Trenton, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Trenton, NJ

Is Trenton, NJ safe in 2026?

Trenton carries an overall crime grade of D-, placing it well below average for safety among U.S. cities. Of the 38 neighborhoods analyzed, 66% are graded D or F — meaning two out of every three neighborhoods face elevated crime concerns. Only 11% of neighborhoods earn an A or B grade, concentrated in areas like Sylvan Glen (A) and Greenwood Avenue (A-). In the most recent 90-day period, Trenton recorded 990 total crime incidents, with theft (24%), assault (23%), and drug offenses (20%) accounting for nearly 70% of all reported crimes. That said, pockets of relative safety do exist, and neighborhood-level data matters enormously when evaluating personal risk.

What is the crime rate in Trenton, NJ?

Over the last 90 days, Trenton logged 990 reported incidents across eight major crime categories. Theft was the single most common offense at 24% (240 incidents), closely followed by assault at 23% (229 incidents) and drug offenses at 20% (196 incidents). Vandalism accounted for 11% (108 incidents), while motor vehicle theft (7%), fraud (6%), burglary (5%), and arrests (4%) made up the remainder. The city's overall crime grade is D-, consistent with a poverty rate of 27.2% and an unemployment rate of 10.3% — both well above national averages. Among the 38 neighborhoods studied, 13 received an F grade (34.2%) and 12 received a D grade (31.6%), underscoring the breadth of the challenge across the city.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Trenton, NJ?

The two top-rated neighborhoods are Sylvan Glen (Grade A, median income $91,613) and Greenwood Avenue (Grade A-, median income $63,741) — though both have very small populations (188 and 77 residents, respectively). The next tier includes Humboldt-Sweets (Grade B, median income $72,954) and Route One Industrial (Grade B-, median income $40,029). Rounding out the top ten are South Trenton (C+), East State Street (C+), North Clinton Avenue (C), New York Avenue (C), Cadwalader Estates (C), and Cass Street (C). Collectively, neighborhoods graded C or better represent only about 34% of Trenton's analyzed areas, highlighting how concentrated safety is within the city.

Which neighborhoods in Trenton have the highest crime?

The highest-crime areas identified in Trenton's 2026 crime data include Canal Banks (Grade F+), which ranks as the most concerning neighborhood in the city. Close behind are Hermitage Avenue (D-) and Trenton Station (D-), both of which sit at the lower end of the D range. Pennington Avenue (D) and Lamberton Street (D+) also appear among the higher-crime zones. Given that assault and drug offenses together made up 43% of all incidents city-wide in the last 90 days, these neighborhoods likely see a disproportionate share of violent and drug-related activity. Residents and visitors are advised to consult the interactive crime map for block-level detail before traveling through these areas.

What types of crimes are most common in Trenton?

Based on the most recent 90-day incident data (990 total reports through April 2026), theft is the leading crime category at 24% of all incidents (240 cases). Assault follows at 23% (229 cases), making it the dominant violent crime. Drug offenses are the third-largest category at 20% (196 cases) — a figure that reflects broader socioeconomic pressures, given the city's 27.2% poverty rate. Vandalism (11%, 108 cases) and motor vehicle theft (7%, 66 cases) round out the top five. Fraud accounted for 6% (55 cases) and burglary for 5% (52 cases). Property-related crimes — theft, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and vandalism combined — represent roughly 47% of all incidents, while violent and drug-related offenses account for the remaining majority.

Is Trenton a good place to live?

Trenton offers New Jersey's state capital status, relatively affordable housing (median home value of $96,012 and median rent of $1,085), and genuine community character — but the safety data demands honest consideration. With a city-wide crime grade of D-, a poverty rate of 27.2%, and an unemployment rate of 10.3%, the structural challenges are real. Only 11% of neighborhoods earn a safe A or B rating, concentrated in smaller communities like Sylvan Glen and Humboldt-Sweets. Families and individuals who do their research and target higher-graded neighborhoods — particularly those in the C+ range and above, such as South Trenton, East State Street, and North Clinton Avenue — can find livable, stable communities. The key is using neighborhood-level crime data rather than relying on city-wide averages alone.

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

Trenton's D- overall crime grade places it among the higher-crime cities in New Jersey. Contributing factors include a population density of 4,248 residents per square mile, a median household income of just $37,002 (significantly below the NJ state median), and a poverty rate of 27.2%. With 66% of its 38 analyzed neighborhoods graded D or F, the distribution of crime is widespread rather than isolated to a single district. By contrast, only 5.3% of neighborhoods earn an A grade. Cities with similar population sizes but stronger economic indicators tend to score meaningfully higher. Prospective residents comparing Trenton to neighboring communities should weigh these neighborhood-level grades alongside commute access, housing costs, and available amenities.