C+
95%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
83%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
129%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWatchung/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime293n/a (estimate)4,5301,6202,324
Murder0n/a0.03.16.3
Rape0n/a0.016.840.0
Robbery0n/a0.047.666.1
Assault4n/a61.8135.4268.2
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)62203370
Burglary22n/a340.1148.0269.8
Theft253n/a3,911.61,109.11,401.9
Vehicle theft14n/a216.4159.6282.7
Property crime289n/a (estimate)4,4681,4171,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Watchung, NJ

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Watchung crime rate is 94.9% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Watchung, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 62 per 100,000 individuals, 83.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Watchung recorded 289 property crimes, amounting to 4468 per 100,000 residents, 128.6% higher than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 4530 per 100,000 residents, Watchung has a crime rate that is 94.91% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Watchung that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Watchung shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 62 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Watchung an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

Watchung 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.

Watchung reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4468 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to property crime in Watchung, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Watchung?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Watchung residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 80% of Watchung residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 20% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Watchung a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Watchung, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Watchung presents a total crime rate that is 95% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Watchung experiences an average of 0.8 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.79 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Watchung

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Watchung currently has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Watchung crime rates. Watchung registers a population density of 1004 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Watchung, 95.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Watchung crime map



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

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Watchung crime rates are 95% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Watchung are 83% lower than the national average
      • In Watchung you have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Watchung is safer than 38% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Watchung has increased by 1%

      Watchung, NJ Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Watchung (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Watchung, per 100,000 residents. In Watchung, the total number of daily crimes is 2.80 times more than the New Jersey average and 1.95 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Watchung are 3.28 times less than the New Jersey average and 5.98 times less than the national average. For property crime, Watchung has a daily crime rate that is 3.15 times more than the New Jersey average and 2.29 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Watchung (higher is better)

        Is Watchung 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 Watchung to other cities in the state and across the country, Watchung is 21% safer than other cities of New Jersey and 38% safer than other cities in the nation. Watchung has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Watchung

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Watchung is 1 in 1618
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Watchung is 1 in 23
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Watchung is 1 in 23
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Watchung? If you reside in Watchung, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 1618. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 23 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 Watchung, is 1 in 23.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Watchung, NJ is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Watchung has n/a, while the property crime rate in Watchung has decreased by 1% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Watchung has increased by 1% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Watchung police department

        Item Watchung New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3714,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents6.35.73.3
        There are a total of 37 Watchung police officers. This results in 6.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 11.7% greater than the New Jersey average and 94.3% greater 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
        Union Beach, NJ5,36235140174
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,58232222254
        Mendham, NJ4,8800302302
        Bernardsville, NJ7,6410347347
        Middlebush, NJ2,73745316361
        Florham Park, NJ11,71929387417
        New Providence, NJ13,3827421428
        Watchung, NJ6,040624,4684,530

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Laurence Harbor, NJ6,0411931,3441,536
        Theodore, AL6,0393891,6532,042
        Johnson Lane, NV6,043156820977
        Bensley, VA6,0442872,0802,367
        Mascotte, FL6,0314141,1291,543
        Watchung, NJ6,040624,4684,530
        Source: The Watchung, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.