| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Penns Grove/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 103 | n/a (estimate) | 2,114 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 41.1 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 41.1 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 61.6 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 431.0 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 575 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 472.1 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 39 | n/a | 800.5 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 266.8 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 75 | n/a (estimate) | 1,539 | 1,427 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Penns Grove is 0.2% 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 Penns Grove, there were 28 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 575 per 100,000 individuals, 60% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 75 property crimes, amounting to 1539 per 100,000 residents, 12.5% lower than the U.S. average.
In terms of the total Penns Grove crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Penns Grove, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Penns Grove stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Penns Grove, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 41 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Penns Grove exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1539 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Penns Grove maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Penns Grove. Based on the results of the surveys (13 responses), 46% of people felt that there was very little crime in Penns Grove and felt safe walking alone at night. While 54% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Penns Grove is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Penns Grove has an overall crime rate that is 0% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.28 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.21 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Penns Grove as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Penns Grove has decreased by 59.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Penns Grove, 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 47.2%, while property crime has decreased by 62.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Penns Grove is a safe place to live.
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. Penns Grove currently has an unemployment rate of 12.7%, 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.
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 Penns Grove, the cost of living is 2.1% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Penns Grove has an average rental rate of $1,579 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 | Penns Grove | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 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 |
| Rose Valley, PA | 1,190 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Greenville, DE | 2,501 | 57 | 274 | 331 |
| Lima, PA | 2,102 | 52 | 304 | 357 |
| Chester Heights, PA | 2,741 | 55 | 323 | 378 |
| St. Georges, DE | 1,084 | 72 | 348 | 420 |
| Greenwich, NJ | 2,805 | 69 | 454 | 524 |
| Alloway, NJ | 1,520 | 74 | 487 | 561 |
| Penns Grove, NJ | 4,920 | 575 | 1,539 | 2,114 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Berlin, MD | 4,920 | 73 | 900 | 974 |
| Evansdale, IA | 4,919 | 134 | 1,947 | 2,081 |
| Bigfork, MT | 4,918 | 110 | 420 | 530 |
| Nashville, GA | 4,917 | 424 | 2,344 | 2,768 |
| Harlan, IA | 4,917 | 156 | 833 | 989 |
| Penns Grove, NJ | 4,920 | 575 | 1,539 | 2,114 |