Top 10 Safest Cities in New Jersey

Safety is a top concern for many when choosing a place to live. New Jersey features towns known for their low crime rates and strong community spirit. In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 safest towns in NJ, showcasing what makes each one a great place to call home.

Top 10 Safest Cities in New Jersey

Based on the latest data for 2026—primarily utilizing the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) and the annual analysis from SafeWise—here is the updated list of the top 10 safest cities in New Jersey.

1. Vernon Township

Vernon Township maintains its prestigious standing as the safest city in New Jersey for the third consecutive year. Located in Sussex County, this mountain resort community reported nearly non-existent violent crime rates and an impressively low property crime rate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents. Its rural character and tight-knit community networks contribute to a environment where the chance of becoming a victim of any crime is roughly 1 in 687.

2. Bernards Township

Bernards Township in Somerset County remains a model of suburban safety, consistently holding a top spot in the state rankings. With a violent crime rate of just 0.1 and a property crime rate that has improved to 1.8 per 1,000 residents, it serves as a benchmark for local law enforcement. The town's safety is often attributed to high community engagement and its upscale, residential nature, with notable safe zones including the historic village center.

3. Jefferson Township

Jefferson Township continues to be a bastion of safety in Morris County, known for its scenic lakes and wooded parcels. The latest data shows a violent crime rate of 0.2 and a property crime rate that remains significantly lower than state averages at 1.9 per 1,000 residents. The local police department's proactive rural patrols have been cited as a major factor in maintaining such low incident numbers in this historic community.

4. Barnegat Township

Barnegat Township is the standout "rising star" of 2026, leaping into the top five after a massive 81% year-over-year reduction in property crime. Currently ranked as the fourth safest city in the state, it reported zero motor vehicle thefts and a violent crime rate of only 0.6 per 1,000 residents. This Ocean County town has recently earned national recognition, landing on the list of the top 100 safest cities in the entire United States.

5. Sparta Township

Sparta Township in Sussex County is frequently recognized for its professionalism in community policing, helping it maintain a violent crime rate of 0.1 per 1,000 residents. Property crime remains very low at 3.2, and notably, the township reported zero motor vehicle thefts in the current reporting period. The local police force is praised for a proactive culture that encourages residents in neighborhoods like Lake Mohawk to maintain high levels of safety consciousness.

6. Hopatcong

Hopatcong has seen significant safety gains, moving up the ranks to become one of the state's most secure lakeside communities. With a violent crime rate of 0.1 per 1,000 residents, violent incidents are extremely rare, often averaging only one reported case per year. Residents enjoy a high level of security in areas near Stephens State Park, where the overall chance of crime is roughly 1 in 562, making it safer than 96% of New Jersey towns.

7. New Milford

New Milford remains one of the safest boroughs in Bergen County, consistently reporting violent crime rates near zero. The town is safer than 71% of U.S. cities, with property crime rates holding steady at 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Its small size and working-class character contribute to a stable environment where major crimes are exceedingly rare, making it a highly sought-after location for families.

8. Denville Township

Denville Township, located in Morris County, is often called the "Hub of Morris County" and maintains a reputation for being exceptionally security-conscious. The town reported zero violent crimes in the latest data cycle, maintaining its status as a "zero-incident" zone for major offenses. While its property crime rate of 5.5 is slightly higher than others in the top 10, its absolute lack of violent crime keeps it firmly in the upper echelon of safe New Jersey municipalities.

9. West Milford

West Milford is a sprawling township in Passaic County that successfully manages to keep crime rates low despite its large geographic size. It currently maintains a violent crime rate of 0.2 and a property crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents. Similar to Sparta, West Milford reported zero motor vehicle thefts this year, highlighting the effectiveness of its local law enforcement in protecting residential assets.

10. Jackson Township

Jackson Township rounds out the top 10, providing a remarkably safe environment for a population of over 60,000 residents. In Ocean County, it manages a low violent crime rate of 0.4 and a property crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the national average. Its low population density and proactive safety measures in neighborhoods like Eagle Village help it remain one of the safest large municipalities in the state.

New Jersey Crime Map

Image Credit: NeighborhoodScout

10 Safest Towns in NJ Summary

How We Determine the Safest Cities in New Jersey?

To rank the safest towns in NJ, we use a clear, data-driven approach:

• Rely on official crime data from the FBI Crime Data or New Jersey State Police
• Compare violent and property crime rates per capita, giving more weight to violent crime
• Exclude very small towns to avoid unreliable data
• Use multi-year averages instead of a single year
• Optionally include factors like police presence and emergency services

What Crimes Concern New Jersey Residents Most in 2026?

Based on the 2026 SafeWise State of Safety report and FBI data, New Jersey remains one of the safest states, with violent crime at 2.8 per 1,000 residents (vs. 4.0 nationally) and property crime at 15.7 (vs. 19.3). Crime is more concentrated in urban areas, while suburban and rural areas report much lower rates.

• Property crime is the most common issue, mainly larceny and burglary. Rates remain below the national average, with vehicle theft declining in some cities but retail theft slightly increasing.

• Violent crime stays low at 2.2 per 1,000 people, though resident concern remains higher due to media coverage from nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia.

• Gun violence has dropped significantly, with fatal shootings down over 30%, but concern has risen from 47% to 52% due to national news trends.

• Package theft is now the most common issue, affecting 31% of residents. As a result, 44% use security cameras and 24% use smart locks or delivery solutions, making it a top everyday concern.

What Are the Most Dangerous Towns in New Jersey?

While New Jersey is consistently ranked as one of the safest states in the nation, certain urban areas face persistent challenges with crime. Based on the most recent 2025-2026 data—including reports from the FBI, Major Cities Chiefs Association, and NeighborhoodScout—here are five cities with the highest safety concerns.

1. Camden

Camden continues to struggle with the highest crime rate in the state. As of 2026, the city reports a combined crime rate of roughly 44.7 per 1,000 residents, meaning your chance of becoming a victim is approximately 1 in 22. While community policing has helped reduce historic highs, violent crime remains severe; with a violent crime rate of 13.9 per 1,000, residents face risks from aggravated assault and robbery at rates significantly higher than the state average.

2. Atlantic City

Despite its status as a major tourism hub, Atlantic City remains one of the state's most high-risk areas for both residents and visitors. Recent data shows it ranks among the highest for overall crime volume relative to its small permanent population. Property crime is particularly rampant, driven by high rates of larceny and theft, while the violent crime rate hovers around 12.1 per 1,000. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office noted improvements in 2025, but the city still presents significant safety concerns after dark.

3. Asbury Park

Asbury Park has seen a revitalization in its downtown and boardwalk areas, but crime statistics for the city as a whole remain alarming. The total crime rate is approximately 50 per 1,000 residents, making it statistically one of the most dangerous small cities in America. Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime here is 1 in 26, and the violent crime rate remains over 10.7 per 1,000, with a high concentration of incidents occurring in neighborhoods away from the primary tourist zones.

4. Trenton

The state capital ranks as the fifth-highest city in New Jersey for total violent crime incidents. Recent 2026 reports show that Trenton has an overall crime rate of 41.1 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime—specifically aggravated assault and robbery—is a primary concern, with a rate of 11.6 per 1,000. Economic challenges and urban density continue to contribute to high property crime rates, which stand at roughly 29.5 per 1,000.

5. Newark

As New Jersey's largest city, Newark consistently leads the state in total crime volume. In early 2026, it was ranked #1 for total violent crimes (over 1,700 reported annually). While the crime rate per capita is often lower than Camden’s due to Newark’s much larger population, the sheer frequency of incidents makes it a high-concern area. Property crime remains a major issue, though recent initiatives by the Newark Public Safety Collaborative have begun to see small downward trends in motor vehicle thefts.

How to Stay Safe In New Jersey?

Lock Your Home Securely at All Times

• No matter how low crime that area is, the doors and windows should be locked in safety
• Make it a habit to check locks before leaving home or going to sleep

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings in Any Area

• In urban areas as well as suburban towns you need to be careful about your environment as it may save you from any such kind of crime
• Pay attention to unusual activity and avoid distractions when walking or parking

Install a Security Camera for Better Protection

• Criminals are deterred by home security cameras as are home security cameras good evidence when they are stolen
• Visible cameras can help reduce the risk of break-ins and improve overall safety

Upgrade to Advanced Home Security for Full Coverage

• Home security needs 4K ultra-HD resolution and Reolink Altas PT Ultra delivers 360-degree 4K ultra-HD resolution for your complete coverage
• Solar-powered, it is easy to assemble and eco-friendly
• Additional safety and peace of mind come from the camera's night vision, long battery backup, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and smart motion detection

FAQs

What City in New Jersey Has the Worst Crime Rate?

New Jersey’s city with the highest crime rate is Atlantic City. With 16.9 violent crimes and 97.2 overall crimes per 1,000 residents.

What Town Has the Lowest Crime Rate in NJ?

With only 0.0 violent crimes and 1.5 property crimes per 1,000 people, Vernon Township has one of the lowest crime rates in New Jersey.

What is the safest part of New Jersey to live in?

The safest areas in New Jersey are typically suburban towns in counties like Bergen, Morris, and Somerset, which have lower crime rates, strong schools, and stable communities compared to the state average.

Why are people moving out of New Jersey?

Many people leave New Jersey mainly due to the high cost of living, especially housing and taxes. Others move for more affordable states, easier commutes, or remote work flexibility, though the state still attracts residents for jobs and quality of life.

Conclusion

Safest cities in New Jersey have crime rates a far cry from national averages. Further, if you live in any of the safest towns in NJ, there’s no need to stress because you live in a secure place. However, it is better to avoid dangerous cities and follow our tips for staying safe.