New Jersey is one of the safest states in the country, following Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Still, we’re not without crime. While even our most dangerous cities are worth visiting (in my opinion), it’s interesting to see which they are. Always use common sense in these (and all) towns. While danger is different for everyone, we’re focusing on violent crimes over property crimes for the purpose of this list. It uses the most recent FBI data available. It’s important to note that these cities and towns are ranked using a ratio based on number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents. This, while accurate, does skew the data against smaller towns.
- Teterboro
Quist/Wikipedia Somewhat shocking, recent reports show 14.71 violent crimes per 1,000 people. Much of this town is an airport, though recent additions include shops and restaurants.
- Trenton
Jack Boucher/Wikipedia Our state capital, Trenton is home to several important historic sites, including the Old Barracks. There are 11.62 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
- Asbury Park
Alex Israel/Wikipedia One of my favorite shore towns, it has a seedier side. There are 11.07 violent crimes per 1,000 people. I’ll still be visiting for live music, good food, and plenty of pinball.
- Salem
Smallbones/Wikipedia This South Jersey town’s name comes from the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace. Still, there are 9.10 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
- Seaside Heights
Dough 4872/Wikipedia Shore towns do seem to be disproportionately unsafe, though much of this is expected due to an influx of tourists and seasonal residents, not reflected in the population. In Seaside Heights, there are 9.05 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
- Brooklawn
Famartin/Wikipedia This Camden County borough can be found right on the Delaware River. With a population of less than 2,000 residents, there are 8.40 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
- Bridgeton
Smallbones/Wikipedia This Cumberland County town has more than 2,000 properties in its historic district. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is the largest such district of any municipality in New Jersey. There are 8.32 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
- Wildwood
Smallbones/Wikipedia Wildwood is best known for its Doo Wop-style architecture from the 1950s and 60s and fun filled boardwalk. Unfortunately, it’s also got 7.94 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
- Orange
Jim.Henderson/Wikipedia The city of Orange is often referred to as part of “the Oranges,” including East Orange, South Orange and West Orange. Though the towns are very different, they’re all loaded with history. Orange has 7.42 violent crimes with 1,000 people.
- Newark
Jenn ModernWiki/Wikipedia This city is home to several museums and galleries, along with a rich history and vibrant culture. Of course, like many cities, it does have some crime. There are 7.33 violent crimes per 1,000 people. Pictured is the Krueger-Scott Mansion, owned by African-American beauty entrepreneur Louise Scott, Newark’s first female millionaire
Other towns not on the list but with rising violent crime rates include Audobon Park, Lakehurst, and Oaklyn. Camden is not on this list as the town did not report its violent crime statistics to the FBI. It would likely rank high. Source: Patch.
Quist/Wikipedia
Somewhat shocking, recent reports show 14.71 violent crimes per 1,000 people. Much of this town is an airport, though recent additions include shops and restaurants.
Jack Boucher/Wikipedia
Our state capital, Trenton is home to several important historic sites, including the Old Barracks. There are 11.62 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
Alex Israel/Wikipedia
One of my favorite shore towns, it has a seedier side. There are 11.07 violent crimes per 1,000 people. I’ll still be visiting for live music, good food, and plenty of pinball.
Smallbones/Wikipedia
This South Jersey town’s name comes from the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace. Still, there are 9.10 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
Dough 4872/Wikipedia
Shore towns do seem to be disproportionately unsafe, though much of this is expected due to an influx of tourists and seasonal residents, not reflected in the population. In Seaside Heights, there are 9.05 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
Famartin/Wikipedia
This Camden County borough can be found right on the Delaware River. With a population of less than 2,000 residents, there are 8.40 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
This Cumberland County town has more than 2,000 properties in its historic district. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is the largest such district of any municipality in New Jersey. There are 8.32 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
Wildwood is best known for its Doo Wop-style architecture from the 1950s and 60s and fun filled boardwalk. Unfortunately, it’s also got 7.94 violent crimes per 1,000 people.
Jim.Henderson/Wikipedia
The city of Orange is often referred to as part of “the Oranges,” including East Orange, South Orange and West Orange. Though the towns are very different, they’re all loaded with history. Orange has 7.42 violent crimes with 1,000 people.
Jenn ModernWiki/Wikipedia
This city is home to several museums and galleries, along with a rich history and vibrant culture. Of course, like many cities, it does have some crime. There are 7.33 violent crimes per 1,000 people. Pictured is the Krueger-Scott Mansion, owned by African-American beauty entrepreneur Louise Scott, Newark’s first female millionaire
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