| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Summit/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 194 | n/a (estimate) | 871 | 1,743 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.8 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 18.0 | 17.9 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 49.9 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 31.4 | 150.7 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 49 | 221 | 364 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 175.1 | 154.8 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 130 | n/a | 583.7 | 1,176.1 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 62.9 | 190.7 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 183 | n/a (estimate) | 822 | 1,522 | 1,917 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Summit crime rate is 60.3% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Summit, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 31 per 100,000 individuals, 91.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, Summit recorded 200 property crimes, amounting to 892 per 100,000 residents, 54.3% lower than the U.S. average.
Summit stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 31 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Summit secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
Summit showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Summit residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 100% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Summit were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 0% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Summit 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, Summit has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 60%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.57 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.55 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Summit as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Summit. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Summit has increased by 0.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 75%, while property crimes have increased by 1%. 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.
Summit has a poverty rate that stands at 5.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Summit crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Summit currently has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Summit, 93% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
| Item | Summit | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 55 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Mountainside, NJ | 6,859 | 14 | 230 | 244 |
| Weston, NJ | 1,959 | 44 | 302 | 345 |
| Caldwell, NJ | 7,970 | 68 | 329 | 397 |
| Bernardsville, NJ | 7,641 | 13 | 430 | 443 |
| Fanwood, NJ | 7,686 | 13 | 432 | 445 |
| Mendham, NJ | 4,880 | 57 | 395 | 453 |
| Rockaway, NJ | 6,345 | 15 | 468 | 483 |
| Summit, NJ | 21,913 | 49 | 822 | 871 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bloomington, CA | 21,907 | 701 | 3,210 | 3,911 |
| Bloomingdale, IL | 21,905 | 58 | 1,672 | 1,730 |
| Leland, NC | 21,903 | 96 | 511 | 607 |
| Pace, FL | 21,898 | 270 | 1,409 | 1,678 |
| Gardner, KS | 21,936 | 215 | 711 | 926 |
| Summit, NJ | 21,913 | 49 | 822 | 871 |
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