Chatham, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Chatham, NJ

Is Chatham, NJ safe?

Chatham earns an A+ overall crime grade — the highest rating available — making it one of the safest communities in New Jersey. To put that in perspective, an A+ grade places Chatham in roughly the top 5% of U.S. cities by safety. The town's 1.8% poverty rate and 1.9% unemployment rate are both far below national averages, and research consistently shows these socioeconomic indicators are among the strongest predictors of low crime. Residents in neighborhoods near Chatham Center and the areas surrounding Chatham High School report a calm, secure day-to-day experience. Standard precautions — locking vehicles, securing doors — remain wise habits, but the data firmly supports Chatham's reputation as an exceptionally safe place to live.

What is the crime rate in Chatham, NJ?

Chatham's crime profile reflects its A+ safety grade, meaning both violent and property crime rates sit well below state and national benchmarks. The town's median household income of $202,000 — more than three times the U.S. median — and a population density of just 434 residents per square mile contribute to an environment where crime has little foothold. With only 10,216 residents and a tightly knit community structure, incidents that do occur tend to be minor property matters rather than violent offenses. The 1.8% poverty rate (compared to roughly 12% nationally) further reinforces why Chatham's crime figures remain among the lowest in Morris County.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Chatham?

Because Chatham carries an A+ overall crime grade, safety is strong across the entire borough rather than concentrated in just one pocket. That said, the walkable blocks around Chatham Center and the residential streets near Chatham High School are frequently cited by residents as particularly peaceful, benefiting from high foot traffic, active neighborhood watch participation, and strong community visibility. The lower-density residential areas toward the Chatham Township border also post excellent safety profiles, consistent with the borough-wide A+ rating. With a median home value of $934,809 and a community that invests heavily in upkeep and civic engagement, well-maintained streets and active neighbors are the norm rather than the exception throughout Chatham.

Is Chatham, NJ a good place to live?

The data makes a compelling case. Chatham combines an A+ crime grade with a $202,000 median household income, a $934,809 median home value, and an unemployment rate of just 1.9% — all indicators of a stable, prosperous community. The poverty rate of 1.8% is among the lowest you will find in any U.S. municipality, which correlates directly with the town's sustained low-crime environment. For families, the proximity to top-rated schools and New York City commuter rail access adds further appeal. For professionals and retirees, the combination of safety, strong property values, and a median rent of $2,179 reflects a housing market with consistent demand. Across every measurable dimension — economic health, public safety, and community quality — Chatham ranks at or near the top.

How does Chatham's safety compare to other New Jersey towns?

An A+ crime grade is the ceiling of the safety scale, and Chatham sits there. Compared to the broader New Jersey average — where many suburban towns earn grades in the B to B+ range — Chatham's rating represents a meaningful statistical advantage. Its 1.9% unemployment rate undercuts the statewide figure by several percentage points, and its 1.8% poverty rate is a fraction of the state average. When factoring in population density (a low 434 per square mile), high median income, and strong civic engagement, Chatham consistently outperforms comparable Morris County communities on safety metrics. For prospective residents benchmarking neighborhoods, Chatham's A+ grade signals a level of safety that is genuinely rare at any price point.