Plainfield, NJ is a city located in Union County, New Jersey with a population of over 56,000 people. It is known for its historic architecture, diverse community, and easy access to major highways and public transportation. However, many people may be wondering if Plainfield is a safe place to live.

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

Is Plainfield NJ safe to live in?

Plainfield, NJ is not considered one of the safest cities to live in, with a safety ranking of being safer than only 30% of U.S. neighborhoods. The estimated crime rate in Plainfield is 16.06 crimes per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 3.44 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 12.61 per 1,000 residents.

The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Plainfield is 1 in 291, which is higher than the state's average of 1 in 595.

The chances of becoming a victim of a property crime in Plainfield is 1 in 79, which is also higher than the state's average of 1 in 89.

These statistics indicate that Plainfield has a relatively high crime rate compared to the state's overall average, which may be a concern for those considering it as a place to live.

Is Plainfield NJ Safe?

Plainfield NJ crime rate information

Violent Crimes Reported in Plainfield

In Plainfield, there were 189 reported violent crimes in the year, resulting in a violent crime rate of 3.44 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Plainfield are 1 in 291, which is higher than the New Jersey average of 1 in 595.

The four offenses that make up violent crimes include murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. Although the violent crime rate in Plainfield is higher than the state average, it is still lower than the national average of 4 per 1,000 residents.

Property Crimes Reported in Plainfield

Plainfield has an annual rate of 693 reported property crimes, resulting in a property crime rate of 12.61 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of a property crime in Plainfield are 1 in 79, which is also higher than the New Jersey average of 1 in 89.

Property crimes include offenses such as burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Although property crime rates in Plainfield are higher than the state average, it is still lower than the national average of 22.94 per 1,000 residents.

Crime Rate in Plainfield Compared to All of New Jersey

Plainfield's total crime rate, which includes both violent and property crimes, is 16.06 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the New Jersey average of 14.50. This makes Plainfield's crime rate 10.62% higher than the state average

Initiatives to Improve Safety in Plainfield, NJ

Is Plainfield NJ Safe?

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

To address drug use and abuse, Plainfield has launched initiatives like the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program and the Plainfield 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, Plainfield 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. These programs aim to provide support and resources to victims of domestic violence and help to prevent incidents of domestic violence from occurring.

Despite these efforts, crime rates in Plainfield remain a concern. The city continues to work with law enforcement agencies and community members to implement new strategies and initiatives to improve public safety and reduce crime rates in the area.

The Safest Neighborhoods in Plainfield

  • Putnam Watchung
  • Lewood
  • Wilding Pointe / Kensington Club
  • Prairie Knoll.
  • Heritage Oaks
  • Carillon
  • Lakewood Falls
  • Stewart Ridge

Plainfield, NJ boasts several safe neighborhoods that have notably lower crime rates compared to other parts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Plainfield include Putnam Watchung, Lewood, Wilding Pointe/Kensington Club, Prairie Knoll, Heritage Oaks, Carillon, Lakewood Falls, and Stewart Ridge.

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Plainfield

  • West End
  • Netherwood Heights

While Plainfield, NJ has several safe neighborhoods, there are also areas of the city that have higher crime rates. Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Plainfield include the West End, Netherwood Heights.

The West End neighborhood has a higher crime rate compared to other parts of Plainfield. This neighborhood has a mix of residential and commercial properties, and some areas are known for drug activity and gang violence.

Netherwood Heights is another neighborhood in Plainfield that has a higher crime rate. This area has a mix of single-family homes and apartments and has experienced issues with property crimes and violent crimes.

Pros of Living in Plainfield, NJ

Diversity

  • Plainfield is a diverse city, with a population that includes African Americans (47%), Hispanics/Latinos (39%), and Whites (7%).
  • This diversity leads to a rich cultural experience, with various festivals and events celebrating different cultures throughout the year.
  • Exposure to different cultures can broaden one's perspective and lead to a greater appreciation of different traditions and ways of life.

Access to transportation

  • Plainfield is located near major highways, including Route 22 and Interstate 287, making it easy to travel to nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia.
  • The city also has a train station with direct service to New York City, making commuting to work or visiting the city for leisure convenient.
  • Additionally, the city has a bus system that provides transportation within the city and to nearby towns.

Affordable cost of living

  • While housing may not be affordable in Plainfield, the overall cost of living is lower than in nearby cities like New York and Newark.
  • According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Plainfield is 21.2% lower than in New York City.
  • This can be beneficial for individuals or families who want to save money on everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation.

Cons of Living in Plainfield, NJ

High crime rate

  • Plainfield has a high crime rate, with a crime index of 30 out of 100, according to NeighborhoodScout.
  • Violent crimes like assault, robbery, and homicide occur at a higher rate than the national average.
  • This can lead to safety concerns for residents and create a sense of unease in the community.

Limited job opportunities

  • While Plainfield is located near major cities with job opportunities, the city itself has limited job prospects.
  • The unemployment rate in Plainfield is 11.6%, which is higher than the national average.
  • This can make it difficult for residents to find stable employment within the city and may require commuting to nearby areas for work.

Poor quality of education

  • The quality of education in Plainfield is lower than the state average.
  • According to Niche, the Plainfield Public School District has a rating of D, with low proficiency levels in subjects like math and reading.
  • This can have a negative impact on the future prospects of students and limit their opportunities for higher education and career advancement.

What Do Residents Say About Plainfield, NJ?

While some appreciate the diversity and cultural aspects of the town, others have concerns about safety and the quality of public schools. The city has a range of housing options, including big beautiful homes, but taxes are high.

Unfortunately, shootings do occur in the sketchier parts of town, and some parents feel that the schools need more staff and resources.

However, there is hope for improvement as the crime rate has been decreasing, and there have been new innovations and developments in the area.

Conclusion 

The statistics show that the high crime rate in Plainfield, 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.