Watchung, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Watchung, NJ

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Watchung crime rate is 94.9% higher 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 Watchung, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 62 per 100,000 individuals, 83.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Watchung recorded 289 property crimes, amounting to 4468 per 100,000 residents, 128.6% higher than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 4530 per 100,000 residents, Watchung has a crime rate that is 94.91% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Watchung that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Watchung shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 62 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Watchung an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

Watchung 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.

Watchung reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4468 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to property crime in Watchung, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Watchung?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Watchung residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 80% of Watchung residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 20% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Watchung a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Watchung, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Watchung presents a total crime rate that is 95% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Watchung experiences an average of 0.8 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.79 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Watchung

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. Watchung currently has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, 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.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Watchung crime rates. Watchung registers a population density of 1004 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Watchung, 95.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Watchung crime map