This City Is The “Most Dangerous City” In New Jersey State, With The Highest Crime Rate

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the most dangerous city in New Jersey with the highest crime rate is Camden. In 2022, Camden had a violent crime rate of 10.6 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 9,220 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the state average of 5.5 violent crimes per 1,000 people and 3,570 property crimes per 100,000 people.

There are a number of factors that contribute to Camden’s high crime rate, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to resources. The city has also been plagued by gang violence and drug trafficking.

In recent years, Camden has made some progress in reducing crime. However, it remains one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey.

The top 10 most dangerous cities in New Jersey

Camden is not an isolated case. Several cities in New Jersey grapple with high crime rates, making it essential to examine the broader context of crime in the state. To better understand the challenges these communities face, we can look at the top 10 most dangerous cities in New Jersey, according to the FBI’s UCR Program. Here’s a quick overview of the cities that made the list:

1. Camden
2. Newark
3. Paterson
4. Atlantic City
5. Irvington
6. Long Branch
7. Salem
8. Asbury Park
9. Penns Grove
10. Wildwood

1. Newark

Newark, New Jersey’s largest city, is another area plagued by high crime rates. In 2022, Newark had a violent crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 5,733 per 100,000 people. As in Camden, poverty, unemployment, and issues related to gang violence and drug trafficking have contributed to these statistics.

2. Paterson

Paterson, the state’s third most dangerous city, recorded a violent crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 5,318 per 100,000 people. High rates of poverty and unemployment, alongside a large immigrant population, are among the factors that have contributed to the city’s crime issues.

3. Atlantic City

Despite being a popular tourist destination, Atlantic City has a violent crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 5,209 per 100,000 people. The city’s crime challenges are associated with its large tourist population, a high poverty rate, and a history of gang violence.

4. Irvington

Irvington, with a violent crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,875 per 100,000 people, is another city grappling with crime issues. Similar to other cities on this list, high poverty and unemployment rates are key contributing factors.

5. Long Branch

Long Branch, a popular beach resort town, had a violent crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,763 per 100,000 people. Tourists flock to Long Branch for its picturesque shoreline, but its crime rate is also influenced by poverty and gang violence.

6. Salem

Salem, a small city, recorded a violent crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,651 per 100,000 people. High poverty and drug trafficking are significant concerns in Salem.

7. Asbury Park

Asbury Park, another beach resort town, reported a violent crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,539 per 100,000 people. Much like Long Branch, Asbury Park contends with tourism-related crime and high levels of poverty.

8. Penns Grove

Penns Grove, a small town, had a violent crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,427 per 100,000 people. Poverty and drug trafficking are prominent issues in this community.

9. Wildwood

Wildwood, also a popular beach resort town, had a violent crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,352 per 100,000 people. As in other beach towns, tourism and poverty are factors influencing its crime rate.

Challenges Ahead

These statistics underscore the complex nature of crime in New Jersey. While Camden holds the title of the “most dangerous city,” several others are not far behind. Addressing these challenges will require multifaceted solutions, including economic development, social support systems, and strategies to combat gang violence and drug trafficking.

Efforts are underway in many of these cities to improve safety and foster stronger communities, but there is no quick fix. To truly make a difference, stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels must work together to create lasting change in these communities, ensuring that all residents can enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.