08542 Zip Code, Princeton
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe zip code — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 0% of zip codes in Princeton
Safety at a Glance
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in Princeton
Is 08542 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is safe. Zip code 08542 in Princeton, NJ has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 114, which is 14% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 0% of zip codes in Princeton.
Compared to the Princeton average (crime index 32), zip code 08542 is 82% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 138, 38% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 82).
08542 Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Princeton city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
How 08542 Compares
Crime index by category: 08542 vs Princeton average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
08542 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
08542 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Princeton
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 08542, Princeton?
Zip code 08542 in Princeton, NJ has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 114, which is 14% above the national average. Compared to the Princeton average, crime in Zip code 08542 is 82% higher. Zip code 08542 is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Princeton.
Is Zip code 08542 a safe neighborhood in Princeton?
Zip code 08542 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Princeton, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 138), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 82). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Princeton.
How does Zip code 08542 compare to the rest of Princeton?
Zip code 08542's overall crime index is 114, compared to the Princeton average of 32. This means crime in Zip code 08542 is 82% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 106, and for property crime it is 110. 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 Zip code 08542?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 08542 is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 138 (38% 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 Zip code 08542?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 08540. These areas are close to Zip code 08542 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 08542?
Zip code 08542 has a population of approximately 3,751. The median household income is $117,407. The median home value is $770,305. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 08542 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 08542's overall crime rate is 14% above the national average (index 114 vs 100). Within Princeton, it is safer than 0% 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.