Riverside, 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 Riverside Safe?
Yes — Riverside has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
Riverside has a crime rate that is 32% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 426.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Millside Heights earn an A+ safety grade, while Riverside Park rates B. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Riverside.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 426
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
38% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 62
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
12% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Riverside 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
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Riverside Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Riverside?
Safety varies dramatically across Riverside's 10+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 10Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 10 neighborhoods in Riverside
All Riverside Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millside Heights | A+ | 17 |
| 2 | Swedes Run | A+ | 8 |
| 3 | Fairview | A+ | 50 |
| 4 | Tenby Chase | A | 45 |
| 5 | Bridgeboro | A | 54 |
| 6 | Cambridge | A | 82 |
| 7 | South Fairview | A | 109 |
| 8 | Pavilion / Monroe | A- | 139 |
| 9 | Riverside Town Center | B+ | 160 |
| 10 | Riverside Park | B | 127 |
Riverside Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Riverside zip codes.
Riverside Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Riverside, NJ?
Riverside, 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 426 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 62 chance for property crime. Riverside has lower crime than 66% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Riverside, NJ safe to live in?
Riverside is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 10 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Millside Heights is one of the safest areas, while Riverside Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Riverside is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Riverside?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Riverside are Millside Heights, Swedes Run, Fairview, Tenby Chase, and Bridgeboro. 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 Riverside?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Riverside include Riverside Park, Riverside Town Center, Pavilion / Monroe, South Fairview, and Cambridge. 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 Riverside?
The estimated violent crime rate in Riverside is 234.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 38% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 426 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.7 per 100K (27% below average); aggravated assault at 142.5 per 100K (47% below average); robbery at 67.5 per 100K (9% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Riverside?
The estimated property crime rate in Riverside is 1,606.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 62 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 162.3 per 100K (40% below average); larceny/theft at 1,182.7 per 100K (16% below average); vehicle theft at 261.5 per 100K (18% below average).
How does Riverside crime compare to the national average?
Riverside's overall crime rate is 32% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (9% below average), while assault is 47% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Riverside has lower crime than 66% of them.
Is Riverside safe to visit?
Riverside is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 12% 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 Millside Heights, Swedes Run, Fairview.
How does Riverside crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?
New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Riverside'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 Riverside?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Riverside, with an estimated rate of 1,182.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 16% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,607 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (235 per 100K) in Riverside, which is consistent with national trends.