| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Plainfield/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,131 | n/a (estimate) | 2,021 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 14.3 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 58 | n/a | 103.6 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 164 | n/a | 293.0 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 230 | n/a (estimate) | 411 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 76 | n/a | 135.8 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 753 | n/a | 1,345.2 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 72 | n/a | 128.6 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 901 | n/a (estimate) | 1,610 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
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 Plainfield is 4.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 230 violent crimes reported in Plainfield, equivalent to 411 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 14.4%. Additionally, Plainfield recorded 901 property crimes, amounting to 1610 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 8.6%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Plainfield per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Plainfield, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Plainfield has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 411 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In the most recently reported crime year, Plainfield registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
In the most recent release, Plainfield reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Plainfield, there were 1610 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 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.
What do the local residents think about crime in Plainfield? Well, based on a recent survey of 22 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Plainfield residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Plainfield 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 Plainfield crime rate is 5% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.1 crimes per day - 0.63 violent crimes and 2.47 property crimes.
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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield has increased by 17.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 0.9% and property crime has increased by 22.9%.
In Plainfield, 70.3% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Plainfield, the median home price stands at $491,914, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Plainfield are $1,893, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Plainfield | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 165 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 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 |
| Matawan, NJ | 9,033 | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| South River, NJ | 16,447 | 49 | 99 | 148 |
| Ten Mile Run, NJ | 1,864 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Peapack and Gladstone, NJ | 2,646 | 34 | 224 | 258 |
| New Providence, NJ | 13,898 | 44 | 255 | 299 |
| Six Mile Run, NJ | 3,566 | 42 | 272 | 313 |
| Weston, NJ | 2,014 | 43 | 283 | 326 |
| Plainfield, NJ | 51,295 | 411 | 1,610 | 2,021 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Enid, OK | 51,301 | 538 | 2,384 | 2,922 |
| Poway, CA | 51,311 | 134 | 584 | 717 |
| Lakewood, OH | 51,262 | 142 | 1,141 | 1,283 |
| East Hartford, CT | 51,352 | 89 | 1,670 | 1,759 |
| North Bethesda, MD | 51,238 | 181 | 886 | 1,067 |
| Plainfield, NJ | 51,295 | 411 | 1,610 | 2,021 |
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