| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Plainfield/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 504 | n/a (estimate) | 2,048 | 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 | 8 | n/a | 32.5 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 85.3 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 118 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 25 | n/a | 101.6 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 427 | n/a | 1,735.4 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 23 | n/a | 93.5 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 475 | n/a (estimate) | 1,931 | 1,427 | 1,760 |

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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | South Plainfield | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 65 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Matawan, NJ | 9,033 | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| South River, NJ | 16,447 | 49 | 99 | 148 |
| Ten Mile Run, NJ | 1,864 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Peapack and Gladstone, NJ | 2,646 | 34 | 224 | 258 |
| New Providence, NJ | 13,898 | 44 | 255 | 299 |
| Six Mile Run, NJ | 3,566 | 42 | 272 | 313 |
| Weston, NJ | 2,014 | 43 | 283 | 326 |
| South Plainfield, NJ | 24,668 | 118 | 1,931 | 2,048 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Lynnwood, WA | 24,656 | 244 | 1,843 | 2,086 |
| Rosemont, CA | 24,690 | 547 | 2,337 | 2,883 |
| Port St. John, FL | 24,638 | 238 | 1,268 | 1,507 |
| Sugar Hill, GA | 24,637 | 188 | 963 | 1,151 |
| Fort Dodge, IA | 24,700 | 1,061 | 3,196 | 4,257 |
| South Plainfield, NJ | 24,668 | 118 | 1,931 | 2,048 |