jersey that has been facing rising crime rates for years. The levels of drug trafficking, gang activity and violent crimes have risen to a worrying level in recent years making the city one of the most dangerous cities in the state.
The police force is stretched thin trying to contain the rising crime rate, and there are areas of the city that may be best avoided. Despite these issues, there are still some positive aspects to the town.
Lindenwold is home to a bustling downtown area with shops, restaurants and other businesses that attract people from all over the region.
Additionally, its public schools have been rated highly by various education organizations and it is an affordable place to live. However, the high crime rate should definitely be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to visit or move to Lindenwold.
16. Long Branch.
Population: 30,000.
Long Branch is a city on the Jersey Shore and one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. It has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years, with reported incidents such as aggravated assault, robbery, burglary and homicide all occurring more frequently than the state average.
Although local law enforcement does its best to keep citizens safe, the sheer volume of crime makes it difficult to keep up with. It’s important for all Long Branch residents to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
17. Millville.
Population: 28,400
Crime rate: 5,397 crimes per 100k people
Millville has long been one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. The city’s violent crime rate is more than five times the national average and property crime rates are nearly three times higher than the rest of the state.
Millville also has a high rate of drug-related crime and gang activity. Despite its high crime rates, Millville is making significant efforts to reduce the amount of crime in the city and make it safer for residents.
The police department has launched several programs aimed at helping young people stay out of trouble and deterring criminal behavior.
18. Neptune Township.
Population: 27,935
Neptune Township has one of the highest crime rates in New Jersey. Its violent crime rate is almost double the national average and its property crime rate is more than three times the national average.
There have been numerous reports of shootings, robberies, and assaults in this area. The police are doing their best to keep the citizens safe, but it is still a dangerous place to live.
19. New Brunswick.
Population: 58,791
Crime Rate: New Brunswick’s crime rate is above the national average. In 2018, there were 1,094 violent crimes reported and 5,194 property crimes reported in the city.
This put the city’s violent crime rate at 795 per 100,000 residents—well over double the national average of 370 per 100,000.
In addition, the city’s property crime rate for 2018 was 8,737 per 100,000—also higher than the national average of 2,362 per 100,000.
20. Newark.
Population: 281,944
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey and has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities in the state by a number of outlets.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Newark had an overall crime rate that was 8 times higher than the national average in 2019. This means that for every 1,000 residents, there were 38.63 violent crimes and 119.84 property crimes committed in the city over the course of a year.
Newark is known for its high rate of gun violence, with numerous shootings occurring throughout the year. Some neighborhoods may be more dangerous than others, so it’s best to research the area before venturing out on foot or driving through them.
21. Passaic.
Population:69,781.
Crime Rate: 809 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Passaic is a city in New Jersey with an alarmingly high crime rate. It was ranked as the fourth most dangerous city in Newark and one of the most dangerous cities in the United States by NeighborhoodScout.com.
The city has seen an increase in violent crimes, including homicides and aggravated assaults, over the past few years. Overall, Passaic is an unsafe city where travelers should exercise caution.
22. Paterson.
Population: 146,199
Paterson is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. It is home to a high rate of violent and property crime, as well as drug trafficking activity. In 2018, Paterson had 1,444 reported cases of violent crime and 5,494 cases of property crimes.
Drug dealing and use are also rampant in Paterson, leading to more criminal activity. The police department is working hard to combat crime in the city, but there still remains a high rate of danger for those living and visiting Paterson.
23. Pemberton.
Population: 8,379
Crime rate: 11,054 per 100,000 people
Pemberton is a small town located in Burlington County, New Jersey. It has a high crime rate and residents are advised to exercise caution when going out at night or even during the day.
Violent crimes like robbery and assault are common occurrences here; property crimes such as theft and burglary are also common in the area. In addition, drug-related crimes like possession and distribution are prevalent here.
High unemployment rate, with a poverty rate of 18%, is another factor that contributes to the high crime rates in Pemberton. The town has limited job opportunities for its citizens which may lead them to seek illegal means to make a living.
This has caused the crime rate in Pemberton to be significantly higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous towns in New Jersey.
24. Penns Grove.
Population: 4,078
Penns Grove is located in Salem county and is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. It has a violent crime rate of 8.12 per 1,000 residents – more than double the statewide average.
The property crime rate here is 34.31 per 1,000 residents – far higher than the national average of 22.0 per 1,000 residents.
The most common crimes reported here are theft, vandalism, assault and burglary. Penns Grove is known to suffer from poverty and drug use which can contribute to the high crime rate.
25. Perth Amboy.
Population: 50,814
Perth Amboy is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey with a high rate of crime and poverty. In 2020, this city was listed as the fourth most dangerous city in the state. It has had an average of around 661 violent crimes reported per year since 2017.
Property crime such as burglary and motor vehicle theft is also prevalent in this area. Residents are advised to take extra precautions when it comes to their safety and security.
26. Plainfield.
Population: 50,000.
Plainfield is a city located in Union County, New Jersey. According to the FBI’s 2019 Crime Statistics, Plainfield has one of the highest levels of violent crime in the state. The reported number of total violent crimes was 751, with 579 aggravated assaults and 103 robberies.
It also has a high rate of property crime with 1,166 reported incidents. Plainfield is known for drug-related activities and has seen an increase in gang activity over the past few years. It also has a high rate of poverty and firearms violations.
As a result, it is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. Residents are urged to use caution when walking alone at night and to take necessary safety measures. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when out in public.
Additionally, if you have any information regarding possible criminal activity, it should be reported to the police immediately. Taking these precautions can help ensure that citizens stay safe while living in Plainfield.
27. Pleasantville.
This small city of just over 20,000 people in Atlantic County is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey.
With a crime rate of 84 per 1,000 residents, it has the highest violent crime rate in the state and ranks at number 18 on the list of “America’s Most Dangerous Cities” published by Neighborhood Scout.
The majority of the crime in the city is related to property crimes such as theft, burglary, and vandalism. In addition, Pleasantville has a poverty rate of 28%, which may be linked to its high crime rate.
28. Salem.
Population: 5,146.
Salem is home to one of the highest crime rates in New Jersey, with an index of 186.3 – more than double the national average. The city’s homicide rate is particularly concerning, with 20 murder cases recorded in 2019 alone.
In addition to violent crimes, property crime such as theft and larceny is also an issue in Salem, with an index of 1,117.3. Taking all these factors into account, it’s easy to understand why this city is considered one of the most dangerous in New Jersey.
29. Seabrook Farms.
Population: 2,000
Crime Rate: Seabrook Farms is a safe community with very low crime rates. However, it should be noted that there has been an increase in violent crime recently and the police are actively working to reduce these incidents. The majority of reported crimes are drug-related and property related offences.
30. Trenton.
Population: 84,913
Trenton is the capital of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. It’s one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey, with a crime rate that’s much higher than both the state and national averages.
Violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault are all common in Trenton. Property crimes such as burglary and larceny-theft are also rampant.
In 2019, there were a total of 1,061 violent crimes reported in Trenton, making the city’s rate equal to 607 violent crimes per 100,000 people—more than twice the New Jersey average of 265 per 100,000.
Burglary is also a major problem in Trenton; the city’s rate of 1,333 per 100,000 people is much higher than the state average of 629 per 100,000.
The Trenton Police Department works hard to keep crime rates down, but with limited resources and a population that faces many challenges such as poverty and drug abuse, it can be difficult to make real progress.
As a result, residents of Trenton should take extra precautions when it comes to their personal safety and property security. We recommend that people living in or visiting Trenton stay aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone after dark, and always lock the doors to their homes and vehicles.
31. Vineland.
Population: 60,000
Vineland is the second most dangerous city in New Jersey. According to Neighborhood Scout’s analysis of FBI crime data from 2018, it had a total of 3,624 crimes per 100,000 people, with violent crime accounting for 1,053 incidents and property crime 2,571 incidents.
The city has seen an increase in crime in recent years, and the city is particularly known for its high rates of robbery, assault and motor vehicle theft.
Residents are encouraged to take extra caution when traveling around the city and to always be aware of their surroundings.
32. Wildwood.
Population: 5,325 (2019)
Wildwood is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. According to Neighborhood Scout’s 2019 statistics, Wildwood has a safety rating of 2 out of 100—the lower the number, the more dangerous the city. The city consistently ranks as one of the highest for violent crime and property crime in all of New Jersey.
This city is especially dangerous for its size, as it had a violent crime rate of 2,070 per 100,000 people in 2019—almost 10 times the national average of 214.7 per 100,000. Wildwood also has an above-average property crime rate of 3,079 per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 2,199.
To make matters worse, Wildwood has an overall poverty rate of 23.3%. This means that nearly 1 in 4 people living there are living below the poverty line. Furthermore, a high level of economic uncertainty also contributes to crime and other social problems in this city.
33. Woodbine.
Population: 131
Woodbine is located in Cape May County and is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. According to a 2019 report by SafeWise, Woodbine had the highest crime rate in all of New Jersey, with 467 crimes per 1,000 people.
This includes violent crimes like assault, robbery and burglary as well as property crimes like larceny and vehicle theft.
With a population of only 131 people, the crime rate in Woodbine is especially alarming. Many residents of Woodbine have reported feeling unsafe in their own community, and it is important to take extra precautions when visiting this area.
34. Woodbury.
Population: 10,375.
Woodbury is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey. Crime rate in Woodbury is much higher than the average across all of the U.S. The city has had a long history of violence and gang activity, which continues to this day.
In 2018, there were 8 homicides in Woodbury. This was an increase from the previous year, when there were 5 homicides.
The city also has a high rate of property crime and violent crime. In 2018, there were 731 burglaries, 1,180 robberies, and 1,657 aggravated assaults reported in Woodbury. This is significantly higher than the average for cities across the U.S.
Related:
- 24 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New York City
- 16 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Baltimore
- 34 Safest and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Chicago
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cities of Newark and Camden in New Jersey are two of the most dangerous cities in the state. Despite their high crime rates, officials remain committed to improving public safety by increasing police presence and providing resources such as job-training programs.
Residents are encouraged to take proactive measures such as joining neighborhood watch groups or attending community meetings to help prevent crime in their areas and make the cities safer. Safety should always remain a priority, no matter where you live.