South Plainfield, NJ Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 73% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is South Plainfield Safe?
Yes — South Plainfield has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
South Plainfield has a crime rate that is 38% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 246.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 246
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
7% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 42
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
28% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
South Plainfield 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
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
190 | +90% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
186 | +86% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
South Plainfield Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Plainfield Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific South Plainfield zip codes.
South Plainfield Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Plainfield, NJ?
South Plainfield, NJ has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 38% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 246 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. South Plainfield has lower crime than 73% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is South Plainfield, NJ safe to live in?
South Plainfield 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 Plainfield is strongly recommended.
What is the violent crime rate in South Plainfield?
The estimated violent crime rate in South Plainfield is 406.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 7% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 246 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.0 per 100K (40% below average); aggravated assault at 200.5 per 100K (25% below average); robbery at 140.1 per 100K (90% above average).
What is the property crime rate in South Plainfield?
The estimated property crime rate in South Plainfield is 2,354.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 28% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 42 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 127.9 per 100K (53% below average); larceny/theft at 1,993.8 per 100K (42% above average); vehicle theft at 232.5 per 100K (27% below average).
How does South Plainfield crime compare to the national average?
South Plainfield's overall crime rate is 38% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (90% above average), while burglary is 53% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Plainfield has lower crime than 73% of them.
Is South Plainfield safe to visit?
South Plainfield is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 28% 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 Plainfield crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?
New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. South Plainfield's crime rate is 38% below the national average, making it safer the typical New Jersey city.
What type of crime is most common in South Plainfield?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in South Plainfield, with an estimated rate of 1,993.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 42% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,354 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (406 per 100K) in South Plainfield, which is consistent with national trends.