| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Metuchen/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 158 | n/a (estimate) | 1,034 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 13.1 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 6.5 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 26.2 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 46 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 104.7 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 125 | n/a | 818.1 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 10 | n/a | 65.4 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 151 | n/a (estimate) | 988 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Metuchen is 51.2% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Metuchen, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 46 per 100,000 individuals, 87.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 151 property crimes, amounting to 988 per 100,000 residents, 43.9% lower than the U.S. average.
Metuchen has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 46 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Metuchen ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Metuchen 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Metuchen residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 11 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 82% of Metuchen residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 18% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Metuchen a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Metuchen crime rate is 51% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.43 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.41 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Metuchen has decreased by 24.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Metuchen, 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 decreased by 30%, while property crime has decreased by 24.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Metuchen is a safe place to live.
Metuchen has a poverty rate of 3.3, 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.
In Metuchen, the cost of living is 44.26% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Metuchen, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.33, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Metuchen | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 32 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 | 9,033 | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| South River, NJ | 16,447 | 49 | 99 | 148 |
| Ten Mile Run, NJ | 1,864 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| New Providence, NJ | 13,898 | 44 | 255 | 299 |
| Six Mile Run, NJ | 3,566 | 42 | 272 | 313 |
| Weston, NJ | 2,014 | 43 | 283 | 326 |
| Plainsboro Center, NJ | 2,817 | 46 | 301 | 347 |
| Metuchen, NJ | 14,596 | 46 | 988 | 1,034 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Willowick, OH | 14,602 | 64 | 291 | 355 |
| Swansea, IL | 14,604 | 41 | 744 | 785 |
| Covington, GA | 14,585 | 648 | 3,818 | 4,465 |
| Viera West, FL | 14,609 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Gonzalez, FL | 14,583 | 216 | 1,148 | 1,364 |
| Metuchen, NJ | 14,596 | 46 | 988 | 1,034 |
Here are the best places to live in New Jersey
These are the 10 cheapest cities in New Jersey
Most Dangerous States In The US
Safest States In The US