Summit, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Summit, NJ

Is Summit, NJ safe?

Summit, NJ earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest communities in New Jersey. With a population of approximately 21,913 and a poverty rate of just 5.1%, the city's socioeconomic stability is a strong predictor of low crime. The median household income of $142,845 — well above state and national averages — correlates with the kind of community investment and neighborhood cohesion that keeps crime rates suppressed. Areas near the Reeves-Reed Arboretum and the neighborhoods flanking Morris Avenue are particularly noted for their low incident frequency. By virtually any metric, Summit is a safe place to live, work, and visit.

What is the crime rate in Summit, NJ?

Summit's crime profile reflects its A-grade safety rating. With a population density of 1,411 residents per square mile, the city is moderately dense yet manages to maintain crime levels that rank favorably compared to similarly sized New Jersey municipalities. The city's 5.1% poverty rate and 5.7% unemployment rate — both low figures — are directly tied to reduced property and violent crime risk. Property crimes such as opportunistic theft represent the most common incident category citywide, while violent crime remains a marginal concern. Summit's strong median home value of $833,666 also signals a well-maintained built environment, which research consistently links to lower crime incidence.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Summit?

Summit's A-grade overall safety rating means that crime is low across virtually all of its neighborhoods. Residential areas near the Reeves-Reed Arboretum are consistently cited for their quiet, family-friendly character, as are the streets surrounding Summit's downtown corridor along Maple Street and Morris Avenue. The River Road corridor offers a similarly low-incident environment with strong community networks. Given Summit's median rent of $1,962 and median home value of $833,666, most neighborhoods attract residents with a strong stake in maintaining community safety, which reinforces the city's consistently low crime numbers across the board.

Is Summit, NJ a good place to live?

Summit ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in Union County, backed by hard data. Its overall crime grade of A means residents enjoy a statistically safer environment than the vast majority of U.S. cities. The median household income of $142,845 supports excellent public services, well-funded schools, and a vibrant downtown. With a poverty rate of only 5.1% — roughly half the national average — and an unemployment rate of 5.7%, economic stress that often drives crime is minimal here. Add in a median home value of $833,666, strong transit access to New York City, and active neighborhood watch programs, and Summit presents a compelling case for families, professionals, and retirees seeking both safety and quality of life.

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

Summit's A crime grade places it in the top tier of safe communities statewide. Most New Jersey cities of comparable or larger size score in the B or C range, making Summit's A rating a meaningful distinction. The city's combination of low poverty (5.1%), high median income ($142,845), and low population density (1,411 per sq mi) creates conditions that consistently suppress both property and violent crime. Residents benefit from a community where crime is not only infrequent but also well-distributed — meaning there are no pronounced hotspots that dramatically skew the overall picture. This consistency across neighborhoods is what separates an A-grade city from one that merely averages well despite having high-risk pockets.