Hawthorne, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Hawthorne, NJ

Is Hawthorne, NJ safe?

Hawthorne earns an A+ overall crime grade, placing it among the safest communities in New Jersey and the United States. With a population of 18,762 and a population density of roughly 2,182 residents per square mile, the town maintains a tight-knit suburban character that supports low crime levels. Serious violent incidents are exceptionally rare, and property crime rates fall well below national benchmarks. The combination of active community policing, a robust neighborhood-watch culture, and strong civic engagement means residents and visitors can move around Hawthorne with a high degree of confidence.

What is the crime rate in Hawthorne?

Hawthorne's crime rate is one of the lowest for any municipality of its size in the region, reflected directly in its A+ crime grade. Several socioeconomic indicators reinforce this picture: the median household income stands at $103,586, the poverty rate is just 4.6%, and unemployment sits at a low 3.6%. Research consistently links higher income stability and lower poverty to reduced crime rates, and Hawthorne's numbers bear that out. When incidents do occur, they tend to be minor property-related matters — such as opportunistic theft or vandalism — rather than violent offenses. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, represents only a small fraction of total reported incidents in the town.

What are the safest areas in Hawthorne?

Because Hawthorne carries an A+ overall grade, safety levels are consistently high across the entire borough rather than being concentrated in isolated pockets. Residential corridors near Goffle Brook Park and the areas surrounding the Hawthorne Municipal Complex benefit from high foot traffic, well-lit streets, and regular patrol presence, all of which act as natural deterrents. Neighborhoods close to local schools and community centers also report strong resident-engagement scores, which correlates with fewer opportunistic crimes. For the most granular, up-to-date picture, the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and date range so you can pinpoint any recent activity block by block.

Is Hawthorne a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable standard, Hawthorne ranks as an excellent place to call home. Its A+ crime grade is the headline safety metric, but the supporting data is equally compelling: a median home value of $412,361 signals strong property demand, a median household income of $103,586 reflects broad economic health, and a poverty rate of only 4.6% — well below both state and national averages — points to a financially stable population. The 3.6% unemployment rate underscores job security for working residents. Median rent of $1,485 offers a range of housing options for renters as well as owners. Taken together, low crime, high incomes, strong home values, and minimal poverty make Hawthorne one of the more attractive suburban destinations in Passaic County for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

How does Hawthorne's crime compare to other New Jersey cities?

Hawthorne's A+ crime grade puts it in the top tier of New Jersey municipalities for public safety. While many urban centers in the state contend with elevated property and violent crime rates, Hawthorne's low poverty rate of 4.6% and unemployment rate of 3.6% help insulate it from the pressures that drive higher crime elsewhere. Towns with poverty rates two to three times higher than Hawthorne's typically see correspondingly higher crime indices, making Hawthorne's socioeconomic profile a genuine structural advantage. Residents comparing Hawthorne to neighboring communities in Passaic County will generally find that Hawthorne scores favorably on every major safety metric.

What types of crime are most common in Hawthorne?

Consistent with its A+ overall crime grade, Hawthorne's reported incidents skew heavily toward minor, non-violent offenses. Property-related incidents — including petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism — account for the largest share of reported activity, as is typical for low-crime suburban communities nationwide. Violent crimes such as aggravated assault, robbery, or weapons offenses represent a very small proportion of total reports and occur sporadically rather than as a persistent pattern. Drug-related calls do appear in the incident log from time to time, but their frequency remains low relative to peer municipalities. The town's median household income of $103,586 and 4.6% poverty rate contribute to an environment where high-severity crime has little foothold.