Rutherford, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Rutherford, NJ

Is Rutherford, NJ safe?

Rutherford earns an overall crime grade of B, placing it among the safer communities in Bergen County and the broader New Jersey suburban landscape. With a population of roughly 18,376 and a population density of about 2,551 residents per square mile, the borough maintains a manageable urban footprint that supports effective policing and strong neighbor-to-neighbor awareness. The borough's 5.8% poverty rate — well below the national average of around 12–13% — and a median household income of $106,817 are both indicators that correlate strongly with lower crime prevalence. While no community is entirely crime-free, Rutherford's B grade reflects a statistically safer-than-average environment, particularly for property crimes and violent offenses relative to similarly sized New Jersey boroughs.

What is the crime rate in Rutherford, NJ?

Rutherford's crime profile earns a composite grade of B, signaling that both property crime and violent crime rates fall meaningfully below national benchmarks. The borough's low unemployment rate of 3.8% — compared to the U.S. average hovering near 4.5–5% — and its affluent economic profile (median home value: $480,573) help suppress the socioeconomic conditions that typically drive elevated crime. Property crimes such as theft and vehicle break-ins represent the most commonly reported incident categories in the borough, consistent with patterns seen in high-density, transit-oriented suburbs near New York City. Violent crime incidents — including assault and robbery — are reported at notably lower rates, contributing positively to Rutherford's B-grade standing. Residents and prospective homebuyers can interpret this grade as: the borough is safer than the majority of U.S. communities, though continued vigilance around property security remains worthwhile.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Rutherford, NJ?

Rutherford's residential areas around Lincoln Avenue, Union Avenue, and the Hillcrest section consistently reflect the borough's B-grade safety profile, characterized by lower reported incident densities and strong community cohesion. The Memorial Park area and streets adjacent to the downtown corridor near the Rutherford NJ Transit train station benefit from high foot traffic and regular police presence, which research consistently links to deterrence of opportunistic crime. Neighborhoods further from the commercial corridors along Park Avenue tend to see fewer property crime reports. Across all of these areas, the borough's median rent of $1,474 and median home value of $480,573 reflect a stable, invested residential population — a demographic factor that strongly correlates with lower crime incidence. For the most granular, block-level data, cross-referencing the Rutherford crime map with recent incident reports is the most reliable approach.

Is Rutherford, NJ a good place to live based on crime and safety data?

From a data-driven perspective, Rutherford presents a compelling case. Its B overall crime grade places it in the upper tier of safety among New Jersey municipalities. Layered onto that safety profile are economic indicators that reinforce residential quality: a median household income of $106,817 (roughly 1.6× the U.S. median), an unemployment rate of 3.8%, and a poverty rate of just 5.8%. These figures matter because academic research consistently identifies income stability and low unemployment as among the strongest predictors of reduced crime rates. The borough's median home value of $480,573 further reflects sustained demand from families and professionals who value both safety and proximity to New York City via NJ Transit. For households weighing safety-to-cost ratios, Rutherford's B grade combined with its economic profile makes it one of the more attractive options in the region.

How does Rutherford's crime grade compare to nearby communities?

Rutherford's B crime grade positions it favorably within Bergen County's competitive suburban market. Communities with similar population densities and transit access to New York City often see elevated property crime due to commuter traffic and commercial activity; Rutherford's B grade suggests its police presence and community engagement programs are effectively mitigating those pressures. The borough's population density of 2,551 per square mile is moderate for a New Jersey borough — dense enough to support walkable amenities, but not so dense that anonymity erodes community watchfulness. Compared to higher-density urban centers in Hudson County or Essex County, Rutherford's crime metrics are substantially more favorable, making its B grade a genuine competitive advantage for prospective residents evaluating safety across the greater New York metro area.