Paramus, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Paramus, NJ

Is Paramus, NJ safe?

Paramus earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it among the safer suburban communities in New Jersey and well above the national average for towns of its size. With a population of approximately 26,403 and a poverty rate of just 3.5% — far below the U.S. average of roughly 11–12% — the socioeconomic conditions that often correlate with higher crime rates are largely absent here. The median household income of $130,273 further reflects a financially stable community. While no municipality is entirely crime-free, Paramus residents and visitors can take comfort in the fact that serious violent incidents are statistically uncommon, and property crime, the more prevalent category, is concentrated in specific commercial corridors rather than spread evenly across residential areas.

What is the crime rate in Paramus, NJ?

Paramus holds a B overall crime grade, indicating that crime levels are meaningfully lower than national norms. The town's low poverty rate of 3.5% and high median household income of $130,273 are strong predictors of reduced crime frequency. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, close to typical suburban benchmarks, and the relatively modest population density of 976 residents per square mile means the community is spread out enough to limit the density-driven crime spikes seen in more urban settings. Property-related offenses — such as shoplifting and vehicle break-ins, particularly near the Route 17 and Route 4 commercial corridors — represent the most reported incident types, while violent crime rates remain well below state and national averages.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Paramus?

Paramus is a largely residential borough, and its quieter neighborhoods away from the major retail corridors tend to report the fewest incidents. Residential pockets in the Westside and areas bordering Ridgewood and Woodcliff Lake benefit from low through-traffic, strong homeownership rates, and active community engagement — all factors associated with lower crime. The borough's median home value of $610,782 reflects a well-maintained housing stock, which itself correlates with neighborhood stability. By contrast, the high-volume commercial zones along Route 17 — home to major shopping centers — see a disproportionate share of retail theft and vehicle-related incidents simply due to the volume of daily visitors. Consulting the interactive Paramus crime map on this page allows you to filter by incident type and time period to identify the quietest zones in real time.

Is Paramus a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Paramus ranks as a highly desirable place to live. Its B crime grade signals a safe environment relative to both New Jersey peers and national benchmarks. The median household income of $130,273 is more than double the U.S. median, and the poverty rate of 3.5% is among the lowest in Bergen County. Housing is stable, with a median home value of $610,782 and a median rent of $2,503 — figures consistent with a high-demand, low-turnover market. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is moderate, and the borough's access to top-rated schools, major employment centers in Bergen County, and proximity to New York City make it a perennial favorite for families and professionals. When you factor in the relatively low crime footprint — especially for violent offenses — Paramus consistently delivers the quality-of-life metrics that homebuyers and renters prioritize.

How does Paramus compare to other NJ towns on crime?

Paramus's B overall crime grade positions it favorably within New Jersey's suburban landscape. Its poverty rate of 3.5% is a fraction of the state average, and its median household income of $130,273 places it in the upper tier of Bergen County communities — both strong buffers against elevated crime. Population density of 976 people per square mile is low enough to avoid the congestion-related crime pressures seen in denser urban municipalities, yet high enough to support robust local services and police presence. Compared to higher-density New Jersey cities where crime grades frequently fall to C or below, Paramus's B grade reflects a community where residents are statistically far less likely to be victims of either property or violent crime.