Irvington, NJ is a vibrant township located in Essex County, New Jersey. With a population of over 60,000 people, Irvington is a densely populated area in the state. It is known for its historical significance, cultural diversity, and proximity to major transportation hubs. However, people may wonder about the safety of living in Irvington.

In this article, we will examine the reported crime rates in Irvington, efforts to enhance safety, and the advantages and disadvantages of residing in the township.

Is Irvington NJ safe to live in?

Irvington, NJ is not considered one of the safest cities to live in, with a safety ranking of being safer than only 21% of U.S. neighborhoods. The estimated crime rate in Irvington is 20.36 crimes per 1,000 residents, with 3.15 violent crimes and 17.22 property crimes per 1,000 residents.

The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Irvington are 1 in 318, while the chances of becoming a victim of a property crime are 1 in 58. Compared to the state's overall average, Irvington has a higher crime rate, with a total crime rate of 1,230 crimes per year, including 190 violent crimes and 1,040 property crimes. 

Is Irvington NJ Safe?

Irvington NJ crime rate information

Violent Crimes Reported in Irvington

According to the data, there were 190 reported incidents of violent crime in Irvington, resulting in a violent crime rate of 3.15 per 1,000 residents. These crimes include murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, and aggravated assault.

Compared to the national average, the violent crime rate in Irvington is 83.24% higher, which is a concerning statistic. The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Irvington are 1 in 318, which is 45.38% higher than the state of New Jersey's violent crime rate.

Property Crimes Reported in Irvington

In Irvington, there were 1,040 reported incidents of property crime, resulting in a property crime rate of 17.22 per 1,000 residents. These crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

The chances of becoming a victim of a property crime in Irvington are 1 in 58, which is 48.31% higher than the state of New Jersey's property crime rate. Compared to the national average, the property crime rate in Irvington is 71.16% higher, which is a significant concern.

Crime Rate in Irvington Compared to All of New Jersey

Irvington has a total crime rate of 20.36 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the state of New Jersey's overall crime rate of 13.16 per 1,000 residents.

The chances of experiencing violent crime in Irvington are 1 in 318, whereas for all of New Jersey, that number is 1 in 595. For property crimes, the chances of becoming a victim in Irvington are 1 in 58, compared to 1 in 89 for all of New Jersey.

Initiatives to Improve Safety in Irvington, NJ

Irvington, New Jersey has also implemented several initiatives to improve safety in the area and reduce crime rates. The city has established community policing programs where police officers work closely with community members to identify and address safety concerns.

Additionally, Irvington has installed surveillance cameras in public areas to deter criminal activity and assist in investigations. The police department has received funding from federal, state, and private grants to purchase equipment such as body cameras and patrol vehicles to enhance their ability to respond to emergencies.

To combat drug use and abuse, Irvington has launched initiatives like the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program and the Irvington Municipal Alliance. These programs aim to educate the community, especially young people, about the dangers of drug use and provide resources to those in need of help.

Furthermore, Irvington has increased its efforts to address domestic violence, including the creation of a domestic violence response team and the implementation of training programs for law enforcement officers.

Despite these efforts, crime rates in Irvington remain high compared to neighboring cities.

The Safest Neighborhoods in Irvington

  • Lyons Ave West
  • Irvington West
  • Mill Run at Union North
  • Irvington North
  • First Ward
  • Lyons Ave
  • Irvington South
  • Lyons Ave East

The safest neighborhoods in Irvington, NJ are Lyons Ave West, Irvington West, Mill Run at Union North, Irvington North, First Ward, Lyons Ave, Irvington South, and Lyons Ave East. These neighborhoods have notably lower crime rates compared to other parts of the city.

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Irvington

  • Upper Irvington
  • Lower Irvington
  • Clinton

According to recent crime statistics, some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Irvington, USA include Upper Irvington, Lower Irvington, and Clinton. These areas have consistently reported higher crime rates than other neighborhoods in the city, including violent crimes such as homicide, assault, and robbery.

Pros of Living in Irvington, NJ

Proximity to New York City

  • Irvington is located just 14 miles west of Manhattan, making it a great option for those who want to live close to New York City without paying the high rent prices of the city itself.
  • It is easily accessible by public transportation, with multiple bus and train options available from Irvington to New York City.
  • Living in Irvington can also provide a more relaxed and suburban lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Diverse Community

  • Irvington has a diverse population, with residents from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  • This diversity can create a sense of community and bring different perspectives and experiences to the area.
  • With a range of cultural events and activities, residents can also enjoy learning about and celebrating different cultures.

Access to Amenities

  • Irvington offers a range of amenities, including parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.
  • Multiple parks and recreation areas are available for outdoor activities, such as the Irvington Park and Golf Course, which offers a 9-hole golf course and swimming pool.
  • There are also several shopping centers and restaurants, including the Springfield Avenue Marketplace and the Clinton Avenue Shopping District, providing residents with easy access to necessities and entertainment.

Cons of Living in Irvington, NJ

High Crime Rate

  • Irvington has a high crime rate, particularly when it comes to property crime and violent crime.
  • Residents may feel unsafe or uncomfortable walking alone or at night, and may need to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
  • The high crime rate can also lead to higher insurance premiums and difficulty selling or renting property.

Expensive to Live or Rent Apartment

  • While Irvington may be a more affordable option compared to nearby cities, it can still be expensive to live or rent an apartment in the area.
  • The cost of living may be higher than other areas of New Jersey or the United States, and rents may be above average for the region.
  • This can make it difficult for residents to save money or afford other expenses.

What Do Residents Say About Irvington, NJ?

According to online reviews, the majority of residents rate their experience as average or poor. Many express concerns about high crime rates and gang activity, which has led some to discourage loved ones from living in the area.

However, others appreciate the town's diversity and proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and public transportation. 

Conclusion

The statistics show that the high crime rate in Irvington, NJ is a cause for concern, despite efforts by law enforcement to improve safety. Therefore, it is apparent that Irvington cannot be deemed a safe place to live at this time.