A+
75%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
94%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleChatham/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime50n/a (estimate)5261,6452,119
Murder0n/a0.02.35.0
Rape0n/a0.017.337.5
Robbery1n/a10.549.360.6
Assault1n/a10.5148.8256.1
Violent crime2n/a (estimate)21218359
Burglary12n/a126.2145.3229.2
Theft29n/a305.11,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft7n/a73.6162.6258.8
Property crime48n/a (estimate)5051,4271,760

Chatham crime map

Get this widget

The Chatham crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chatham as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Chatham crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chatham crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Chatham, NJ

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Chatham crime rate is 75.2% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Chatham, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 21 per 100,000 individuals, 94.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, Chatham recorded 48 property crimes, amounting to 505 per 100,000 residents, 71.3% lower than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 526, significantly below the national average of 2119, Chatham stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

Chatham shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 21 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Chatham an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Chatham reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Chatham records a property crime rate of 505 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Chatham as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Chatham?

AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Chatham to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 63% of people answered that there was very little crime in Chatham and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 38% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Chatham a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Chatham, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Chatham presents a total crime rate that is 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Chatham experiences an average of 0.14 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.13 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Chatham Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Chatham has decreased by 19.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Chatham is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has decreased by 21.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Chatham.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chatham

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Chatham crime rates. In Chatham, the poverty rate stands at 0.9%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Chatham has a population density of 3797.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Chatham crime rates.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Chatham, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.32 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Compare Chatham, NJ Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chatham crime rates are 75% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chatham are 94% lower than the national average
      • In Chatham you have a 1 in 191 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chatham is safer than 88% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chatham has decreased by 27%

      Chatham, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Chatham

        See all the best places to live around Chatham
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Chatham?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Chatham?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Chatham poll results

        Daily Crime In Chatham (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Chatham, NJ per 100,000 people. In Chatham, the total number of daily crimes is 3.13 times less than the New Jersey average and 4.03 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Chatham is 10.35 times less than the New Jersey average and 17.07 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Chatham has a daily crime rate that is 2.83 times less than the New Jersey average and 3.49 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Chatham (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Chatham in comparison to other New Jersey communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Chatham safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Chatham being safer than 81% of cities in New Jersey and 88% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking New Jersey cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Chatham. In conclusion, Chatham ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chatham

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chatham is 1 in 4753
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chatham is 1 in 199
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chatham is 1 in 191
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Chatham? If you reside in Chatham, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 4753. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 199 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Chatham, is 1 in 191.

        Year Over Year Crime In Chatham (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Chatham is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Chatham violent crime rates have decreased by 5%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 28% year over year. Total crimes for Chatham has decreased by 27% in the same time frame.

        Chatham police department

        Item Chatham New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2114,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.35.73.3
        There are a total of 21 Chatham police officers. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 59% less than the New Jersey average and 28.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Mount Arlington, NJ5,9330148148
        Hopatcong, NJ14,71175177251
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,64634224258
        New Providence, NJ13,89844255299
        Weston, NJ2,01443283326
        Rockaway, NJ6,53815326341
        Mountainside, NJ7,07414340354
        Chatham, NJ8,91321505526

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wharton, TX8,9153531,8792,232
        Des Peres, MO8,916664,2454,311
        Kirby, TX8,9088251,4872,312
        Lake Villa, IL8,907116489605
        Edgemere, MD8,9063291,6071,936
        Chatham, NJ8,91321505526
        Source: The Chatham, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.