Jersey City, NJ Crime Rate & Safety

Jersey City, NJ has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 104% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 133 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 26 chance for property crime. Jersey City has higher crime than 96% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Jersey City has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 78% of the city's 9 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Paulus Hook is one of the safest areas, while Boyle Plaza has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Jersey City is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Jersey City are Paulus Hook, Hamilton Park, The Village, Newport, and Exchange Place. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Jersey City include Boyle Plaza, Powerhouse Arts District, Harsimus, Van Vorst Park, and Exchange Place. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Jersey City is 750.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 97% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 133 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 10.3 per 100K (106% above average); aggravated assault at 561.0 per 100K (109% above average); robbery at 129.0 per 100K (75% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Jersey City is 3,912.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 114% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 26 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 457.1 per 100K (69% above average); larceny/theft at 2,738.7 per 100K (95% above average); vehicle theft at 716.5 per 100K (125% above average).

Jersey City's overall crime rate is 104% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (125% above average), while rape is 49% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Jersey City has higher crime than 96% of them.

Visitors to Jersey City should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 114% above 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 Paulus Hook, Hamilton Park, The Village.

New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Jersey City's crime rate is 104% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New Jersey city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Jersey City, with an estimated rate of 2,738.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 95% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,912 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (750 per 100K) in Jersey City, which is consistent with national trends.