| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Plainfield/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 982 | n/a (estimate) | 1,770 | 1,620 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 7.2 | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 5.4 | 16.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 104 | n/a | 187.4 | 47.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 140 | n/a | 252.3 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 251 | n/a (estimate) | 452 | 203 | 370 |
| Burglary | 110 | n/a | 198.2 | 148.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 564 | n/a | 1,016.3 | 1,109.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 57 | n/a | 102.7 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 731 | n/a (estimate) | 1,317 | 1,417 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Plainfield crime rate is 23.9% 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 Plainfield, there were 251 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 452 per 100,000 individuals, 22.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Plainfield recorded 731 property crimes, amounting to 1317 per 100,000 residents, 32.6% lower than the U.S. average.
What do the local residents think about crime in Plainfield? Well, based on a recent survey of 22 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Plainfield residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Plainfield is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Plainfield has an overall crime rate that is 24% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.69 daily occurrences, comprising 0.69 violent crimes and 2 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Plainfield as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Plainfield has increased by 2.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Plainfield, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 10.1%, while property crime has increased by 0.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Plainfield is a safe place to live.
Plainfield reports an unemployment rate of 5.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Plainfield crime rates.
Plainfield has a population density of 8432.6 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 Plainfield crime rates.
In Plainfield, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.28 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Plainfield | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 165 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 5.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Jersey /100K | National /100K |
| New Jersey | 4,539 | 54 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Matawan, NJ | 8,696 | 0 | 41 | 41 |
| Union Beach, NJ | 5,362 | 35 | 140 | 174 |
| Ten Mile Run, NJ | 1,801 | 28 | 199 | 227 |
| Peapack and Gladstone, NJ | 2,582 | 32 | 222 | 254 |
| Mendham, NJ | 4,880 | 0 | 302 | 302 |
| Bernardsville, NJ | 7,641 | 0 | 347 | 347 |
| Middlebush, NJ | 2,737 | 45 | 316 | 361 |
| Plainfield, NJ | 50,252 | 452 | 1,317 | 1,770 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Galveston, TX | 50,307 | 469 | 2,925 | 3,394 |
| Stillwater, OK | 50,183 | 310 | 1,918 | 2,228 |
| Maricopa, AZ | 50,358 | 188 | 762 | 950 |
| Irondequoit, NY | 50,141 | 128 | 1,617 | 1,745 |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 50,385 | 85 | 682 | 767 |
| Plainfield, NJ | 50,252 | 452 | 1,317 | 1,770 |
Here are the best places to live in New Jersey
10 best cities to buy a new house in New Jersey
See the best places to live in & around Plainfield
Check out the 10 safest cities in New Jersey