Toms River, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Toms River, NJ

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Toms River is 51.4% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Toms River, there were 82 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 83 per 100,000 individuals, 77.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1038 property crimes, amounting to 1046 per 100,000 residents, 46.5% lower than the U.S. average.

Toms River distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 83 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Toms River among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Toms River?

What do the local residents think about crime in Toms River? Well, based on a recent survey of 23 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 70% of Toms River residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 30% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Toms River a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Toms River, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Toms River presents a total crime rate that is 51% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Toms River experiences an average of 3.07 daily crimes, comprising 0.22 violent incidents and 2.84 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Toms River Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Toms River has increased by 3.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Toms River, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 3.5%, while property crime has increased by 4.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Toms River is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Toms River

Toms River has a poverty rate that stands at 7.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Toms River crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Toms River, the cost of living is 19.25% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Toms River is $292,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Toms River crime map