Trenton, NJ Crime Rate & Safety

Trenton, NJ has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 245% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 91 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 15 chance for property crime. Trenton has higher crime than 99% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Trenton has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Approximately 11% of the city's 38 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Sylvan Glen is one of the safest areas, while Canal Banks has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Trenton is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Trenton are Sylvan Glen, Greenwood Avenue, Humboldt-Sweets, Route One Industrial, and South Trenton. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Trenton include Canal Banks, Hermitage Avenue, Trenton Station, Pennington Avenue, and Lamberton Street. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Trenton is 1,101.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 189% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 91 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 16.9 per 100K (238% above average); aggravated assault at 795.7 per 100K (197% above average); robbery at 206.2 per 100K (179% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Trenton is 6,568.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 259% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 15 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 782.6 per 100K (190% above average); larceny/theft at 4,713.6 per 100K (236% above average); vehicle theft at 1,071.9 per 100K (236% above average).

Trenton's overall crime rate is 245% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is murder (238% above average), while rape is 146% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Trenton has higher crime than 99% of them.

Visitors to Trenton should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 259% 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. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Sylvan Glen, Greenwood Avenue, Humboldt-Sweets.

New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Trenton's crime rate is 245% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New Jersey city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Trenton, with an estimated rate of 4,713.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 236% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (6,568 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,102 per 100K) in Trenton, which is consistent with national trends.