Harrison, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Harrison, NJ

What is Harrison's overall crime grade and what does it mean?

Harrison, NJ earns an overall crime grade of B- for 2026, meaning it performs better than a significant portion of U.S. cities of comparable size and density. For a town with a population of roughly 18,313 packed into about 5,837 residents per square mile, a B- reflects a community that manages urban crime pressures reasonably well. Property crimes — such as theft and burglary — tend to drive the grade down slightly from a full B, while violent crime rates remain more contained. Compared to neighboring urban centers, Harrison's B- grade signals that most residents go about their daily lives without encountering serious criminal activity.

Is Harrison, NJ safe to live in?

By the numbers, Harrison is a moderately safe community. Its overall B- crime grade places it in a favorable tier relative to many New Jersey towns of similar density. The town's median household income of $66,699 and unemployment rate of 4.2% suggest a relatively stable economic base, which research consistently links to lower crime rates. That said, Harrison's poverty rate of 15.6% is a factor worth noting — areas with higher concentrations of economic hardship, particularly in parts of the downtown corridor near the PATH station, tend to see slightly elevated incident reports. Residents near the Passaic River waterfront and Harrison Heights areas generally report a quieter day-to-day experience. Staying aware of your surroundings and checking the local crime map regularly remains good practice regardless of neighborhood.

What types of crimes are most common in Harrison?

Property crime is the dominant category in Harrison's incident data. Theft — including motor vehicle theft and shoplifting — accounts for the largest share of reported offenses, consistent with what you'd expect in a dense, transit-connected town where foot traffic is high near the Harrison PATH station. Vandalism and burglary represent a secondary tier of property-related incidents. Violent crimes such as assault are reported at lower rates, contributing to the town's B- overall grade rather than pushing it into C territory. Public nuisance and disorderly conduct calls are occasionally concentrated in commercial corridors. Understanding this breakdown helps residents prioritize: securing vehicles, using well-lit parking areas, and locking property are the most impactful precautions given the local crime profile.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Harrison, NJ?

Harrison's residential blocks toward Harrison Heights and the quieter streets flanking the Passaic River waterfront tend to generate fewer incident reports relative to the town's commercial core. The higher foot traffic and transit activity near the Harrison PATH station correlates with a greater share of theft and property-related calls in that zone. Neighborhoods with owner-occupied housing stock, active block associations, and consistent street lighting consistently outperform the town average in safety metrics. While Harrison is small enough that no single area is dramatically more dangerous than another, new residents would do well to cross-reference the interactive crime map for block-level patterns before choosing a specific street.

How does Harrison's crime rate compare to the rest of New Jersey?

Harrison's B- crime grade positions it favorably against many densely populated Hudson County municipalities. With a population density of 5,837 people per square mile — a figure that creates inherent pressure on public safety resources — maintaining a B- is a meaningful achievement. Cities of similar or greater density in the region often score in the C range. Harrison's median home value of $339,029 and median rent of $1,621 reflect a community that has attracted steady investment, which typically correlates with improved safety outcomes over time. Residents relocating from higher-crime urban environments are likely to find Harrison's profile reassuring, while those coming from lower-density suburbs should factor in the realities of urban living at this density level.

Is Harrison, NJ a good place to buy a home?

From a safety and economic standpoint, Harrison presents a reasonable case for homebuyers. The B- crime grade indicates manageable public safety conditions, and the median home value of $339,029 remains accessible compared to many comparable transit-linked communities in the New York metro area. The 4.2% unemployment rate and median household income of $66,699 suggest buyers will find neighbors with stable economic footing. The 15.6% poverty rate is worth factoring into long-term neighborhood trajectory assessments, but it has not prevented Harrison from maintaining its above-average crime grade. Proximity to the PATH train, ongoing redevelopment near the waterfront, and a diverse, growing population make Harrison a community with upside for buyers who do their due diligence on specific blocks using the crime map.