A+
73%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
100%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
67%
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 peopleChester/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime10n/a (estimate)5821,6452,119
Murder0n/a0.02.35.0
Rape0n/a0.017.337.5
Robbery0n/a0.049.360.6
Assault0n/a0.0148.8256.1
Violent crime0n/a (estimate)0218359
Burglary1n/a58.2145.3229.2
Theft9n/a523.91,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0162.6258.8
Property crime10n/a (estimate)5821,4271,760

Chester crime map

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The Chester crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chester 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 Chester crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chester 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Chester, NJ

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Chester is 72.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 0 violent crimes reported in Chester, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 100%. Additionally, Chester recorded 10 property crimes, amounting to 582 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 66.9%.

Chester enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 582, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Chester as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

Chester reported zero instances of violent crime in the latest crime report, underscoring its exceptional safety profile in this regard. Violent crimes serve as a crucial gauge of a city's overall safety, and the absence of such incidents in Chester signifies it as a remarkably secure urban environment concerning violent crime.

During the most recently reported crime year, Chester 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.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Chester has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 582 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Chester remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Chester stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Chester?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Chester residents. Out of the respondents (7 in total), 100% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Chester were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 0% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Chester a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Chester, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Chester presents a total crime rate that is 73% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Chester experiences an average of 0.03 daily crimes, comprising 0 violent incidents and 0.03 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chester

Chester reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. 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 Chester crime rates.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Chester crime rates. Chester registers a population density of 976 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Chester is $907,463, compared to a national average of $326,622.

Compare Chester, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chester crime rates are 73% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chester are 100% lower than the national average
      • In Chester you have a 1 in 172 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chester is safer than 89% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chester has decreased by 55%

      Chester, NJ Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Chester (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Chester (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chester

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chester is 0
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chester is 1 in 172
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chester is 1 in 172

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

        Chester police department

        Item Chester New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)914,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents5.45.73.3
        There are a total of 9 Chester police officers. This results in 5.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 4.5% less than the New Jersey average and 66% greater 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
        Stanhope, NJ3,41883111195
        Hopatcong, NJ14,71175177251
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,64634224258
        New Providence, NJ13,89844255299
        Rockaway, NJ6,53815326341
        Clinton, NJ2,8020359359
        Chester, NJ1,5540582582

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wood River, NE1,55497717814
        Avonia, PA1,55583485569
        Ballard, UT1,55399608707
        Kirkland, IL1,555116686801
        Gorman, TX1,5552131,1181,332
        Chester, NJ1,5540582582
        Source: The Chester, 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.