Atlantic City Tops Jersey’s Most Dangerous Towns List
A new crime analysis for 2025 has identified the five most dangerous towns in New Jersey, with Atlantic City claiming the troubling top spot despite its glittering casino backdrop. The seaside gambling destination recorded a violent crime rate 749% higher than the state average, painting a stark contrast to New Jersey’s otherwise relatively safe reputation.
According to comprehensive crime data compiled by AreaVibes, Atlantic City’s violent crime rate reached 1,880 per 100,000 residents, translating to more than five violent crimes daily in the city of just 37,793 people. The city’s struggles with assault, robbery, rape, and homicide continue despite ongoing revitalization efforts aimed at its tourism economy.
The Garden State’s Danger Zones
Following Atlantic City on the list is Camden, a city that has long battled elevated crime rates. With a population of 73,742, Camden recorded a violent crime rate of 1,690 per 100,000 people—664% above the state average. This translates to residents facing a 1-in-59 chance of becoming victims of violent crime, highlighting the persistent challenges in this Philadelphia-adjacent community.
Asbury Park, known for its musical heritage and beach attractions, secured the third position with 1,117 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. The seaside town of approximately 15,536 people experiences about three violent crimes daily despite ongoing gentrification and tourism development efforts in certain neighborhoods.
New Jersey’s capital city, Trenton, ranked fourth with a violent crime rate of 1,040 per 100,000 residents among its population of 83,387. The city has seen a troubling 20% increase in homicides in recent years, contributing to its placement on the list. Notably, Trenton’s robbery rate reached 265 per 100,000 people, while assaults occurred at a rate of 677 per 100,000.
Completing the top five is Salem, a surprising entry given its small population of just 5,297. This rural Salem County town reported a violent crime rate of 1,258 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous small towns in the country. With a staggering 41% poverty rate—the highest in New Jersey—Salem demonstrates how economic challenges can drive crime even in less urbanized settings.
Context and Contributing Factors
“These statistics represent more than just numbers—they reflect complex socioeconomic challenges facing these communities,” explained Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a criminal justice professor at Rutgers University. “Factors like poverty, unemployment, housing instability, and limited access to social services all contribute to elevated crime rates.”
While New Jersey’s overall violent crime rate of 195 per 100,000 residents remains significantly below the national average of 400, these five municipalities highlight pockets of concern requiring targeted intervention. Law enforcement agencies across these communities have implemented various strategies to address violent crime, including community policing initiatives, targeted enforcement in high-crime areas, and partnerships with social service organizations.
Atlantic City officials point to the unique challenges faced by tourism-dependent economies, where the transient population and gambling industry create distinctive public safety concerns. “The city experiences dramatic population fluctuations depending on the season and events, which stretches our resources,” said a public safety official who requested anonymity to speak candidly.
Beyond the Top Five
The analysis also identified several other communities with concerning crime rates, including New Brunswick (933 violent crimes per 100,000), Bridgeton (910), Paterson (904), Passaic (628), and Elizabeth (558). These municipalities, along with Millville (554), complete the state’s top ten most dangerous locations.
New Brunswick’s inclusion is particularly notable given its status as home to Rutgers University. The city’s 55,992 residents face a violent crime rate 322% higher than the state average, with approximately 2.56 violent crimes occurring daily.
Safety Recommendations
For residents and visitors to these communities, law enforcement officials recommend common-sense precautions: staying aware of surroundings, avoiding isolated areas after dark, securing valuables, and reporting suspicious activity promptly.
“It’s important to note that crime isn’t uniformly distributed throughout these cities,” emphasized former New Jersey State Police Captain James Williams. “Every municipality, even those with elevated crime rates, contains safer neighborhoods and areas where crime is less prevalent. Understanding local dynamics is crucial.”
State officials have pledged additional resources to assist high-crime municipalities, including expanded grant programs for community-based violence prevention initiatives and enhanced coordination between state and local law enforcement agencies.
Despite these concerning statistics, New Jersey remains one of the safer states in the nation overall, with many communities reporting minimal violent crime and strong public safety records. The stark contrast between the state’s safest and most dangerous communities underscores the inequality challenges facing the Garden State.
