Princeton, NJ Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 66% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Princeton Safe?
Yes — Princeton has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
Princeton has a crime rate that is 32% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 301.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Princeton Courtside Estates earn an A+ safety grade, while Greater Kingston rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Princeton.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 301
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
13% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 60
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
10% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Princeton Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Princeton Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Princeton?
Safety varies dramatically across Princeton's 5+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 5Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 3Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 5 neighborhoods in Princeton
All Princeton Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton Courtside Estates | A+ | 24 |
| 2 | Princeton Manor | A+ | 24 |
| 3 | Princeton Walk | A+ | 26 |
| 4 | Greater Kingston | A- | 41 |
| 5 | Kingston Village | A- | 47 |
Princeton Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Princeton zip codes.
Princeton Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Princeton, NJ?
Princeton, NJ has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 32% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 301 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 60 chance for property crime. Princeton has lower crime than 66% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Princeton, NJ safe to live in?
Princeton is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 5 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Princeton Courtside Estates is one of the safest areas, while Greater Kingston has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Princeton is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Princeton?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Princeton are Princeton Courtside Estates, Princeton Manor, Princeton Walk, Greater Kingston, and Kingston Village. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Princeton?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Princeton include Greater Kingston, Princeton Manor, and Princeton Walk. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Princeton?
The estimated violent crime rate in Princeton is 331.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 301 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.9 per 100K (21% below average); aggravated assault at 260.3 per 100K (3% below average); robbery at 46.2 per 100K (37% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Princeton?
The estimated property crime rate in Princeton is 1,656.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 10% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 60 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 197.9 per 100K (27% below average); larceny/theft at 1,149.0 per 100K (18% below average); vehicle theft at 309.4 per 100K (3% below average).
How does Princeton crime compare to the national average?
Princeton's overall crime rate is 32% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (3% below average), while robbery is 37% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Princeton has lower crime than 66% of them.
Is Princeton safe to visit?
Princeton is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 10% below 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 Princeton Courtside Estates, Princeton Manor, Princeton Walk.
How does Princeton crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?
New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Princeton's crime rate is 32% below the national average, making it safer the typical New Jersey city.
What type of crime is most common in Princeton?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Princeton, with an estimated rate of 1,149.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 18% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,656 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (332 per 100K) in Princeton, which is consistent with national trends.