Cape May County Crime & Safety

Cape May County, New Jersey

Safety Score

14/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2481.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

220.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2261.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

14/100

Higher = safer

State avg 40/100

State Safety Rank

#18

of 21 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Cape May County, New Jersey

Cape May Crime Near National Average

Cape May County reports a total crime rate of 2,481.8 per 100K, slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a safety score of 96.1, which is influenced by its status as a tourist destination.

Safety Impacted by Seasonal Shifts

The county's safety score of 96.1 is lower than the New Jersey state average of 97.6. Sixteen agencies report crime data that often reflects the influx of summer visitors to this coastal region.

Comparing Coastal Safety Scores

Cape May is safer than neighboring Atlantic County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2,837.4 per 100K. However, it experiences more reported crime than many inland New Jersey counties.

High Property Crime, Low Violent Crime

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,261.8 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 220.0. The violent crime rate is significantly better than the national benchmark of 369.8 per 100,000.

Protecting Seasonal and Year-Round Homes

With property crime as the main focus, residents should use smart locks and remote monitoring systems. Keeping homes well-lit during the off-season is a key strategy for deterring theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Cape May County, NJ?

Cape May County has a total crime rate of 2481.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (220.0 per 100K) and property crimes (2261.8 per 100K).

Is Cape May County, NJ safe?

Cape May County has a safety score of 14/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #18 out of 21 counties in New Jersey for safety (1 = safest).

How does Cape May County crime compare to the New Jersey average?

The county's safety score of 96.1 is lower than the New Jersey state average of 97.6. Sixteen agencies report crime data that often reflects the influx of summer visitors to this coastal region.

What types of crime are most common in Cape May County?

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,261.8 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 220.0. The violent crime rate is significantly better than the national benchmark of 369.8 per 100,000.

How is crime data measured and reported for Cape May County?

Crime data for Cape May 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.

What is being done about crime in Cape May County?

Cape May County has a safety score of 14/100, which is below the New Jersey average of 40/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.