A+
64%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
86%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
59%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePrinceton/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime236n/a (estimate)7651,6452,119
Murder0n/a0.02.35.0
Rape0n/a0.017.337.5
Robbery5n/a16.249.360.6
Assault10n/a32.4148.8256.1
Violent crime15n/a (estimate)49218359
Burglary24n/a77.8145.3229.2
Theft195n/a632.31,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a6.5162.6258.8
Property crime221n/a (estimate)7171,4271,760

Princeton crime map

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The Princeton crime map by CrimeoMeter 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Princeton, NJ

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Princeton crime rate is lower than the national average by 63.9%. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes in Princeton, equivalent to 49 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 86.5%. Furthermore, Princeton recorded 221 property crimes, amounting to 717 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 59.3%.

Princeton has a crime rate of 765, which is considerably less than the national average of 2119. This results in Princeton being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

Princeton distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 49 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Princeton among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place 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?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Princeton. Based on the results of the surveys (9 responses), 89% of people felt that there was very little crime in Princeton and felt safe walking alone at night. While 11% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Princeton a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Princeton, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Princeton presents a total crime rate that is 64% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Princeton experiences an average of 0.65 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.61 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Princeton Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Princeton. 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 Princeton has increased by 0.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 50%, while property crime has increased by 1.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Princeton.

Potential Causes for Crime in Princeton

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 Princeton, the cost of living is 89.01% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Princeton, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.2 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.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Princeton, the average rental rates are $2,555 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Princeton, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Princeton crime rates are 64% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Princeton are 86% lower than the national average
      • In Princeton you have a 1 in 131 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Princeton is safer than 79% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Princeton has decreased by 7%

      Princeton, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Princeton

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Princeton?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Princeton?
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        See all Princeton poll results

        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 2.15 times less than the state average and 2.77 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Princeton on a daily basis are 4.48 times less than than New Jersey average and 7.38 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Princeton are 1.99 times less than the daily state average and 2.46 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 63% safer than other cities of New Jersey and 79% 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 2056
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Princeton is 1 in 140
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Princeton is 1 in 131
        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 2056. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 140 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 131.

        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 13%, the amount of property crime in Princeton has decreased by 7%, and the total amount of crime in Princeton has decreased by 7% 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
        Hulmeville, PA1,024000
        Langhorne Manor, PA1,542000
        Ten Mile Run, NJ1,86431200231
        Princeton Junction, NJ2,05231200231
        Langhorne, PA1,66135201236
        Cranbury, NJ2,28134224258
        Hopewell, NJ1,89639253292
        Princeton, NJ32,04549717765

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        San Pablo, CA32,0246262,5093,135
        Michigan City, IN32,0682922,1152,406
        Rochester, NH31,988771,1441,221
        Aiken, SC32,1105693,9584,527
        Hopkinsville, KY31,9744462,5052,952
        Princeton, NJ32,04549717765
        Source: The Princeton, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.