New Jersey is one of the safest states in the country. Overall, our crime rate is fairly low, but we do have some dangerous cities. Every state does, and you likely won’t be shocked by many of the places on this list. Still, some may surprise you. We don’t want to say these are the worst towns in NJ, but here are several of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey, though there are reasons to love them anyway. Please note that the rankings of the worst places to live in NJ are based on FBI crime statistics for the year 2013, the most recent year for which data is currently available.

1. Camden
Camden, NJ, USA
Flickr / Blake Bolinger
Camden is not only the most dangerous city in New Jersey, but it is also one of the most dangerous places in the United States. The city's crime rate is four times higher than the national average. Even still, tourists enjoy the Adventure Aquarium, Battleship New Jersey, and the Walt Whitman House.

Learn about the history of Camden:

This is definitely one of the places to avoid in New Jersey.
2. Atlantic City
Wikipedia/Bob Jagendorf
Atlantic City, NJ, USA
Flickr/drpavloff
Hiding behind the glitz and glamour of the boardwalk lies a struggling city. Plagued by one of the highest violent crime rates in the state, Atlantic City is one of the most dangerous cities in New Jersey, but locals still stop by for endless entertainment at the shoreline resorts and casinos.

Explore Atlantic City’s boardwalk:

3. Trenton
Wikipedia/Fanmartin
Trenton, NJ, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Smallbones
In 2013, Trenton had the highest murder rate in the state of New Jersey. It is also the state capital. While you may want to avoid the city at night, there is a lovely historic district. Enjoy numerous museums, historical homes, and the New Jersey State House.
4. Asbury Park
Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Flickr/andrew wertz
This seaside town thrived until the mid-1900s. Once a top shore destination, it evokes fond memories for the older generation. Its popularity declined after WWII, but the area is being revitalized. Though Asbury Park ranks high in both violent and property crimes, it offers a beautiful boardwalk, vintage arcade, and legendary music venue, The Stone Pony.

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5. Newark
Newark, NJ, USA
Twothreebeak/Wikimedia Commons
Newark had the third-highest murder rate in the NATION in 2013. While safety is certainly an issue, there are nicer neighborhoods in this large city. University Heights is home to several great schools including the prestigious New Jersey Institute of Technology. Visitors also love the planetarium at Newark Museum! So, while it may seem like a dangerous place to avoid in New Jersey, you just have to be careful of what part you're visiting.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Newark:

6. Bridgeton
Bridgeton, NJ 08302, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
The county seat of Cumberland, Bridgeton's crime rate is five times higher than the New Jersey average. Even still, there is much to enjoy in this small city. You'll find numerous nature trails along with Cohanzick Zoo. Cohanzick was New Jersey's first zoo and admission is still free!
7. Paterson
Wikipedia/BJT11091
Paterson, NJ, USA
Flickr/Wasabi Bob
Though Paterson's property crime rate is fairly low, the violent crime rate is one of the highest in the state. While some neighborhoods are infested with gangs, others are permeated by parks. Enjoy one of the best: Great Falls National Park, seen above.
8. Irvington
Irvington, NJ 07111, USA
Flickr/Ken Lund
The epicenter of New Jersey's crack epidemic in the 1980s, Irvington is still recovering. The violent crime rate is six times the state average and the murder rate is eight times the state average, making this one of the most dangerous towns in New Jersey. Though often avoided by outsiders, non-residents do stop by for some of the best cheesesteaks in New Jersey at Better Than Philly.
9. Millville
Millville, NJ 08332, USA
WIkipedia/Tom Kiser
Robbery and assault rates are high in this South Jersey neighborhood. Still, one shouldn't worry too much - the murder rate is nonexistent. While downtown may be dangerous, there's so much to enjoy in this small city. Wheaton Arts, Maurice River Cruises, and the Millville Army Airfield Museum are just some of your options.
10. Salem
Salem, NJ, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Salem is the smallest town on our list, with only about 5,000 residents. Even still, the crime rate is twice the national average and the violent crime rate per 1000 is similar to larger cities. Though that might scare some away, golfers still enjoy tee time at Wild Oaks Golf Club.

Did any of these cities surprise you? Surprisingly, Asbury Park would make this list but crime statistics don’t lie. Though these towns may be more dangerous, they still have something to offer. Many have historical neighborhoods and popular shopping districts or are undergoing revitalization efforts. Don’t be scared away, just be aware of your surroundings.

Looking for some good news? Take a look at the safest places to live in New Jersey.

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More to Explore

Towns In New Jersey

Danielle Schwartz | March 23, 2022

What are the most charming small towns in New Jersey?

The most charming small towns in New Jersey include:

  • West Cape May
  • Haddonfield

 

Two of the most popular charming towns in New Jersey are West Cape May and Haddonfield. West Cape May is known for its peaceful beachy atmosphere without the busy feeling of many of the Jersey Shore towns. This is a great place for a tranquil weekend trip. Cape May has a historic district and is next to Cape May Point State Park. Haddonfield is well known for its historic attractions. There are lots of museums for you to explore on your visit, including the famous Indian King Tavern Museum- this site is where New Jersey declared itself independent in 1777.

What is the smallest town in New Jersey?

The smallest town in New Jersey is Corbin City.

Corbin City is the smallest town in New Jersey to officially have the title of "city." This little town has only 492 residents and also happens to be the smallest city in the entire country! If you're looking for a truly authentic small-town feel, you can visit Corbin City in Atlantic County, New Jersey. It is also geographically small, with an area of just 8.97 square miles.

What is the largest city in New Jersey?

The largest city in New Jersey is Newark.

Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, with a population of just over 281,000 people. With an area of 25.89 square miles, it's also a physically larger city than many of the other cities in the Northeast. Newark offers endless options for entertainment within the city itself, whether you like arts and culture, sports, or outdoor activities. For the hikers, Branch Brook Park has trails, lakes, and cherry trees! And if you’re in the mood for city-hopping, New York City is just over 11 miles away.

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