Belford, NJ Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 100% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Belford Safe?
Yes — Belford is extremely safe
One of the safest cities in the country, with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Belford has a crime rate that is 56% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 467.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Bayside Heights earn an A+ safety grade, while Compton Manor rates A+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Belford.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 467
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
44% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 175
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
69% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Belford Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
25 | -75% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
151 | +51% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
15 | -85% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
27 | -73% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Belford Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Belford?
Safety varies dramatically across Belford's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Belford
All Belford Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayside Heights | A+ | 20 |
| 2 | Compton Manor | A+ | 18 |
Belford Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Belford zip codes.
Belford Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Belford, NJ?
Belford, NJ has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 56% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 467 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 175 chance for property crime. Belford has lower crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Belford, NJ safe to live in?
Belford is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Bayside Heights is one of the safest areas, while Compton Manor has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Belford is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Belford?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Belford are Bayside Heights, and Compton Manor. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Belford?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Belford include Compton Manor. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Belford?
The estimated violent crime rate in Belford is 214.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 44% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 467 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.1 per 100K (18% below average); aggravated assault at 66.3 per 100K (75% below average); robbery at 93.1 per 100K (26% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Belford?
The estimated property crime rate in Belford is 570.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 69% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 175 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 40.0 per 100K (85% below average); larceny/theft at 381.1 per 100K (73% below average); vehicle theft at 149.7 per 100K (53% below average).
How does Belford crime compare to the national average?
Belford's overall crime rate is 56% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (51% above average), while burglary is 85% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Belford has lower crime than 100% of them.
Is Belford safe to visit?
Belford is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 69% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Bayside Heights, Compton Manor.
How does Belford crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?
New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Belford's crime rate is 56% below the national average, making it safer the typical New Jersey city.
What type of crime is most common in Belford?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Belford, with an estimated rate of 381.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 73% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (571 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (214 per 100K) in Belford, which is consistent with national trends.