A+
61%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
80%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
58%
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 peopleSomerville/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime124n/a (estimate)8201,6452,119
Murder1n/a6.62.35.0
Rape4n/a26.517.337.5
Robbery2n/a13.249.360.6
Assault4n/a26.5148.8256.1
Violent crime11n/a (estimate)73218359
Burglary29n/a191.8145.3229.2
Theft79n/a522.41,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft5n/a33.1162.6258.8
Property crime113n/a (estimate)7471,4271,760

Somerville crime map

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The Somerville crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Somerville 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 Somerville crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Somerville 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 Somerville, NJ

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 Somerville is 61.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 11 violent crimes reported in Somerville, equivalent to 73 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 79.7%. Additionally, Somerville recorded 113 property crimes, amounting to 747 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 57.5%.

Somerville shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 73 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Somerville an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Somerville?

AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Somerville to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 86% of people answered that there was very little crime in Somerville and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 14% 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.

Is Somerville a Safe Place to Live?

Is Somerville a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Somerville has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 61%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.34 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.31 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Somerville as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Somerville Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Somerville has increased by 13.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Somerville 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 increased by 450%, while property crime has increased by 5.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Somerville.

Potential Causes for Crime in Somerville

Somerville has a population density of 5328.3 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 Somerville crime rates.

In Somerville, 88.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.

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 Somerville are $2,163, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.

Compare Somerville, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Somerville crime rates are 61% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Somerville are 80% lower than the national average
      • In Somerville you have a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Somerville is safer than 74% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Somerville has decreased by 46%

      Somerville, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Somerville

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Somerville?
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        Daily Crime In Somerville (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Somerville, NJ per 100,000 people. In Somerville, the total number of daily crimes is 2.01 times less than the New Jersey average and 2.58 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Somerville is 2.99 times less than the New Jersey average and 4.94 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Somerville has a daily crime rate that is 1.91 times less than the New Jersey average and 2.36 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Somerville (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Somerville in comparison to other New Jersey communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Somerville safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Somerville being safer than 56% of cities in New Jersey and 74% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking New Jersey cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Somerville. In conclusion, Somerville ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Somerville

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Somerville is 1 in 1375
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Somerville is 1 in 134
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Somerville is 1 in 122
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Somerville, New Jersey? If you reside in Somerville, then there is a 1 in 1375 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 134. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 122 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Somerville.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Somerville, NJ is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Somerville has decreased by 62%, while the property crime rate in Somerville has decreased by 44% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Somerville has decreased by 46% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Somerville police department

        Item Somerville New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3214,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.65.73.3
        There are a total of 32 Somerville police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 53.6% less than the New Jersey average and 19.4% 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
        South River, NJ16,4474999148
        Ten Mile Run, NJ1,86431200231
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,64634224258
        Hopewell, NJ1,89639253292
        New Providence, NJ13,89844255299
        Six Mile Run, NJ3,56642272313
        Weston, NJ2,01443283326
        Somerville, NJ12,45873747820

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kingsburg, CA12,4581661,3321,498
        Coldwater, MI12,4632391,3431,581
        North Merrick, NY12,464145655800
        Cheval, FL12,452102541643
        Durham, NH12,46441224265
        Somerville, NJ12,45873747820
        Source: The Somerville, 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.