New Brunswick, NJ Crime Rate & Safety

New Brunswick, NJ has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 155% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 125 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 18 chance for property crime. New Brunswick has higher crime than 97% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

New Brunswick has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Approximately 46% of the city's 13 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Rutgers University / New Brunswick / Cook / Douglass is one of the safest areas, while Route 27 has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting New Brunswick is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in New Brunswick are Rutgers University / New Brunswick / Cook / Douglass, Jersey Avenue, Rutgers University / New Brunswick / College Avenue, Easton Avenue, and Edgebrook. 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 New Brunswick include Route 27, Lower George Street, Sanford / Remsen, Downtown New Brunswick, and Rutgers Village. 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 New Brunswick is 801.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 110% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 125 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 14.9 per 100K (197% above average); aggravated assault at 525.6 per 100K (96% above average); robbery at 190.1 per 100K (157% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in New Brunswick is 5,600.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 206% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 18 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 632.6 per 100K (134% above average); larceny/theft at 4,047.7 per 100K (189% above average); vehicle theft at 920.5 per 100K (189% above average).

New Brunswick's overall crime rate is 155% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is murder (197% above average), while assault is 96% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, New Brunswick has higher crime than 97% of them.

Visitors to New Brunswick should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 206% 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 Rutgers University / New Brunswick / Cook / Douglass, Jersey Avenue, Rutgers University / New Brunswick / College Avenue.

New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. New Brunswick's crime rate is 155% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New Jersey city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in New Brunswick, with an estimated rate of 4,047.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 189% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,601 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (801 per 100K) in New Brunswick, which is consistent with national trends.