Paterson, NJ Crime Rate & Safety

Paterson, NJ has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 99% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 158 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 25 chance for property crime. Paterson has higher crime than 95% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Paterson has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 71% of the city's 14 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Hillcrest is one of the safest areas, while Wrigley Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Paterson is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Paterson are Hillcrest, Eastside Park, Lakeview, Stoney Road, and People's Park. 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 Paterson include Wrigley Park, Bunker Hill, Northside, Manor Section, and Sandy Hill. 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 Paterson is 633.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 66% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 158 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 10.2 per 100K (103% above average); aggravated assault at 431.3 per 100K (61% above average); robbery at 143.1 per 100K (94% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Paterson is 3,982.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 117% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 25 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 456.0 per 100K (69% above average); larceny/theft at 2,783.4 per 100K (99% above average); vehicle theft at 742.8 per 100K (133% above average).

Paterson's overall crime rate is 99% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (133% above average), while rape is 44% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Paterson has higher crime than 95% of them.

Visitors to Paterson should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 117% 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 Hillcrest, Eastside Park, Lakeview.

New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Paterson's crime rate is 99% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New Jersey city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Paterson, with an estimated rate of 2,783.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 99% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,982 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (633 per 100K) in Paterson, which is consistent with national trends.