Palisades Park, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Palisades Park, NJ

What is Palisades Park's overall crime grade?

Palisades Park earns an overall crime grade of C+ for 2026, placing it in the middle tier among New Jersey municipalities of comparable size. This grade reflects a community that has meaningful safety strengths but still contends with property crime pressures typical of densely populated areas. With a population density of roughly 6,448 residents per square mile and a total population of about 20,693, the borough's compact geography means that incidents — when they do occur — can feel concentrated. A C+ is not a failing mark; it signals a livable community where informed residents and consistent policing can make a real difference.

How safe is Palisades Park compared to other NJ towns?

On a letter-grade scale, Palisades Park's C+ overall crime rating puts it roughly in the middle of the statewide distribution. Towns with grades of A or B typically combine lower population density with higher median incomes; Palisades Park's median household income of $79,063 is solid, but its high density (over 6,400 people per square mile) creates more opportunities for opportunistic property crime. Its 4.9% unemployment rate and 12.8% poverty rate are moderate — neither exceptionally low nor alarmingly high — which aligns with the C+ profile. Residents moving from lower-density suburbs may notice more street-level activity, while those coming from larger urban centers will likely find the borough comparatively calm.

What types of crime are most common in Palisades Park?

Property crimes — including theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary — account for the majority of reported incidents in Palisades Park, consistent with the borough's C+ grade. Commercial corridors with high foot traffic tend to see the greatest concentration of these offenses. Violent crimes represent a significantly smaller share of total incidents and occur at rates lower than what the overall grade might initially suggest. Vandalism and disorderly conduct round out the remainder of common incident types. The crime map on this page allows you to filter by category so you can see exactly which incident types have been logged in specific parts of the borough over your chosen time window.

Which areas of Palisades Park have the most reported incidents?

Based on available incident data, activity tends to cluster along Broad Avenue, the borough's main commercial spine, where retail density and pedestrian volume create more opportunities for theft and vandalism. Intersections near major transit points also show elevated incident counts relative to quieter residential blocks further from the commercial core. Residential streets in the interior of the borough — away from the Broad Avenue corridor — generally report fewer incidents, benefiting from lower foot traffic and tighter community familiarity. Using the interactive crime map with the heat-map layer activated gives the clearest real-time picture of where incidents are currently concentrated.

Is Palisades Park a good place to live given its crime grade?

A C+ crime grade does not disqualify Palisades Park as a desirable place to live — and the borough's broader economic profile supports that conclusion. The median home value sits at approximately $578,860, reflecting sustained buyer demand and confidence in the community's long-term stability. Median rent of $1,638 is competitive for a borough with direct access to New York City. The 4.9% unemployment rate indicates a largely working population, and while the 12.8% poverty rate is a factor worth noting, it has not suppressed property values or driven residents away. Families and commuters consistently cite the borough's diversity, walkability, and transit access as offsetting factors. In short, a C+ grade means stay informed and take reasonable precautions — not avoid the borough entirely.

How can I use the Palisades Park crime map effectively?

To get the most out of the crime map, start by selecting a 90-day date range to surface recent trends rather than historical anomalies. Toggle on the heat-map layer to identify density hotspots, then switch to individual incident pins to read the specific offense type, date, and block-level location. Filtering by property crime only is especially useful in Palisades Park given that category's dominance in the incident mix. If you are evaluating a specific address — a potential home purchase near the Broad Avenue corridor, for example — compare the incident density within a quarter-mile radius against quieter residential blocks to contextualize the risk. Revisit the map monthly, as the C+ grade can shift block by block depending on seasonal patterns and enforcement changes.