| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Paterson/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,291 | n/a (estimate) | 3,330 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 10 | n/a | 6.3 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 59 | n/a | 37.1 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 393 | n/a | 247.3 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,093 | n/a | 687.8 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,555 | n/a (estimate) | 979 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 572 | n/a | 360.0 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,353 | n/a | 1,480.8 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 811 | n/a | 510.4 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,736 | n/a (estimate) | 2,351 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
The Paterson crime rates are 57.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1555 violent crimes in Paterson (979 per 100,000 people), which is 172.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 3736 property crimes (2351 per 100,000 residents) which is 33.6% higher than average.
Paterson ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 979 per 100,000 people, Paterson is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Paterson, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
With a total of 811 vehicle thefts last year, Paterson has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 510 per 100,000 people. This lands Paterson in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 196.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Paterson residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 134 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 16% of Paterson 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, 84% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Paterson, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Paterson presents a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Paterson experiences an average of 14.5 daily crimes, comprising 4.26 violent incidents and 10.24 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Paterson. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Paterson has increased by 47.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 8.5%, while property crime has increased by 73%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Paterson.
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. Paterson currently has an unemployment rate of 5.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Paterson, the cost of living is 14.68% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Paterson, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.08 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Paterson | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 453 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Ringwood, NJ | 12,642 | 34 | 181 | 215 |
| Oradell, NJ | 8,389 | 48 | 168 | 215 |
| Wanaque, NJ | 12,174 | 36 | 187 | 223 |
| Old Tappan, NJ | 6,114 | 48 | 191 | 239 |
| Paterson, NJ | 149,118 | 979 | 2,351 | 3,330 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Savannah, GA | 148,994 | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| Bridgeport, CT | 149,398 | 393 | 1,469 | 1,862 |
| Torrance, CA | 150,066 | 311 | 2,776 | 3,087 |
| Mesquite, TX | 148,020 | 501 | 2,976 | 3,478 |
| Thornton, CO | 147,633 | 274 | 2,836 | 3,109 |
| Paterson, NJ | 149,118 | 979 | 2,351 | 3,330 |
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