| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Newark/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 7,862 | n/a (estimate) | 2,539 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 39 | n/a | 12.6 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 126 | n/a | 40.7 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 442 | n/a | 142.7 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,193 | n/a | 385.2 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,800 | n/a (estimate) | 581 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 472 | n/a | 152.4 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,884 | n/a | 931.2 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2,706 | n/a | 873.7 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 6,062 | n/a (estimate) | 1,957 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Newark crime rate is 19.8% 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 Newark, there were 1800 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 581 per 100,000 individuals, 61.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, Newark recorded 6062 property crimes, amounting to 1957 per 100,000 residents, 11.2% higher than the U.S. average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Newark is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 39 murders in Newark, which equates to 13 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Newark being a very dangerous place to live.
Newark maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Newark, 1957 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Newark is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Newark reported a total of 2706 vehicle thefts, resulting in 874 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 115, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Newark? Well, based on a recent survey of 178 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 22% of Newark residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 78% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Newark is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Newark has a total crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 21.54 daily crimes (4.93 violent daily crimes and 16.61 daily property crimes) in Newark.
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 Newark 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 Newark has increased by 36.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 24.5% and property crime has increased by 41%.
The Newark area comprises a diverse array of over 20 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Weequahic, Upper Vailsburg and South Ironbound which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Springfield-Belmont, Dayton-Weequahic Park and South Broad Street exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Newark neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Newark, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Newark, the cost of living is 13.69% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Newark has an average rental rate of $1,678 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Newark | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,322 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.7 | 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 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | 28,186 | 48 | 232 | 280 |
| New Providence, NJ | 13,898 | 44 | 255 | 299 |
| Mountainside, NJ | 7,074 | 14 | 340 | 354 |
| Caldwell, NJ | 8,222 | 67 | 323 | 390 |
| Madison, NJ | 17,048 | 12 | 409 | 421 |
| Mountain Lakes, NJ | 4,398 | 57 | 371 | 427 |
| Tenafly, NJ | 15,029 | 6 | 466 | 472 |
| Newark, NJ | 290,764 | 581 | 1,957 | 2,539 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lincoln, NE | 293,945 | 348 | 2,446 | 2,794 |
| Orlando, FL | 294,679 | 215 | 1,144 | 1,359 |
| Durham, NC | 285,434 | 619 | 3,800 | 4,419 |
| Plano, TX | 297,929 | 152 | 1,466 | 1,618 |
| Toledo, OH | 281,644 | 1,041 | 2,732 | 3,773 |
| Newark, NJ | 290,764 | 581 | 1,957 | 2,539 |
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