Situated in New Jersey, Mercer County is a vibrant and varied area. It is home to Trenton, the state capital, Princeton University, and a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. However, there are differences in the safety and calm of Mercer County in different parts of the county.
Neighborhoods in Mercer County have different crime rates, as shown by data analysis and mapping. Because of this disparity, certain neighborhoods are noticeably hazardous for both locals and tourists. Based on crime statistics from 2023, we have listed the top five riskiest neighborhoods in Mercer County, New Jersey.
Trenton Central West
Mercer County’s major city and county seat, Trenton, is home to this district. It is located in the western-central region of the county. Geographically, it is bounded to the west by the Delaware River, to the east by Hermitage Avenue, to the north by Route 29, and to the south by Perry Street. There are about 14,000 people living in Trenton Central West, mostly from African American and Hispanic cultures.
Additionally, the poverty rate in this neighborhood is quite high at 38%, which is far higher than the county-wide average of 11%. Mercer County’s most dangerous neighborhood is, regrettably, Trenton Central West, which has a crime rate of 63.6 incidents per 1,000 residents—more than double the average of 28.6—for the county.
Trenton East Trenton
This neighborhood is located next to the city of Ewing in Trenton’s northeastern area. Pennington Avenue lies on the west, Olden Avenue on the north, Ewing Street on the east, and North Clinton Avenue on the south, defining its boundaries.
There are about 16,000 people living in East Trenton, a portion of Trenton, mostly in the African American and Hispanic groups. In addition, the neighborhood has a notable 34% poverty rate, which is far higher than the county’s average of 11%.
Moreover, with a crime incidence of 56.9 incidents per 1,000 residents—nearly double the countywide average of 28.6—East Trenton is the second most criminalized neighborhood in Mercer County.
Trenton Downtown
This area includes Trenton’s commercial and historic district and is located in the city’s center. To the west, Perry Street borders it, to the north, Broad Street borders it, and to the south, Cass Street borders it.
There are about 8,000 people living in Trenton Downtown, most of whom are African Americans and Latinos. Additionally, the region suffers from a high poverty rate of 32%, which is far higher than the county average of 11%.
Additionally, Trenton Downtown boasts a crime rate of 51.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, about double the countywide average of 28.6, making it the third most crime-prone neighborhood in Mercer County.
Trenton South Trenton
This neighborhood is bounded to the west by Lalor Street, to the north by Hamilton Avenue, to the east by Route 1, and to the south by the Morrisville Bridge. It is located in the southern section of Trenton and borders Pennsylvania.
Trenton South Trenton is home to over 18,000 people, most of them are members of African American and Hispanic populations.
It has a high percentage of poverty (31%), more than the county average of 11%. Trenton South Trenton has a crime rate of 49.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is nearly double the county-wide average of 28.6, making it the fourth most dangerous area in Mercer County in terms of safety.
Hamilton Township Bromley
The second-largest municipality in Mercer County, Hamilton Township, contains this neighborhood in its southeast. Nottingham Way to the east, Whitehorse-Mercerville Road to the west, Klockner Road to the north, and Lalor Street to the south are its borders. There are about 10,000 people living in Hamilton Township Bromley, most of whom are African Americans and Hispanics.
With a poverty rate of 24%, which is significantly higher than the county average of 11%, the area also faces substantial socioeconomic issues. In addition, Hamilton Township Bromley is the seventh most criminalized neighborhood in Mercer County, with 40.9 crimes committed per 1,000 residents, about 50% greater than the average of 28.6 for the county.
In summary
According to 2023 crime data, these are Mercer County, New Jersey’s five most hazardous neighborhoods. Vibrant community groups, cultural variety, and important historical landmarks are just a few benefits and opportunities these communities offer, despite the difficulties and safety concerns.
In addition to being respectful of and helpful to the people who live or work in these districts, locals and visitors should be aware of the high incidence of crime in these areas. With its vibrant environment and stunning natural surroundings, Mercer County has something to offer everyone.