A+
49%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
79%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
43%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSomerville/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime151n/a (estimate)1,1831,6202,324
Murder0n/a0.03.16.3
Rape0n/a0.016.840.0
Robbery3n/a23.547.666.1
Assault7n/a54.9135.4268.2
Violent crime10n/a (estimate)78203370
Burglary13n/a101.9148.0269.8
Theft118n/a924.81,109.11,401.9
Vehicle theft10n/a78.4159.6282.7
Property crime141n/a (estimate)1,1051,4171,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Somerville, NJ

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Somerville crime rate is 49.1% 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 Somerville, there were 10 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 78 per 100,000 individuals, 78.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Somerville recorded 141 property crimes, amounting to 1105 per 100,000 residents, 43.5% lower than the U.S. average.

Somerville shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 78 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Somerville an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

During the most recently reported crime year, Somerville experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Somerville?

AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Somerville to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 86% of people answered that there was very little crime in Somerville and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 14% 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 Somerville a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Somerville 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, Somerville has an overall crime rate that is 49% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.41 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.39 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Somerville as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Somerville Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Somerville crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Somerville has increased by 38.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 400% and property crime has increased by 31.8%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Somerville

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Somerville, 88.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Somerville, the cost of living is 19.21% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Somerville, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.62 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.

Somerville crime map



The Somerville crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Somerville 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 Somerville crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Somerville 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.
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Compare Somerville, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Somerville crime rates are 49% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Somerville are 79% lower than the national average
      • In Somerville you have a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Somerville is safer than 74% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Somerville has increased by 31%

      Somerville, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Somerville

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        See all Somerville poll results

        Daily Crime In Somerville (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Somerville, NJ per 100,000 people. In Somerville, the total number of daily crimes is 1.37 times less than the New Jersey average and 1.96 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Somerville is 2.59 times less than the New Jersey average and 4.72 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Somerville has a daily crime rate that is 1.28 times less than the New Jersey average and 1.77 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Somerville (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Somerville in comparison to other New Jersey communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Somerville safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Somerville being safer than 50% of cities in New Jersey and 74% 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 Somerville. In conclusion, Somerville ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Somerville

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Somerville is 1 in 1276
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Somerville is 1 in 91
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Somerville is 1 in 85
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Somerville, New Jersey? If you reside in Somerville, then there is a 1 in 1276 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 91. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 85 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Somerville.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Somerville, NJ is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Somerville has increased by 359%, while the property crime rate in Somerville has increased by 25% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Somerville has increased by 31% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Somerville police department

        Item Somerville New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3214,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.65.73.3
        There are a total of 32 Somerville police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 53.6% less than the New Jersey average and 19.4% 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
        Califon, NJ1,184000
        Helmetta, NJ2,23204141
        Ten Mile Run, NJ1,80128199227
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,58232222254
        Mendham, NJ4,8800302302
        Bernardsville, NJ7,6410347347
        Hopewell, NJ1,85744306349
        Somerville, NJ12,139781,1051,183

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Fortuna, CA12,1353281,6832,011
        Baraboo, WI12,1332521,5681,819
        Cascades, VA12,13289646735
        Sylacauga, AL12,1326063,2773,884
        Lake Tapps, WA12,1292171,9392,156
        Somerville, NJ12,139781,1051,183
        Source: The Somerville, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.