West Side Neighborhood, Newark
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Newark
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Newark
Is West Side Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. West Side in Newark, NJ has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average of 100. West Side is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Newark.
Compared to the Newark average (crime index 137), West Side is 21% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 160, 60% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 119).
West Side Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Newark city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Assault
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
How West Side Compares
Crime index by category: West Side vs Newark average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Side Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
West Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Side, Newark?
West Side in Newark, NJ has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 158, which is 58% above the national average. Compared to the Newark average, crime in West Side is 21% higher. West Side is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Newark.
Is West Side a safe neighborhood in Newark?
West Side has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 160), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 119).
How does West Side compare to the rest of Newark?
West Side's overall crime index is 158, compared to the Newark average of 137. This means crime in West Side is 21% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 139, and for property crime it is 147. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in West Side?
The most prevalent crime type in West Side is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 160 (60% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near West Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lower Vailsburg. These areas are close to West Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Side?
West Side has a population of approximately 15,485. The median household income is $47,526. The median home value is $325,871. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Side crime compare to the national average?
West Side's overall crime rate is 58% above the national average (index 158 vs 100). Within Newark, it is safer than 21% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.