Trenton, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Trenton, NJ

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Trenton is 26.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 960 violent crimes reported in Trenton, equivalent to 1063 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 187.4%. Additionally, Trenton recorded 1690 property crimes, amounting to 1871 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 4.3%.

Trenton is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1063 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Trenton is 1 in 95.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Trenton stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Trenton, a total of 23 murders were reported, equating to 25 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

In the most recent release, Trenton reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Trenton, there were 1871 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Trenton?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Trenton. Based on the results of the surveys (119 responses), 22% of people felt that there was very little crime in Trenton and felt safe walking alone at night. While 78% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Trenton a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Trenton a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Trenton crime rate is 26% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 7.26 crimes per day - 2.63 violent crimes and 4.63 property crimes.

Has Crime in Trenton Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Trenton crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Trenton has decreased by 1.9% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 0.9% and property crime has decreased by 2.5%.

Trenton Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Trenton area comprises a diverse array of over 24 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Hiltonia, Glen Afton And Island and Mill Hill which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Central West, East Trenton and West End exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Trenton neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Trenton

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Trenton currently has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Trenton, the cost of living is 4.61% lower than the national average.

In Trenton, the median home price stands at $97,000, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Trenton crime map