West Milford, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About West Milford, NJ Crime & Safety

Is West Milford, NJ safe?

West Milford 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 26,355 spread across a low-density landscape of just 134 residents per square mile, the township's rural character naturally limits the concentration of criminal activity. Neighborhoods surrounding recreational anchors like Wawayanda State Park and Greenwood Lake consistently reflect low incident rates. Residents here benefit from a poverty rate of just 4.2% and a median household income of $103,425, two socioeconomic factors strongly correlated with lower crime prevalence. By virtually every measurable benchmark, West Milford is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

What is the crime rate in West Milford, NJ?

West Milford's crime profile is exceptional. The township holds an A+ crime grade, placing it well above average compared to both New Jersey municipalities and national benchmarks. Given a population density of only 134 people per square mile — far below the state average — the opportunity for crime is structurally limited. Property crimes such as occasional theft or vandalism do occur, particularly near high-traffic recreational areas, but violent crime is rare. The community's unemployment rate of 6.7% is worth monitoring as an economic indicator, but the low poverty rate of 4.2% and strong median home value of $298,094 suggest a financially stable population that contributes to sustained low crime levels. Overall, West Milford's crime rate is among the lowest you'll find in Passaic County.

What are the safest neighborhoods in West Milford?

West Milford's A+ crime grade reflects strong safety conditions across the township as a whole. Communities such as Highland Lakes, Pine Island, and Lake Forest are frequently cited by residents as particularly peaceful, combining scenic surroundings with active neighborhood networks and low incident histories. The township's low population density — 134 people per square mile — means even its busier corridors feel uncrowded. Areas near Greenwood Lake benefit from an engaged seasonal and year-round residential community that tends to self-police effectively. Prospective residents can use West Milford's crime map to compare micro-level incident data across these communities, though the A+ overall grade suggests a high safety floor township-wide.

Is West Milford a good place to live?

The data makes a compelling case: West Milford combines an A+ crime grade with a median household income of $103,425, a poverty rate of just 4.2%, and a median home value of $298,094 — a combination that signals both safety and economic health. Median rent of $1,743 reflects a community with real housing demand, while the low population density of 134 people per square mile gives the township an open, rural feel that many families actively seek out. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is slightly elevated and worth factoring into financial planning, but it has not translated into elevated crime — a testament to the township's overall stability. For families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts, West Milford consistently ranks as one of the most livable communities in northern New Jersey.

How does West Milford's crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?

West Milford outperforms the vast majority of New Jersey municipalities on crime metrics, earning an A+ overall crime grade — the top of the scale. New Jersey as a state carries a mixed crime profile, with urban centers like Paterson and Newark pulling statewide averages upward. West Milford's combination of low population density (134 per sq mi), a poverty rate of 4.2%, and high median household income ($103,425) creates conditions that are structurally resistant to crime. Passaic County as a whole includes communities with significantly higher crime rates, making West Milford a clear outlier in the best possible sense. If you are comparing towns in the region for safety, West Milford's A+ grade places it firmly at the top of the list.

What types of crime occur most in West Milford?

Consistent with its A+ crime grade, West Milford sees very low volumes of crime across all categories. When incidents do occur, they tend to skew toward minor property crimes — occasional thefts, vandalism, and trespassing — rather than violent offenses. Recreational areas near Wawayanda State Park and Greenwood Lake can attract opportunistic property crime during peak visitor seasons, making basic precautions like securing vehicles and valuables especially relevant in those zones. Violent crime is exceptionally rare given the township's demographics: a 4.2% poverty rate and $103,425 median household income are among the strongest predictors of low violent crime rates at the community level. Residents and visitors can use the West Milford crime map to track the most recent incident types and locations in near real time.