New Jersey boasts numerous attractions, including picturesque beaches, historic sites, and a vibrant culture. However, not all corners of the Garden State offer safe and pleasant living conditions. Some cities grapple with high crime rates, poverty, and social issues, making them less desirable for both residents and visitors. Based on recent FBI statistics and other sources, here are the 10 worst cities in New Jersey:
10. New Brunswick
New Brunswick, home to Rutgers University, one of the nation’s largest and oldest public universities, has a darker side marked by a high rate of violent crime, ranking safer than only 18% of cities its size. The odds of experiencing a violent crime in New Brunswick are 1 in 226, and 1 in 54 for property crimes.
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9. Jersey City
Jersey City, the state’s largest city with over 700,000 residents, boasts a diverse economy and culture, located just across the river from New York City. However, it also has a high crime rate, ranking safer than only 30% of cities nationwide. In the previous year, the city reported 4,540 crimes, including 939 violent crimes.
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8. Elizabeth
Elizabeth, New Jersey’s fourth-largest city with a population exceeding 137,000, is known for its waterfront port, historic structures, and landmarks. Yet, it also faces a high crime rate, ranking safer than only 32% of cities across the nation. The overall crime rate in Elizabeth stands at 26.73 per 1,000 residents, with larcenies, burglaries, and auto thefts being the most common crimes.
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7. Asbury Park
Once a favored resort town on the Atlantic coast, Asbury Park saw a decline in the 1950s due to changing leisure preferences. Despite attempts to revive its music and arts scene, it remains plagued by a high crime rate, ranking safer than just 9% of cities nationwide. The odds of experiencing a violent crime in Asbury Park are 1 in 79, and 1 in 23 for property crimes.
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6. Atlantic City
Atlantic City, famous for its casinos, boardwalk, and nightlife, draws millions of tourists annually. However, it also grapples with a high crime rate, ranking safer than only 5% of cities nationwide. The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in Atlantic City is 1 in 58, and 1 in 11 for property crimes. Additionally, it has a high poverty rate of 37%, more than double the state average.
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5. Egg Harbor City
With a population of around 4,000, Egg Harbor City in Atlantic County has a rich cultural heritage dating back to German immigrants in the 19th century. Nevertheless, it contends with a high crime rate, ranking safer than just 4% of cities nationwide. The chances of experiencing a violent crime in Egg Harbor City are 1 in 55, and 1 in 12 for property crimes.
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4. Penns Grove
Penns Grove, another small city in Salem County, houses approximately 5,000 residents and offers historic buildings and sites along the Delaware River. Nevertheless, it grapples with a high crime rate, ranking safer than only 3% of cities nationwide. The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in Penns Grove is 1 in 49, and 1 in 15 for property crimes.
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3. Paterson
Paterson, New Jersey’s third-largest city with over 145,000 residents, boasts an industrial history, cultural diversity, and artistic legacy. However, it struggles with a high crime rate, ranking safer than just 2% of cities nationwide. The odds of experiencing a violent crime in Paterson are 1 in 46, and 1 in 19 for property crimes. Moreover, it has a high poverty rate of 28%, more than double the state average.
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2. Trenton
Trenton, the capital of New Jersey with over 83,000 residents, houses numerous government buildings, museums, and historic sites. Nonetheless, it contends with a high crime rate, ranking safer than only 1% of cities nationwide. The chances of experiencing a violent crime in Trenton are 1 in 36, and 1 in 17 for property crimes. Additionally, it has a high poverty rate of 26%, more than double the state average.
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1. Camden
Camden holds the unfortunate title of the most dangerous city in New Jersey and one of the most perilous in the nation. With a population exceeding 74,000 and located across the river from Philadelphia, Camden grapples with longstanding social and economic issues, including poverty, unemployment, corruption, and violence.
It has a high crime rate, ranking safer than 0% of cities nationwide. The likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in Camden is 1 in 34, and 1 in 12 for property crimes. Furthermore, it has a poverty rate of 38%, more than double the state average.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the 10 worst cities in New Jersey based on the latest available data. While these cities may possess positive attributes and potential for improvement, they also face significant challenges and risks that make them less safe and appealing for many individuals. If you plan to visit or relocate to New Jersey, it’s advisable to exercise caution in these cities or consider other options.