Elizabeth, NJ is a bustling city located in Union County, New Jersey. With a population of over 135,700 people, Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in the state. It is known for its diverse population, easy access to public transportation, and low cost of living. However, many people may be wondering if Elizabeth is a safe place to live.

In this article, we will explore the reported crime rates in Elizabeth, initiatives to improve safety, and the pros and cons of living in the city.

Is Elizabeth NJ safe to live in?

Elizabeth, NJ is not considered one of the safest cities to live in. It ranks ranks 35th in safety, with 65% of cities being safer than Elizabeth.

The estimated crime rate in Elizabeth is 33.32 crimes per 1,000 residents, with core neighborhoods having a higher crime rate of 1 in 16 and the northwest having a lower rate of 1 in 57.

One of the safety concerns in Elizabeth is incidents of bullying, harassment, and violence against women on university campuses, including Kean University, which has a history of criminal activity. While these incidents are not limited to Elizabeth, they should be taken into consideration when deciding on a place to live.

Elizabeth has a higher crime rate compared to the national average and overall crime rate in New Jersey. With a total crime rate of 2,834.4 per 100k people, the city has a 20.82% higher crime rate than the national average and 109.40% higher crime rate than the state's overall average.

This can be attributed to the city's dense population, as Elizabeth is the fourth most populous city in New Jersey with an annual growth rate of 0.88%. Consequently, the city has a higher crime rate than other cities in the state.

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Elizabeth NJ crime rate information

Violent Crimes Reported in Elizabeth

Violent crimes are made up of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault and aggravated assault.

Unfortunately, the violent crime rate in Elizabeth is 88.83% higher than the national average, which is a concerning statistic to keep in mind. Based on reported incidents, the chances of being a victim of a violent crime in Elizabeth are 1 in 143.9, which is 233.96% higher than the New Jersey violent crime rate.

Each year, approximately 897 violent crimes are committed in Elizabeth, resulting in an estimated 694.9 violent crimes per 100,000 people. These numbers are much higher than the national average and should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to live in Elizabeth.

Property Crimes Reported in Elizabeth

Elizabeth, New Jersey has a higher rate of property crimes than the national average, with a 1 in 32.3 chance of becoming a victim of such crimes. Annually, around 4,002 property crimes are reported in the area, which equates to approximately 3,100.4 property crimes per 100,000 people.

These statistics highlight the importance of being cautious when considering a short or long-term stay in Elizabeth. Despite the existence of safer neighborhoods in the area, it's crucial to be aware of the elevated crime rate compared to other nearby cities and the U.S as a whole, and take appropriate precautions. The property crime rate in Elizabeth is 40.96% above the national average.

Crime Rate in Elizabeth Compared to All of New Jersey

Elizabeth, New Jersey has the highest overall crime rate compared to neighboring cities such as Newark and Liden. With a total of 3,795 crimes committed per 100,000 people, it's important to be cautious when considering a stay in Elizabeth.

The chances of experiencing violent crime in Elizabeth are 1 in 143, while in all of New Jersey, that number is 1 in 481. For property crimes, the chances of becoming a victim in Elizabeth are 1 in 32, compared to 1 in 71 for all of New Jersey.

Initiatives to Improve Safety in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth, New Jersey has taken several steps to improve safety in the area and reduce crime rates. The city has implemented crime prevention programs such as community policing and installing surveillance cameras in public areas, which have contributed to the decrease in crime rates in recent years.

Police departments have also received funding from federal, state, and private grants to purchase body armor, increase patrols in specific locations, and provide incentives for ticket writing.

Additionally, initiatives like the Police Explorers and Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D) programs have been launched to provide hands-on police training and educate the community on the dangers of drug use. Despite these efforts, crime rates in Elizabeth remain high compared to neighboring cities.

The Safest Neighborhoods in Elizabeth

Some of the safest neighborhoods in Elizabeth include Quality Hill, Elmora West, Crane Square, and the Westfield Ave/Springfield Rd area. These neighborhoods have notably lower crime rates compared to other parts of the city.

However, it's worth noting that areas with higher foot traffic, such as retail areas, parks, and recreational spots, tend to experience more crime.

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Elizabeth

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Elizabeth include Elmora Northwest, Elmora South, and Bayway North. These areas are known for experiencing more crime compared to other parts of the city. If you're looking for properties to rent or buy in Elizabeth, it's best to steer clear of these neighborhoods. Doing so can help ensure your safety and peace of mind in the long run.

Pros of Living in Elizabeth, NJ

If you're considering moving to Elizabeth, NJ, you may be wondering about the benefits of living in this city. Here are some of the top advantages of living in Elizabeth, NJ:

Low Cost of Living

  • Affordable housing options are available in neighborhoods such as The Ironbound, Elmora, and Bayway. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Elizabeth starts around $1,200 per month.
  • The ShopRite of Elizabeth is a popular grocery store with competitive prices compared to other stores in the area.
  • Entertainment options such as the AMC Jersey Gardens 20 movie theater and the Boxwood Hall State Historic Site offer affordable ways to have fun without breaking the bank.

Easy Access to Public Transportation

  • The NJ Transit train station in Elizabeth provides direct access to New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station. The train ride to New York City takes around 30 minutes and costs $7.75 one way.
  • The NJ Transit bus system offers several routes within Elizabeth and to nearby cities such as Newark and Jersey City.
  • Elizabeth is located near major highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Routes 1&9, making it easy to drive to other parts of New Jersey and beyond.

Lots of Amenities

  • Warinanco Park is a 204-acre park located in Elizabeth that offers several recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.
  • The Mills at Jersey Gardens is a large outlet mall located in Elizabeth with over 200 stores.
  • The Union County Performing Arts Center is a historic theater located in downtown Elizabeth that hosts concerts, plays, and other events.

Employment

  • Trinitas Regional Medical Center is a large hospital located in Elizabeth that employs over 2,700 people.
  • The Port of Elizabeth is one of the largest container ports on the East Coast and is a major employer in the area.
  • The Elizabeth Board of Education is the largest employer in Elizabeth, with over 3,000 employees across its district.

Diversity

  • The Ironbound neighborhood is known for its Portuguese and Brazilian communities, with several restaurants and shops that specialize in these cultures.
  • The Elizabeth Polish-American Foundation hosts an annual Polish Festival in September that celebrates Polish culture with food, music, and dance.
  • The Elizabeth Haitian Community Center provides services such as English classes, job training, and immigration services to the Haitian community in Elizabeth.

Cons of Living in Elizabeth, NJ

Here are some of the potential downsides of living in Elizabeth:

High Crime Rate

  • Elizabeth has a higher crime rate than the national average with a crime rate index of 33, but crime rates have been decreasing in recent years.

Traffic Congestion

  • Elizabeth's proximity to major highways and transportation hubs can result in heavy traffic congestion during peak commuting hours. Furthermore, some of the roads in Elizabeth are narrow and poorly maintained, making driving challenging.

Environmental Hazards

  • Elizabeth has industrial facilities that release pollutants into the air and water, posing a risk to human health. The city is also in a flood zone, which makes it vulnerable to damage from storms and hurricanes.

Limited Nightlife

  • Elizabeth's nightlife scene is not as vibrant as nearby cities like New York City and Jersey City. While there are some restaurants and bars, some areas in Elizabeth can feel unsafe at night, which may limit entertainment options.

What Do Residents Say About Elizabeth, NJ?

According to locals, the community is very close-knit, with many people knowing each other. However, like any city, Elizabeth does have its share of crime, and some areas are safer than others.

Residents have reported an increase in parking issues and traffic, especially since the pandemic. Many people are parking in bus stops, making it difficult for riders to access the buses, especially for those with disabilities. Moreover, parking in yellow line areas has become a common issue, which contributes to the traffic problem.

While the city has a lot to offer, there is room for improvement. Some residents have expressed a desire for more transparency from the board of education and more funding for community programs. The rent has also skyrocketed in recent years, making it challenging for longtime locals to afford housing. Many residents feel that the city needs more rent-controlled and affordable housing to address this issue.

Conclusion

The statistics indicate that the rising crime rate in Elizabeth is a cause for concern, despite efforts by the police force to improve safety. Thus, it is clear that the city cannot yet be considered a safe place to live.