Newark, NJ Crime Rate & Safety

Newark, NJ has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 242% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 88 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 15 chance for property crime. Newark has higher crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Newark has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Approximately 46% of the city's 24 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Port Newark is one of the safest areas, while Dayton has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Newark is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Newark are Port Newark, Newark International Airport, Five Corners, Ironbound, and Upper Roseville. 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 Newark include Dayton, Springfield / Belmont, Lincoln Park, Clinton Hill, and Downtown Newark. 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 Newark is 1,140.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 199% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 88 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 17.2 per 100K (245% above average); aggravated assault at 799.5 per 100K (198% above average); robbery at 225.7 per 100K (205% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Newark is 6,788.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 271% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 15 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 737.8 per 100K (173% above average); larceny/theft at 4,904.2 per 100K (250% above average); vehicle theft at 1,146.6 per 100K (260% above average).

Newark's overall crime rate is 242% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (260% above average), while burglary is 173% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Newark has higher crime than 99% of them.

Visitors to Newark should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 271% 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 Port Newark, Newark International Airport, Five Corners.

New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Newark's crime rate is 242% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New Jersey city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Newark, with an estimated rate of 4,904.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 250% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (6,789 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,140 per 100K) in Newark, which is consistent with national trends.