A+
69%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
97%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
63%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleChatham/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime68n/a (estimate)7311,6202,324
Murder0n/a0.03.16.3
Rape0n/a0.016.840.0
Robbery0n/a0.047.666.1
Assault1n/a10.7135.4268.2
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)11203370
Burglary9n/a96.7148.0269.8
Theft36n/a386.81,109.11,401.9
Vehicle theft22n/a236.4159.6282.7
Property crime67n/a (estimate)7201,4171,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Chatham, NJ

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Chatham is 68.6% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Chatham, there were 1 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 11 per 100,000 individuals, 97.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 67 property crimes, amounting to 720 per 100,000 residents, 63.2% lower than the U.S. average.

Chatham proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 731, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Chatham as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

Chatham has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 11 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Chatham ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the latest reported crime year, Chatham recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Chatham?

What do the local residents think about crime in Chatham? Well, based on a recent survey of 8 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 63% of Chatham residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 38% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Chatham a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Chatham a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Chatham crime rate is 69% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.19 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.18 property crimes.

Has Crime in Chatham Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Chatham. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Chatham has increased by 9.7%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 9.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Chatham.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chatham

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Chatham crime rates. The population density in Chatham is 3718.7 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Chatham, the cost of living is 71.04% higher than the national average.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Chatham, the average rental rates are $1,833 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Chatham crime map



The Chatham crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chatham as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Chatham crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chatham crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Chatham, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chatham crime rates are 69% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chatham are 97% lower than the national average
      • In Chatham you have a 1 in 137 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chatham is safer than 90% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chatham has increased by 1%

      Chatham, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Chatham

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Chatham?
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        See all Chatham poll results

        Daily Crime In Chatham (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Chatham, NJ per 100,000 people. In Chatham, the total number of daily crimes is 2.22 times less than the New Jersey average and 3.18 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Chatham is 18.88 times less than the New Jersey average and 34.42 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Chatham has a daily crime rate that is 1.97 times less than the New Jersey average and 2.71 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Chatham (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Chatham in comparison to other New Jersey communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Chatham safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Chatham being safer than 81% of cities in New Jersey and 90% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking New Jersey cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Chatham. In conclusion, Chatham ranks above average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chatham

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chatham is 1 in 9308
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chatham is 1 in 139
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chatham is 1 in 137
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Chatham? If you reside in Chatham, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 9308. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 139 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Chatham, is 1 in 137.

        Year Over Year Crime In Chatham (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Chatham is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Chatham violent crime rates have decreased by 8%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 1% year over year. Total crimes for Chatham has increased by 1% in the same time frame.

        Chatham police department

        Item Chatham New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2114,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.35.73.3
        There are a total of 21 Chatham police officers. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 59% less than the New Jersey average and 28.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,58232222254
        Rockaway, NJ6,3450258258
        Hopatcong, NJ14,22896192288
        Mendham, NJ4,8800302302
        Bernardsville, NJ7,6410347347
        Florham Park, NJ11,71929387417
        Mountain Lakes, NJ4,24953368421
        Chatham, NJ8,72911720731

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Cortez, CO8,7295122,9603,472
        Brigantine, NJ8,725799681,047
        Swissvale, PA8,7243281,7342,062
        New Albany, MS8,723262,3282,354
        Park Ridge, NJ8,72110269279
        Chatham, NJ8,72911720731
        Source: The Chatham, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.