Garfield, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Garfield, NJ

What is Garfield's overall crime grade?

Garfield, NJ earns an overall crime grade of B- for 2026, which places it in a moderately safe tier among New Jersey municipalities of comparable size. A B- grade indicates that crime levels are below the worst urban benchmarks but still present enough to warrant situational awareness — particularly around property crime. For a city of 31,722 residents packed into a dense 5,801 people-per-square-mile footprint, a B- reflects a community that is actively managing urban crime pressures rather than being overwhelmed by them.

How does Garfield's crime rate compare to similar cities?

With a population of 31,722 and a median household income of $64,242, Garfield sits in the middle tier of similarly sized New Jersey cities. Its unemployment rate of just 2.8% is notably low, which research consistently links to reduced property crime. However, the 14.5% poverty rate — roughly 4,600 residents living below the poverty line — does correlate with elevated risk in certain pockets of the city. The combination of a tight labor market and moderate poverty produces the mixed B- grade: better than many dense urban cores, but not at the level of lower-density suburban towns in Bergen or Morris counties.

What types of crime are most common in Garfield?

Property crimes account for the majority of incidents reported in Garfield, consistent with national patterns for cities in this density and income range. Theft — including motor vehicle theft and shoplifting — tends to be the most frequently reported category. Vandalism and burglary are secondary concerns, particularly in commercial corridors. Violent crime exists but is comparatively less prevalent; assaults represent the most common violent incident type, while robberies are sporadic. The city's high population density of 5,801 residents per square mile means incidents can cluster visibly in shared public spaces, which can make crime feel more prominent than raw rates suggest.

Which areas of Garfield have the most crime activity?

Based on available crime mapping data, incident density tends to be higher along the main commercial corridors, particularly near Passaic Street and the downtown retail district, where foot traffic, retail establishments, and transient activity converge. The areas surrounding Bloomfield Avenue see a mix of residential and commercial incidents. Residential neighborhoods farther from major arterial roads and closer to parks and schools — such as zones near Outwater Lane Park — generally report fewer incidents. The Garfield crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and time period to see exactly where activity clusters in real time.

Is Garfield safe for families and homeowners?

For most families, Garfield's B- crime grade represents an acceptable safety profile, especially when weighed against the city's economic indicators. The median home value of $357,959 and median rent of $1,355 reflect a housing market where owners and renters are investing meaningfully in the community — a sign of neighborhood stability. The 2.8% unemployment rate is among the lowest in Passaic County, suggesting residents have economic stability that reduces desperation-driven crime. Families who stay engaged with neighborhood watch programs and utilize the crime map to avoid known hotspot corridors generally report feeling safe in their day-to-day routines.

How does the poverty rate affect crime in Garfield?

Garfield's 14.5% poverty rate is a meaningful data point when interpreting the B- crime grade. Nationally, poverty rates above 12–13% in dense urban settings correlate with above-average property crime. In Garfield's case, the low unemployment rate of 2.8% partially offsets this risk — many residents near the poverty line are working, just in lower-wage positions. The tension between a tight job market and cost-of-living pressures (median rent of $1,355 against a median household income of $64,242 means roughly 25% of income going to rent for the median household) can contribute to economic stress that occasionally manifests in property crime statistics.

What is the safest time of day to be out in Garfield?

Across most cities with Garfield's density and crime profile, incidents peak during late evening and overnight hours — roughly 9 PM to 3 AM — particularly for property crimes like vehicle break-ins and theft. Daytime hours, especially between 8 AM and 6 PM, see significantly lower incident rates in residential zones. Commercial areas along Passaic Street can see midday theft spikes tied to retail activity. Using the time-filter feature on Garfield's interactive crime map allows residents to pinpoint exactly which hours see the most activity in their specific neighborhood, making it a more precise planning tool than generalized advice.

Is Garfield, NJ a good place to live in 2026?

By the numbers, Garfield presents a compelling case for affordability and livability. A B- overall crime grade, a median home value of $357,959 (accessible compared to neighboring Bergen County towns), a 2.8% unemployment rate, and proximity to New York City make it competitive for working families and first-time buyers. The 14.5% poverty rate is the most significant caveat — it signals that economic inequality is a real issue the city is working through. For buyers and renters doing due diligence, the crime map is an essential tool: understanding which specific corridors or blocks carry higher risk allows for informed decisions rather than relying on city-wide averages alone.