| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ridgewood/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 169 | n/a (estimate) | 629 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 7.4 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 10 | n/a | 37.2 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 45 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 59.6 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 129 | n/a | 480.2 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 44.7 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 157 | n/a (estimate) | 584 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
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 Ridgewood crime rate is lower than the national average by 70.3%. Specifically, there were 12 violent crimes in Ridgewood, equivalent to 45 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 87.6%. Furthermore, Ridgewood recorded 157 property crimes, amounting to 584 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 66.8%.
With a crime rate of 629, significantly below the national average of 2119, Ridgewood stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Ridgewood distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 45 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Ridgewood among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Ridgewood recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Ridgewood has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 584 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Ridgewood remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes surveyed 6 local residents in Ridgewood to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 83% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ridgewood and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 17% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Ridgewood, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ridgewood presents a total crime rate that is 70% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ridgewood experiences an average of 0.46 daily crimes, comprising 0.03 violent incidents and 0.43 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Ridgewood has increased by 19.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Ridgewood, 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 increased by 50%, while property crime has increased by 18.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Ridgewood is a safe place to live.
Ridgewood has a population density of 4495.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Ridgewood crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Ridgewood, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.7 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Ridgewood, the average monthly rent stands at $3,106, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Ridgewood | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 43 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| 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 |
| Ridgewood, NJ | 25,810 | 45 | 584 | 629 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cave Spring, VA | 25,814 | 228 | 1,645 | 1,873 |
| Clinton, IA | 25,804 | 360 | 2,726 | 3,086 |
| Belvidere, IL | 25,831 | 150 | 439 | 589 |
| De Pere, WI | 25,789 | 75 | 569 | 644 |
| Edwardsville, IL | 25,839 | 30 | 683 | 713 |
| Ridgewood, NJ | 25,810 | 45 | 584 | 629 |
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