A+
67%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
92%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
62%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePrinceton/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime235n/a (estimate)7631,6202,324
Murder0n/a0.03.16.3
Rape1n/a3.216.840.0
Robbery3n/a9.747.666.1
Assault5n/a16.2135.4268.2
Violent crime9n/a (estimate)29203370
Burglary23n/a74.7148.0269.8
Theft193n/a626.71,109.11,401.9
Vehicle theft10n/a32.5159.6282.7
Property crime226n/a (estimate)7341,4171,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Princeton, NJ

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Princeton is 67.2% 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 Princeton, there were 9 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 29 per 100,000 individuals, 92.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 226 property crimes, amounting to 734 per 100,000 residents, 62.5% lower than the U.S. average.

Boasting a crime rate of 763, well below the national average of 2324, Princeton emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Princeton to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.

Princeton shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 29 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Princeton an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

Princeton showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Princeton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Princeton? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 86% of Princeton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 14% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Princeton a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Princeton 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. Princeton has a total crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.64 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.62 daily property crimes) in Princeton.

Has Crime in Princeton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Princeton has increased by 0.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Princeton 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 decreased by 10%, while property crime has increased by 0.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Princeton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Princeton

In Princeton, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Princeton crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Princeton has a median home price of $872,400, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

In Princeton, the average rental rates are $1,704 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Princeton crime map



The Princeton crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Princeton as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Princeton crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Princeton crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Princeton, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Princeton crime rates are 67% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Princeton are 92% lower than the national average
      • In Princeton you have a 1 in 132 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Princeton is safer than 87% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Princeton has increased by 6%

      Princeton, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Princeton

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        Daily Crime In Princeton (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Princeton on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of New Jersey and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Princeton (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to New Jersey, are 2.12 times less than the state average and 3.05 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Princeton on a daily basis are 6.94 times less than than New Jersey average and 12.65 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Princeton are 1.93 times less than the daily state average and 2.66 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Princeton (higher is better)

        Is Princeton safe in comparison to other cities in the state of New Jersey as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Princeton to other cities in the state and across the country, Princeton is 74% safer than other cities of New Jersey and 87% safer than other cities in the nation. Princeton has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Princeton

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Princeton is 1 in 3422
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Princeton is 1 in 137
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Princeton is 1 in 132
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Princeton? If you reside in Princeton, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 3422. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 137 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Princeton, is 1 in 132.

        Year Over Year Crime In Princeton (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Princeton, New Jersey (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Princeton has decreased by 6%, the amount of property crime in Princeton has increased by 6%, and the total amount of crime in Princeton has increased by 6% year over year.

        Princeton police department

        Item Princeton New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3914,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.25.73.3
        There are a total of 39 Princeton police officers. This results in 3.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 43.4% less than the New Jersey average and 1.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Helmetta, NJ2,23204141
        Ten Mile Run, NJ1,80128199227
        Jamesburg, NJ5,87688140228
        Langhorne, PA1,61639208247
        Princeton Junction, NJ1,98932222254
        Pennington, NJ2,55332222254
        Cranbury, NJ2,21332222254
        Princeton, NJ31,16129734763

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Needham, MA31,17781518599
        Michigan City, IN31,1914213,6974,118
        Naugatuck, CT31,201801,1991,279
        Centereach, NY31,1004241,7022,126
        Sherwood, AR31,2257762,5673,343
        Princeton, NJ31,16129734763
        Source: The Princeton, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.