| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Perth Amboy/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 993 | n/a (estimate) | 1,760 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 5.3 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 21.3 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 39.0 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 184 | n/a | 326.2 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 221 | n/a (estimate) | 392 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 94 | n/a | 166.6 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 585 | n/a | 1,037.1 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 93 | n/a | 164.9 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 772 | n/a (estimate) | 1,369 | 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 Perth Amboy is 16.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 221 violent crimes reported in Perth Amboy, equivalent to 392 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 9.1%. Additionally, Perth Amboy recorded 772 property crimes, amounting to 1369 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 22.2%.
Perth Amboy exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 392 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Perth Amboy as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
AreaVibes surveyed 17 local residents in Perth Amboy to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 65% of people answered that there was very little crime in Perth Amboy and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 35% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Perth Amboy a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Perth Amboy has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 17%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 2.72 daily incidents, encompassing 0.61 violent crimes and 2.12 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Perth Amboy as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Perth Amboy. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Perth Amboy has increased by 54%. Violent crimes have increased by 61.3%, while property crimes have increased by 52%. 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 educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Perth Amboy, 64.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Perth Amboy, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.75 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Perth Amboy has an average rental rate of $2,114 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

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| Item | Perth Amboy | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 141 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Matawan, NJ | 9,033 | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| South River, NJ | 16,447 | 49 | 99 | 148 |
| Fair Haven, NJ | 6,065 | 16 | 181 | 198 |
| Navesink, NJ | 1,364 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Cranbury, NJ | 2,281 | 34 | 224 | 258 |
| New Providence, NJ | 13,898 | 44 | 255 | 299 |
| Six Mile Run, NJ | 3,566 | 42 | 272 | 313 |
| Perth Amboy, NJ | 53,480 | 392 | 1,369 | 1,760 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bentonville, AR | 53,401 | 255 | 828 | 1,083 |
| Queen Creek, AZ | 53,585 | 120 | 822 | 941 |
| Placentia, CA | 53,649 | 357 | 1,466 | 1,824 |
| Oak Park, IL | 53,295 | 324 | 3,608 | 3,931 |
| Kentwood, MI | 53,236 | 388 | 2,182 | 2,570 |
| Perth Amboy, NJ | 53,480 | 392 | 1,369 | 1,760 |