Westwood, NJ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Westwood, NJ

Is Westwood, NJ safe?

Yes — Westwood earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer communities in New Jersey and well above national averages. With a population of roughly 11,096 residents and a population density of 1,896 people per square mile, the town is compact enough for effective community policing while remaining suburban in character. The unemployment rate sits at just 1.8% and the poverty rate at 5.6% — both well below state and national benchmarks — which research consistently links to lower crime prevalence. Residents near downtown Broadway, the blocks surrounding Westwood Memorial Park, and the residential corridors along Center Avenue regularly report feeling safe day and night.

What is the crime rate in Westwood, NJ?

Westwood's composite crime performance earns a letter grade of A-, reflecting a community where serious incidents are uncommon relative to similarly sized towns. The borough's strong socioeconomic profile supports this outcome: a median household income of $127,847 — roughly double the U.S. median — and a median home value of $457,761 signal a stable, invested residential base. Low economic stress, indicated by the 1.8% unemployment rate and 5.6% poverty rate, correlates directly with reduced property and violent crime frequency. While no community is entirely crime-free, Westwood's data-driven profile consistently ranks it as a low-risk environment for residents and visitors alike.

What types of crime are most common in Westwood?

Consistent with its A- overall crime grade, Westwood sees relatively few serious incidents. Where crimes do occur, property-related offenses — such as minor theft and occasional vehicle break-ins — represent the most commonly reported category, as is typical for affluent suburban boroughs with median rents of $1,848/month and high home values. Violent crime incidents are notably rare given the town's low poverty rate of 5.6% and near-full employment at 1.8% unemployment. The areas around the downtown retail corridor on Broadway see the highest foot traffic and therefore the most incidental minor reports, while purely residential pockets near the Hillsdale border tend to record the fewest incidents of any kind.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Westwood?

Westwood's overall A- crime grade means the entire borough performs well, but some pockets stand out for their particularly low incident rates. The residential streets surrounding Westwood Memorial Park benefit from high visibility and active foot traffic, which deters opportunistic crime. The blocks flanking Center Avenue and the northern residential areas near the Hillsdale border consistently show strong safety profiles, supported by well-maintained properties and engaged neighbors. The town's median home value of $457,761 reflects the pride of ownership across these neighborhoods, which itself is a meaningful crime-deterrent factor backed by criminology research.

Is Westwood a good place to live in 2026?

By virtually every measurable indicator, Westwood ranks as an excellent place to live in 2026. Its A- crime grade is complemented by a median household income of $127,847, a low unemployment rate of 1.8%, and a poverty rate of just 5.6% — all figures that point to a financially stable, low-stress community. The median home value of $457,761 reflects sustained demand from buyers who prioritize safety, schools, and quality of life. Median rent of $1,848/month is competitive for Bergen County, attracting professionals who commute to New York City via the nearby NJ Transit rail line. For families, retirees, and young professionals alike, Westwood's combination of safety data and economic strength makes a compelling case.

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

Westwood's A- overall crime grade positions it favorably against most New Jersey municipalities. The borough's socioeconomic advantages — a $127,847 median household income, 1.8% unemployment, and a 5.6% poverty rate — are directly correlated with its safety outcomes. Many NJ towns with higher poverty rates (above 15%) and lower median incomes score significantly worse on crime metrics. Westwood's Bergen County location also benefits from well-resourced county-level law enforcement support, adding another layer of public safety infrastructure. In short, residents here enjoy a measurably safer environment than the majority of comparable New Jersey communities.