By Although New Jersey is often referred to as the Garden State, it is also known for being heavily populated, which can lead to some cities being more dangerous than others. It is important to be aware of which areas in NJ are considered the most dangerous before deciding where to live, in order to ensure the safety and comfort of yourself and your family. In this article, we will explore some of the cities in NJ that are considered to be the most dangerous, and the reasons behind their rankings.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in New Jersey
- Camden
- Trenton
- Paterson
- Atlantic City
- Irvington
- Long Branch
- Salem
- Asbury Park
- Penns Grove
- Wildwood
1. Camden
Camden, with its extraordinarily high crime and murder rates, is considered the most dangerous city in NJ. Sadly, it is often featured in negative news stories due to this. Camden has struggled with some of the highest crime rates in the nation, which have been exacerbated by reductions to its police force and urban deterioration.
The current rate of violent crimes in Camden stands at 1,603 per 100,000 people, making it a very unsafe place to live. Although the police force has been active in attempting to establish some form of control, the incidence of homicides and assaults remains high. Consequently, Camden is regarded as one of the worst places to live in NJ.
2. Trenton
When considering the most dangerous cities in NJ, Camden and Trenton top the list due to their high crime rates. Camden has the highest rate of violent crimes, making it one of the worst places to live in NJ, while Trenton is also regarded as one of the most dangerous cities due to its high incidence of violent and property crimes. It is essential to be aware of the safety rankings of cities in NJ before deciding where to reside.
Trenton is currently grappling with significant issues such as extreme poverty, urban decay, and gang-related activities. Despite the efforts made by the police force to reduce the crime rate in the city, much more work is required to address these problems and establish effective control.
3. Paterson
Paterson is one of the most dangerous cities in NJ and has garnered a negative reputation for its high rate of violent crime. However, despite this, efforts are being made to improve the situation. Gang activity and heroin addiction are among the primary causes of crime in the city.
It is worth noting that the safety of a neighborhood in NJ can vary significantly depending on its location. While some neighborhoods may be considered safe, others may present a significant danger for individuals walking around at night.
4. Atlantic City
If you are among the individuals who plan to visit Atlantic City during the summer months to enjoy its entertainment, you should be aware that the city has a reputation for attracting crime, frequently linked to the activities that take place within and around the casinos.
Atlantic City has a significant crime problem, likely due to factors such as gambling-related desperation and gang activity. The city’s violent crime rate is approximately 900 per 100,000, but the primary concern for visitors is the incidence of petty theft, drug dealing, and property crimes. As a result, visitors are advised to exercise caution and keep an eye on their personal belongings.
5. Irvington
Irvington, a city in NJ that borders Newark, is considered dangerous due to its high crime rates. Despite the efforts made by Newark to reduce crime, Irvington has struggled to tackle the issue effectively. The city is grappling with significant challenges, including high levels of gang activity and drug addiction that have spiraled out of control.
The rate of violent crime in Irvington, NJ, stands at approximately 500 per 100,000 residents. However, car theft and robbery are prevalent crimes that occur more frequently than residents may be willing to acknowledge. As such, if possible, it is advisable to avoid this dangerous city in New Jersey.
6. Long Branch
Long Branch, located near the prestigious Monmouth University and several affluent towns such as Rumson and Little Silver, is surprisingly considered one of the most dangerous cities in NJ.
Regrettably, Long Branch has some rough areas that have persisted from its previous reputation as a run-down locality. While the rate of violent crimes stands at 453 per 100,000 residents, property crimes are still prevalent in this city.
7. Salem
Salem is among the perilous towns in NJ and also considered as one of the most affordable locations to purchase a house in the state. Presently, some houses are selling for as low as $76,000. Nonetheless, the low prices are not an indication of safety, as the city records an incredibly high crime rate.
Despite its small population of around 5,000 residents, Salem has an alarmingly high rate of 2,060 reported violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is more than the number of residents themselves.
With a poverty rate of 41 percent, it’s evident that Salem is facing economic challenges.
8. Asbury Park
Asbury Park, a city with popular attractions such as Tillie, Convention Hall, and the Wonder Bar, may be a tourist destination, but it is not without its safety concerns. Despite recent efforts to boost the local economy, the city is still recovering from past economic hardships.
Asbury Park, despite being a tourist hotspot, has a high rate of violent crime with 1,226 reported cases per 100,000 residents. This is comparable to Trenton, one of the most dangerous cities in NJ. Despite recent gentrification efforts, gang activity is still a significant issue in the area.
9. Penns Grove
Penns Grove is one of the least safe towns in New Jersey, with a concerning safety record. This small town also faces high poverty rates, with around a third of its residents struggling with low wages.
The town of Penns Grove has a high poverty rate, struggling schools, and a significant gang presence. Despite having a population of around 5,000, the reported crimes in the area exceeded 5,000, which is a cause for concern.
10. Wildwood
While Wildwood may not have high rates of violent crime, it has an alarming rate of property crime, with 6,724 reported incidents per 100,000 residents. In fact, it is considered the most dangerous city in New Jersey in terms of property crime.
Tourism in Wildwood attracts a lot of petty theft and break-ins, resulting in an astonishing 6,724 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents. It’s the city with the highest property crime rate in New Jersey. Although it’s a fun tourist destination, it’s not considered a safe place to reside.
Wait, is NJ safe?
Despite some of the dangerous cities in New Jersey, the state itself is considered one of the safest in the United States. In fact, New Jersey boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Thus, choosing to live in New Jersey is generally a safe choice as long as you carefully consider the location you are moving to.
