Downtown Paterson Neighborhood, Paterson

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 36% of neighborhoods in Paterson

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 136 / 300 High

Violent Crime 130

30% above national avg

Property Crime 138

38% above national avg

City Ranking

36%

safer than other

Paterson neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Paterson

Is Downtown Paterson Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Downtown Paterson in Paterson, NJ has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 136, which is 36% above the national average of 100. Downtown Paterson is safer than 36% of neighborhoods in Paterson.

Compared to the Paterson average (crime index 119), Downtown Paterson is 17% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 165, 65% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 105).

Highest Risk

Vehicle Theft · Index 165 (65% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Burglary · Index 105 (5% above avg)

Downtown Paterson Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Paterson city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Paterson	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	145	+45%	+22%	Moderate
Assault	108	+8%	+10%	Moderate
Robbery	139	+39%	+22%	Moderate
Rape	129	+29%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	105	+5%	0%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	143	+43%	+24%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	165	+65%	+28%	High

How Downtown Paterson Compares

Crime index by category: Downtown Paterson vs Paterson average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Downtown Paterson Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Downtown Paterson Demographics & Context

Population

9,690

Median Income

$27,611

Home Value

$300,871

Median Age

Pop. Density

14,297/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 7.3%

Graduate Degree 1.3%

Housing

94%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 30.2%

Black 27%

Hispanic 69.7%

Asian 2.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Sandy Hill Index: 139

B-

Northside Index: 166

Totowa Index: 107

B+

Wrigley Park Index: 165

Stoney Road Index: 102

B+

Bunker Hill Index: 171

C-

People's Park Index: 97

B+

Hillcrest Index: 58

A-

Downtown Paterson Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Paterson Crime Statistics

View all Paterson neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Downtown Paterson, Paterson?

Downtown Paterson in Paterson, NJ has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 136, which is 36% above the national average. Compared to the Paterson average, crime in Downtown Paterson is 17% higher. Downtown Paterson is safer than 36% of neighborhoods in Paterson.

Is Downtown Paterson a safe neighborhood in Paterson?

Downtown Paterson is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Paterson, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 165), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 105).

How does Downtown Paterson compare to the rest of Paterson?

Downtown Paterson's overall crime index is 136, compared to the Paterson average of 119. This means crime in Downtown Paterson is 17% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 130, and for property crime it is 138. 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 Downtown Paterson?

The most prevalent crime type in Downtown Paterson is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 165 (65% 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 Downtown Paterson?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sandy Hill, Totowa, Stoney Road and People's Park. These areas are close to Downtown Paterson and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Downtown Paterson?

Downtown Paterson has a population of approximately 9,690. The median household income is $27,611. The median home value is $300,871. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Downtown Paterson crime compare to the national average?

Downtown Paterson's overall crime rate is 36% above the national average (index 136 vs 100). Within Paterson, it is safer than 36% 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.