| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Passaic/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,788 | n/a (estimate) | 2,557 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.4 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 17.2 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 111 | n/a | 158.7 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 379 | n/a | 541.9 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 503 | n/a (estimate) | 719 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 114 | n/a | 163.0 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 988 | n/a | 1,412.7 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 183 | n/a | 261.7 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,285 | n/a (estimate) | 1,837 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Passaic is 20.6% higher 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 Passaic, there were 503 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 719 per 100,000 individuals, 100.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1285 property crimes, amounting to 1837 per 100,000 residents, 4.4% higher than the U.S. average.
With a violent crime rate of 719 crimes per 100,000 residents, Passaic is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Passaic ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 140 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Passaic maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Passaic, 1837 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Passaic? Well, based on a recent survey of 28 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 32% of Passaic residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 68% 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 Passaic 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. Passaic has a total crime rate that is 21% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 4.9 daily crimes (1.38 violent daily crimes and 3.52 daily property crimes) in Passaic.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Passaic. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Passaic has increased by 36.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 80.3%, while property crimes have increased by 25%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Passaic has a poverty rate of 27.1, 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.
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. Passaic, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Passaic, the average monthly rent stands at $1,782, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Passaic | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 176 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Emerson, NJ | 7,909 | 0 | 95 | 95 |
| Allendale, NJ | 6,943 | 0 | 116 | 116 |
| Harrington Park, NJ | 4,882 | 0 | 212 | 212 |
| Oradell, NJ | 8,389 | 48 | 168 | 215 |
| Wanaque, NJ | 12,174 | 36 | 187 | 223 |
| Old Tappan, NJ | 6,114 | 48 | 191 | 239 |
| Hillsdale, NJ | 10,605 | 0 | 263 | 263 |
| Passaic, NJ | 72,139 | 719 | 1,837 | 2,557 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Walnut Creek, CA | 72,134 | 280 | 2,898 | 3,178 |
| North Richland Hills, TX | 72,121 | 223 | 2,232 | 2,455 |
| St. Charles, MO | 72,409 | 134 | 887 | 1,022 |
| Marysville, WA | 71,855 | 234 | 1,953 | 2,187 |
| Wilmington, DE | 72,823 | 1,127 | 3,159 | 4,286 |
| Passaic, NJ | 72,139 | 719 | 1,837 | 2,557 |
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