B-
15%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
54%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
29%
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 peopleClifton/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime2,185n/a (estimate)2,4311,6452,119
Murder1n/a1.12.35.0
Rape9n/a10.017.337.5
Robbery40n/a44.549.360.6
Assault99n/a110.2148.8256.1
Violent crime149n/a (estimate)166218359
Burglary275n/a306.0145.3229.2
Theft1,553n/a1,728.11,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft208n/a231.4162.6258.8
Property crime2,036n/a (estimate)2,2651,4271,760

Clifton crime map

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

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Clifton crime rate is 14.7% higher 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 Clifton, there were 149 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 166 per 100,000 individuals, 53.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Clifton recorded 2036 property crimes, amounting to 2265 per 100,000 residents, 28.7% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Clifton per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Clifton crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Clifton?

AreaVibes surveyed 30 local residents in Clifton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 70% of people answered that there was very little crime in Clifton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 30% 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 Clifton a Safe Place to Live?

Is Clifton a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Clifton has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 15%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 5.99 daily incidents, encompassing 0.41 violent crimes and 5.58 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Clifton as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Clifton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Clifton has increased by 54.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Clifton 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 81.7%, while property crime has increased by 52.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Clifton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Clifton

Clifton has a poverty rate of 8.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Clifton has a population density of 7748.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Clifton crime rates.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Clifton, the cost of living is 27.71% higher than the national average.

Compare Clifton, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Clifton crime rates are 15% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Clifton are 54% lower than the national average
      • In Clifton you have a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Clifton is safer than 38% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Clifton has increased by 27%

      Clifton, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Clifton

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        Daily Crime In Clifton (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Clifton on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of New Jersey and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Clifton (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to New Jersey, are 1.48 times more than the state average and 1.15 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Clifton on a daily basis are 1.31 times less than than New Jersey average and 2.17 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Clifton are 1.59 times more than the daily state average and 1.29 times more than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Clifton (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Clifton in comparison to other New Jersey communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Clifton safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Clifton being safer than 21% of cities in New Jersey and 38% 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 Clifton. In conclusion, Clifton ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Clifton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Clifton is 1 in 604
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Clifton is 1 in 45
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Clifton is 1 in 42
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Clifton, New Jersey? If you reside in Clifton, then there is a 1 in 604 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 45. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 42 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Clifton.

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

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Clifton is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Clifton has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 32% in Clifton, while property crimes in Clifton have increased by 35%. Total crime has increased by 27% year over year.

        Clifton police department

        Item Clifton New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)17314,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.05.73.3
        There are a total of 173 Clifton police officers. This results in 2.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 63.9% less than the New Jersey average and 37.2% 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
        Emerson, NJ7,90909595
        Allendale, NJ6,9430116116
        Harrington Park, NJ4,8820212212
        Oradell, NJ8,38948168215
        Wanaque, NJ12,17436187223
        Old Tappan, NJ6,11448191239
        Hillsdale, NJ10,6050263263
        Clifton, NJ87,3311662,2652,431

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Hemet, CA87,2794251,6342,059
        Bloomington, MN87,2343123,4643,776
        Troy, MI87,1971161,2771,392
        Redwood City, CA87,0934721,6202,092
        Johns Creek, GA87,09036537572
        Clifton, NJ87,3311662,2652,431
        Source: The Clifton, 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.