Within the New York metropolitan area, Passaic County is a county in New Jersey that is home to about 501,826 people and is 197 square miles in size. Passaic County, well-known for its varied culture, lovely parks, and historic sites, has a variety of attractions.
However, it’s crucial to remember that not every part of Passaic County has the same degree of security and peace. Many communities struggle with high rates of crime, declining standards of living, and social issues. We’ll examine the top five riskiest communities in Passaic County, New Jersey, in this article:
Paterson
Approximately 145,233 people call Paterson home, making it the largest and densest city in Passaic County. Unfortunately, with a crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 residents, it also faces serious safety issues.
The number of killings increased alarmingly in 2022, rising to 25, the highest number since 1991. Paterson has also become well-known for its persistent problems with drug trafficking and gang-related activities. The city is beset by issues that have been there for decades, including racial conflicts, unemployment, poverty, and corruption.
Salem
Salem, which is in New Jersey’s Salem County, borders Passaic County. There are about 4,977 people living there, covering an area of about 2.8 square miles. It is, unfortunately, the second-most dangerous place in Passaic County, with 10.5 crimes committed against per 1,000 residents.
237 property-related crimes were reported in Salem in 2022; this accounted for almost half of all offenses reported in the city. Salem also faces economic difficulties, such as high rates of unemployment and poverty. The poverty rate in the city is a worrisome 36.9%, with the median household income being $26,579.
Seaside Heights
Located in Ocean County, New Jersey, Seaside Heights borders Passaic County. There are roughly 2,903 people living in this 0.8 square mile borough. Unfortunately, with 10.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, it is the third most crime-prone area in Passaic County.
Notably, fraud, vandalism, and disorderly conduct are only a few of the many non-violent charges that Seaside Heights faces. The borough reported 302 of these instances in 2022, which makes up more than two thirds of all reported crimes.
Even with its problems with crime, Seaside Heights is still a well-liked vacation spot, particularly in the summer. This borough is well known for its exciting nightlife, active boardwalk, and amusement park attractions.
Brooklawn
The town of Brooklawn is in Camden County, New Jersey, and it borders Passaic County. With a total area of 0.4 square miles, the borough is home to about 1,955 people. Notably, with a crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents, it is ranked as the fourth most dangerous place in Passaic County.
The frequency of property crimes in Brooklawn, such as theft, arson, and burglary, is a serious problem. 180 property crimes were reported in the borough in 2022; these crimes accounted for more than 90% of all crime incidences.
Moreover, it is noteworthy because Brooklawn is close to Camden, one of the riskiest cities in the country. With 42.5 crimes committed against every 1,000 citizens, Camden is the second most violent city in the country.
Millville
Millville, which is in New Jersey’s Cumberland County, borders Passaic County. It has a population of about 27,391 people living in an area that is 44.3 square miles.
Millville has an 8.9 crime rate per 1,000 residents, making it the fifth most criminalized area in Passaic County. Twenty-four violent crimes were reported in the city in 2022; these 24 incidents accounted for over half of all crimes that were reported in the city. Furthermore, Millville is home to a number of industrial facilities that raise issues with the environment and human health.
The city has had to deal with contamination, pollution, and hazardous waste from the steel, textile, and glass sectors.
In summary
The following five Passaic County, New Jersey neighborhoods are thought to be the most dangerous, according to online search results. They are uninviting and unsightly to both residents and visitors due to their high crime rates, low quality of life, and widespread social problems.
Use caution and take precautions to protect yourself and your things if you find yourself in or near these places. Put your safety first at all times.