South Orange, NJ Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 64% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is South Orange Safe?
Yes — South Orange has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
South Orange has a crime rate that is 31% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 201.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 201
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
30% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 31
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
75% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
South Orange 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
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
104 | +4% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
216 | +116% | High | |
|
Rape
|
159 | +59% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
169 | +69% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
190 | +90% | Moderate | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
South Orange Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Orange Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific South Orange zip codes.
South Orange Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Orange, NJ?
South Orange, NJ has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 31% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 201 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 31 chance for property crime. South Orange has lower crime than 64% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is South Orange, NJ safe to live in?
South Orange is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting South Orange is strongly recommended.
What is the violent crime rate in South Orange?
The estimated violent crime rate in South Orange is 496.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 30% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 201 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.6 per 100K (8% below average); aggravated assault at 278.9 per 100K (4% above average); robbery at 159.5 per 100K (116% above average).
What is the property crime rate in South Orange?
The estimated property crime rate in South Orange is 3,204.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 75% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 31 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 232.9 per 100K (14% below average); larceny/theft at 2,365.3 per 100K (69% above average); vehicle theft at 606.7 per 100K (90% above average).
How does South Orange crime compare to the national average?
South Orange's overall crime rate is 31% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (116% above average), while burglary is 14% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Orange has lower crime than 64% of them.
Is South Orange safe to visit?
South Orange is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 75% 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.
How does South Orange crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?
New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. South Orange's crime rate is 31% below the national average, making it safer the typical New Jersey city.
What type of crime is most common in South Orange?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in South Orange, with an estimated rate of 2,365.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 69% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,205 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (496 per 100K) in South Orange, which is consistent with national trends.