Metuchen, NJ Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 77% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026
Is Metuchen Safe?
Metuchen has a crime rate that is 41% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 327.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Menlo Park Terrace earn an A- safety grade, while Menlo Park Terrace rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Metuchen.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 327
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
20% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 72
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
24% lower than national average
Metuchen 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
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Metuchen Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
Where Is It Safe in Metuchen?
Safety varies dramatically across Metuchen's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in Metuchen
All Metuchen Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Menlo Park Terrace | A- | 71 |
Metuchen Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Metuchen zip codes.
Metuchen Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Metuchen, NJ?
Metuchen, NJ has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 41% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 327 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 72 chance for property crime. Metuchen has lower crime than 77% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Metuchen, NJ safe to live in?
Metuchen is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B+. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Menlo Park Terrace is one of the safest areas, while Menlo Park Terrace has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Metuchen is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Metuchen?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Metuchen are Menlo Park Terrace. 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 Metuchen?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Metuchen include Menlo Park Terrace. 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 Metuchen?
The estimated violent crime rate in Metuchen is 305.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 327 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.2 per 100K (36% below average); aggravated assault at 248.8 per 100K (7% below average); robbery at 40.2 per 100K (46% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Metuchen?
The estimated property crime rate in Metuchen is 1,384.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 24% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 72 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 190.2 per 100K (29% below average); larceny/theft at 953.8 per 100K (32% below average); vehicle theft at 240.6 per 100K (25% below average).
How does Metuchen crime compare to the national average?
Metuchen's overall crime rate is 41% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (7% below average), while rape is 59% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Metuchen has lower crime than 77% of them.
Is Metuchen safe to visit?
Metuchen is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 24% 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 Menlo Park Terrace.
How does Metuchen crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?
New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Metuchen's crime rate is 41% below the national average, making it safer the typical New Jersey city.
What type of crime is most common in Metuchen?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Metuchen, with an estimated rate of 953.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 32% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,385 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (306 per 100K) in Metuchen, which is consistent with national trends.