B+
3%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
67%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
10%
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 peopleSouth Plainfield/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime504n/a (estimate)2,0481,6452,119
Murder0n/a0.02.35.0
Rape0n/a0.017.337.5
Robbery8n/a32.549.360.6
Assault21n/a85.3148.8256.1
Violent crime29n/a (estimate)118218359
Burglary25n/a101.6145.3229.2
Theft427n/a1,735.41,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft23n/a93.5162.6258.8
Property crime475n/a (estimate)1,9311,4271,760

South Plainfield crime map

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

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Plainfield is 3.3% 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 South Plainfield, there were 29 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 118 per 100,000 individuals, 67.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 475 property crimes, amounting to 1931 per 100,000 residents, 9.7% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in South 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 South Plainfield, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

South Plainfield distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 118 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes South Plainfield among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, South Plainfield reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

South Plainfield exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1931 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that South Plainfield maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in South Plainfield?

What do the local residents think about crime in South Plainfield? Well, based on a recent survey of 8 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 88% of South Plainfield residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 13% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is South Plainfield a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in South Plainfield, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. South Plainfield presents a total crime rate that is 3% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, South Plainfield experiences an average of 1.38 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 1.3 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 South Plainfield Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in South Plainfield. 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 South Plainfield has increased by 59.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 3.6%, while property crime has increased by 64.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in South Plainfield.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Plainfield

South Plainfield has a poverty rate that stands at 3.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in South Plainfield crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

In South Plainfield, 86.2% 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.

In South Plainfield, the average rental rates are $2,555 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.

Compare South Plainfield, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • South Plainfield crime rates are 3% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in South Plainfield are 67% lower than the national average
      • In South Plainfield you have a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • South Plainfield is safer than 47% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in South Plainfield has increased by 8%

      South Plainfield, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around South Plainfield

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        Daily Crime In South Plainfield (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in South Plainfield, per 100,000 residents. In South Plainfield, the total number of daily crimes is 1.25 times more than the New Jersey average and 1.03 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in South Plainfield are 1.85 times less than the New Jersey average and 3.05 times less than the national average. For property crime, South Plainfield has a daily crime rate that is 1.35 times more than the New Jersey average and 1.10 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is South Plainfield (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in New Jersey and all other cities across the US, is South Plainfield safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that South Plainfield is safer than 29% of other cities in the state of New Jersey. In addition, South Plainfield is safer than 47% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all New Jersey and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than South Plainfield. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that South Plainfield is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in South Plainfield

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in South Plainfield is 1 in 849
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in South Plainfield is 1 in 52
        The chance of being a victim of crime in South Plainfield is 1 in 49
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in South Plainfield, New Jersey? If you reside in South Plainfield, then there is a 1 in 849 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 52. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 49 risk that you will become a victim of crime in South Plainfield.

        Year Over Year Crime In South Plainfield (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in South Plainfield, NJ is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in South Plainfield has decreased by 27%, while the property crime rate in South Plainfield has increased by 11% year over year. Summing up the numbers, South Plainfield has increased by 8% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        South Plainfield police department

        Item South Plainfield New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)6514,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.85.73.3
        There are a total of 65 South Plainfield police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 51.3% less than the New Jersey average and 15.4% 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
        Matawan, NJ9,03302020
        South River, NJ16,4474999148
        Ten Mile Run, NJ1,86431200231
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,64634224258
        New Providence, NJ13,89844255299
        Six Mile Run, NJ3,56642272313
        Weston, NJ2,01443283326
        South Plainfield, NJ24,6681181,9312,048

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        North Lynnwood, WA24,6562441,8432,086
        Rosemont, CA24,6905472,3372,883
        Port St. John, FL24,6382381,2681,507
        Sugar Hill, GA24,6371889631,151
        Fort Dodge, IA24,7001,0613,1964,257
        South Plainfield, NJ24,6681181,9312,048
        Source: The South Plainfield, 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.