Bergen County Crime & Safety

Bergen County, New Jersey

Safety Score

51/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1104.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

73.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1030.5

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

51/100

Higher = safer

State avg 40/100

State Safety Rank

of 21 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Bergen County, New Jersey

Bergen County Ranks Exceptionally Safe

Bergen County boasts a total crime rate of 1,104.1 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Its high safety score of 98.3 makes it one of the most secure counties in the country.

Leading the State in Public Safety

The county's safety score of 98.3 exceeds the New Jersey average of 97.6. Reporting from 74 separate agencies confirms that Bergen remains significantly safer than the typical New Jersey county.

Safer than Neighboring Urban Hubs

Bergen's crime rate is significantly lower than neighboring Essex County, which reports 1,823.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. This makes it a preferred haven for safety in the densely populated North Jersey corridor.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Rare

Violent crime in Bergen occurs at a very low rate of 73.6 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low, recorded at just 1,030.5 per 100,000 residents.

Maintain Safety with Proactive Measures

While rates are low, residents can maintain this standard by using smart home technology and alarm systems. Vigilance and community engagement remain the best tools to deter property-related offenses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Bergen County, NJ?

Bergen County has a total crime rate of 1104.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (73.6 per 100K) and property crimes (1030.5 per 100K).

Is Bergen County, NJ safe?

Bergen County has a safety score of 51/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #7 out of 21 counties in New Jersey for safety (1 = safest).

How does Bergen County crime compare to the New Jersey average?

The county's safety score of 98.3 exceeds the New Jersey average of 97.6. Reporting from 74 separate agencies confirms that Bergen remains significantly safer than the typical New Jersey county.

What types of crime are most common in Bergen County?

Violent crime in Bergen occurs at a very low rate of 73.6 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low, recorded at just 1,030.5 per 100,000 residents.

How is crime data measured and reported for Bergen County?

Crime data for Bergen County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Bergen County safer than the New Jersey average?

Bergen County has a safety score of 51/100, which is above the New Jersey average of 40/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.