Crime Rates and Statistics in Newark, NJ

Newark is one of the Northeast’s most prominent cities, known for its deep industrial roots, vibrant cultural scene, historic neighborhoods, and a growing metro area just outside of New York City.

For people comparing neighborhoods, buying a home, or planning a move, crime data is often part of the decision-making process. It also helps explain why many residents look into home security in Newark when thinking about how to protect their homes, vehicles, and families. Recent source data shows Newark’s crime rates remain above national averages, although several major categories have improved year over year.

With a total crime index of 11 — with 100 being the safest — Newark is safer than just 11% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which includes information from multiple sources. With some 317,000 residents, here’s how this city looks crime-wise compared to some other U.S. municipalities of its size.

Violent Crime in Newark

The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Newark is one in 173. Of the 8,116 crimes reported in Newark over the most recent 12-month period, 1,833 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.

By comparison, Jersey City, New Jersey, has similar issues. Jersey City has about 302,000 residents and a TCI of 11. If you’re there, there’s a one in 181 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of the 7,718 crimes reported, 1,673 were violent.

Then there is St. Paul, Minnesota, with more than 307,000 residents and a total crime index of five. The chances of being victimized by violent crime are one in 164. Of 10,510 crimes reported over 12 months, 1,878 were in the violent category.

But in Santa Ana, California, a city with a population of nearly 316,000 and a TCI of 14, 1,531 of its 6,826 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 207 chance of victimization.

Property Crime in Newark

Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Newark, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 51 — for a rate of 19.80 per 1,000 residents. There were 8,116 crimes logged over 12 months, 6,283 of which were property crimes.

Compare Newark’s data with that of Jersey City, where you have a one in 50 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 19.96 per 1,000 residents. Princeton reported 6,045 property crimes over 12 months — 613 of them burglaries.

As for St. Paul’s property crime picture, you have a one in 36 chance of victimization. Of all the 10,510 crimes in St. Paul, 8,632 were in the property category.

In Santa Ana, meanwhile, there’s a one in 60 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 16.75 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 6,826 crimes, 5,295 were property crimes.

Newark’s Police Department 

The Newark Police Department is part of the city’s Department of Public Safety. The department is made up of the fire, police, the office of emergency management, and homeland security. Newark’s police department boasts of 1,000 sworn officers by responding to 520,000 calls annually.

How to Stay Safe

Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Newark area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.

With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.

In Summary 

Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of violent crimes, in particular, are higher in Newark. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock.