Newark, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Newark, 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 Newark is 0.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 1582 violent crimes reported in Newark, equivalent to 520 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 40.6%. Additionally, Newark recorded 5539 property crimes, amounting to 1820 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 6.9%.

The Newark crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Newark, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Newark stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Newark, there were a total of 53 murders, translating to 17 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

In the most recent release, Newark reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Newark, there were 1820 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Newark faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 2133 vehicle thefts, translating to 701 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Newark in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 143.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Newark?

AreaVibes surveyed 174 local residents in Newark to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 22% of people answered that there was very little crime in Newark and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 78% 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 Newark a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Newark 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 Newark crime rate is 1% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 19.51 crimes per day - 4.33 violent crimes and 15.18 property crimes.

Has Crime in Newark Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Newark has increased by 24% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Newark 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 9.4%, while property crime has increased by 28.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Newark.

Newark Neighborhood Crime Rates

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: South Ironbound, North Ironbound and Forest Hill 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Newark

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Newark currently has an unemployment rate of 6.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Newark has a population density of 11676.7 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 Newark crime rates.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Newark stands at $254,900, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

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