| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Trenton/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,024 | n/a (estimate) | 3,314 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 20 | n/a | 21.9 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 53 | n/a | 58.1 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 334 | n/a | 366.1 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 529 | n/a | 579.8 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 936 | n/a (estimate) | 1,026 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 317 | n/a | 347.5 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,322 | n/a | 1,449.0 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 449 | n/a | 492.1 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,088 | n/a (estimate) | 2,289 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Trenton is 56.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 936 violent crimes reported in Trenton, equivalent to 1026 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 185.7%. Additionally, Trenton recorded 2088 property crimes, amounting to 2289 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 30%.
Trenton has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1026 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Trenton falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 98 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Trenton stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Trenton, a total of 20 murders were reported, equating to 22 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Trenton ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 449 vehicle thefts, amounting to 492 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Trenton within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 204.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Trenton. Based on the results of the surveys (123 responses), 23% of people felt that there was very little crime in Trenton and felt safe walking alone at night. While 77% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Trenton, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Trenton presents a total crime rate that is 56% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Trenton experiences an average of 8.28 daily crimes, comprising 2.56 violent incidents and 5.72 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Trenton. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Trenton has increased by 11.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 3.4%, while property crimes have increased by 20.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The Trenton region comprises an array of over 23 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Trenton are exemplars such as Mill Hill, East Trenton and Central West, whereas Ewing And Carroll, Greenwood And Hamilton and Battle Monument grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
In Trenton, the poverty rate currently stands at 27.2%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Trenton crime rates.
In Trenton, the current unemployment rate stands at 6.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Trenton crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Trenton, the cost of living is 4.9% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Trenton | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 314 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 5.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Jersey /100K | National /100K |
| New Jersey | 4,539 | 54 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hulmeville, PA | 1,024 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Langhorne Manor, PA | 1,542 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ten Mile Run, NJ | 1,864 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Princeton Junction, NJ | 2,052 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Langhorne, PA | 1,661 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Eddington, PA | 1,847 | 35 | 204 | 238 |
| Cornwells Heights, PA | 1,260 | 37 | 219 | 256 |
| Trenton, NJ | 86,528 | 1,026 | 2,289 | 3,314 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Whittier, CA | 86,613 | 490 | 2,375 | 2,866 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 86,648 | 842 | 5,157 | 5,999 |
| Merced, CA | 86,383 | 785 | 2,793 | 3,577 |
| New Braunfels, TX | 86,374 | 156 | 1,284 | 1,440 |
| Lake Forest, CA | 86,858 | 146 | 830 | 975 |
| Trenton, NJ | 86,528 | 1,026 | 2,289 | 3,314 |
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