Union County Crime & Safety

Union County, New Jersey

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1851.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

223.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1627.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

State avg 40/100

State Safety Rank

#14

of 21 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Union County, New Jersey

Union County remains safer than national average

Union County’s total crime rate of 1851.0 per 100K is roughly 22% lower than the national average of 2385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.1, reflecting its urban-suburban mix.

Balancing safety in a busy county

The county's total crime rate of 1851.0 is higher than the New Jersey average of 1525.9. Its safety score of 97.1 sits just below the statewide average of 97.6.

Higher density leads to higher rates than neighbors

Union faces higher crime rates than neighboring Somerset County, largely due to its greater population density and 26 active reporting agencies. However, it still maintains lower violent crime rates than many similar metropolitan areas.

Property crime is the primary concern

Property crime accounts for 1627.4 of the total rate, while violent crime sits at 223.6 per 100K. This suggests that residents should prioritize theft prevention and home monitoring.

Secure your home against property theft

With property crime making up the bulk of local reports, home security systems are a vital deterrent. Investing in visible cameras and secure locks can significantly reduce individual risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Union County, NJ?

Union County has a total crime rate of 1851.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (223.6 per 100K) and property crimes (1627.4 per 100K).

Is Union County, NJ safe?

Union County has a safety score of 25/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #14 out of 21 counties in New Jersey for safety (1 = safest).

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

The county's total crime rate of 1851.0 is higher than the New Jersey average of 1525.9. Its safety score of 97.1 sits just below the statewide average of 97.6.

What types of crime are most common in Union County?

Property crime accounts for 1627.4 of the total rate, while violent crime sits at 223.6 per 100K. This suggests that residents should prioritize theft prevention and home monitoring.

How is crime data measured and reported for Union County?

Crime data for Union 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 Union County?

Union County has a safety score of 25/100, 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.