Essex County Crime & Safety

Essex County, New Jersey

Safety Score

26/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1823.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

296.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1527.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

26/100

Higher = safer

State avg 40/100

State Safety Rank

#13

of 21 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Essex County, New Jersey

Essex Stays Below National Crime Average

Essex County reports a total crime rate of 1,823.7 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a respectable safety score of 97.1 for this diverse region.

Safety Profile in the State Context

The county's safety score of 97.1 is just below the New Jersey average of 97.6. Data from 29 agencies shows that while Essex is safer than the national average, it remains more active than the state average.

Essex vs. Northern Neighbors

Essex County's crime rate of 1,823.7 per 100K is higher than neighboring Bergen County (1,104.1). This reflects the urban nature of many municipalities within Essex compared to more suburban neighbors.

Violent Crime Below National Norms

Violent crime in Essex is reported at 296.7 per 100K, staying below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,527.0 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Security Systems Deter Local Property Crime

Residents can improve their safety by installing visible security cameras and alarm systems. Proactive community policing and neighborhood engagement continue to help manage property crime risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Essex County, NJ?

Essex County has a total crime rate of 1823.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (296.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1527.0 per 100K).

Is Essex County, NJ safe?

Essex County has a safety score of 26/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #13 out of 21 counties in New Jersey for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Essex County?

Violent crime in Essex is reported at 296.7 per 100K, staying below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,527.0 incidents per 100,000 residents.

How is crime data measured and reported for Essex County?

Crime data for Essex 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 Essex County?

Essex County has a safety score of 26/100, 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.