Short Hills, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Short Hills, NJ

Is Short Hills, NJ safe?

Short Hills earns an A+ overall crime grade — the highest possible rating — making it one of the safest communities in New Jersey. With a population of approximately 13,700 residents spread across just over 13 square miles, the area maintains a low population density of roughly 1,006 people per square mile, which contributes to its manageable public safety environment. The combination of a 3.9% poverty rate (well below state and national averages) and a median household income of $250,001 creates socioeconomic conditions strongly associated with lower crime prevalence. Residents near the Hartshorn Park neighborhood and the areas surrounding the Short Hills Country Club consistently report a peaceful, secure atmosphere.

What is the crime rate in Short Hills?

Short Hills holds an A+ crime grade, reflecting exceptionally low rates of both violent and property crime relative to comparable communities. The town's unemployment rate of 5.1% and poverty rate of 3.9% — two of the strongest socioeconomic predictors of crime — are both significantly below regional norms. Property-related incidents such as occasional vehicle break-ins represent the most commonly reported category, while violent crime occurrences are statistically rare. The Millburn Township Police Department, which serves Short Hills, maintains an active patrol presence that further suppresses incident rates. In practical terms, Short Hills residents experience crime at a fraction of the rate seen in most New Jersey municipalities.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Short Hills?

Given Short Hills' A+ overall crime grade, virtually every pocket of the community performs at a high safety level. That said, certain areas stand out for their particularly low incident reports. Neighborhoods near Hartshorn Park benefit from tight-knit community engagement and well-lit, well-maintained streets. The residential corridors adjacent to the Short Hills Country Club and the upscale enclaves near the Millburn section are characterized by active neighborhood watch participation and rapid police response times. Areas closer to the Short Hills Mall corridor see slightly higher foot traffic, which can correlate with minor property incidents, though even these zones perform far above state averages. Across all neighborhoods, the median home value of $1,401,620 reflects a level of investment in property security — including alarm systems and surveillance — that acts as a meaningful deterrent.

Is Short Hills a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable standard, Short Hills ranks among New Jersey's premier residential communities. Its A+ crime grade pairs with a median household income of $250,001, a median home value of $1,401,620, and a poverty rate of just 3.9% to create a profile that is exceptionally rare at the national level. The 5.1% unemployment rate reflects a workforce that is largely insulated from economic volatility, and the median rent of $2,935 signals robust housing demand driven by the area's quality of life. Families are drawn by top-rated schools and safe streets; professionals value the proximity to New York City and the low-crime environment; retirees appreciate the quiet, walkable neighborhoods like those near Hartshorn Park. When safety data, economic indicators, and community quality are considered together, Short Hills consistently outperforms the vast majority of U.S. suburbs.

How does Short Hills' crime grade compare to other New Jersey towns?

Short Hills' A+ overall crime grade places it in the top tier of all New Jersey communities for public safety. While the state as a whole contains municipalities ranging from F-rated urban centers to A-rated suburbs, an A+ designation is reserved for communities where crime rates are significantly below both state and national benchmarks across all major categories. Short Hills' socioeconomic profile — including its $250,001 median household income, 3.9% poverty rate, and population density of 1,006 per square mile — aligns with the characteristics most predictive of sustained low crime. Compared to neighboring Essex and Union County towns, Short Hills consistently ranks at or near the top for residential safety, making it a benchmark community for the region.