Middlesex County stands as a populous and varied county in New Jersey, boasting a population exceeding 800,000 residents and encompassing 25 municipalities. It proudly hosts institutions like Rutgers University and Johnson & Johnson, alongside a plethora of cultural and historical landmarks.
Nevertheless, akin to any major urban region, it contends with its portion of criminal activity and aggression. Drawing from the most recent FBI crime statistics, here are the top five neighborhoods in Middlesex County that exhibit higher levels of danger, ordered by the count of violent crimes occurring per 100,000 individuals.
South Amboy
South Amboy, located by the Raritan Bay, is a small city home to around 9,000 residents. Its history is marked by being both a transportation hub and a resort town. However, the city grapples with issues of poverty and crime. In the year 2019, South Amboy recorded a rate of 219.5 violent crimes for every 100,000 individuals, surpassing the national average of 366.7.
The prevalent forms of violent crime were aggravated assault and robbery, numbering 12 and 11 cases respectively. Furthermore, South Amboy faced a significant property crime rate of 1,307.4 per 100,000 residents, primarily attributed to instances of theft and burglary.
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Perth Amboy
Perth Amboy stands as another city located alongside the shores of Raritan Bay, housing a population of approximately 52,000 residents. It has gained recognition for its historically significant waterfront district and its diverse community, particularly its sizable Hispanic populace. Nevertheless, Perth Amboy grapples with a range of societal and economic hurdles, including issues such as unemployment, limited income, and substance abuse.
In the year 2019, Perth Amboy documented a rate of 361.8 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals, a figure almost on par with the national average. The prevalent forms of violent crimes were identified as aggravated assault and robbery, comprising 69 and 53 incidents respectively.
Furthermore, the city exhibited a notably elevated rate of property-related offenses, standing at 1,641 per 100,000 inhabitants. These offenses were primarily attributed to instances of theft and motor vehicle theft.
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New Brunswick
New Brunswick serves as the hub of Middlesex County and hosts Rutgers University. With a dynamic population of approximately 56,000 residents, the city offers a plethora of educational, cultural, and entertainment prospects. However, beneath its vibrant exterior, New Brunswick contends with concerning issues such as gang-related violence, drug trade, and instances of corruption.
In 2019, New Brunswick registered a rate of 467.9 violent crimes for every 100,000 individuals, surpassing the national average by more than 100 points. Among these, the most prevalent were cases of aggravated assault and robbery, numbering 128 and 114 incidents respectively. Moreover, the city grappled with a notable property crime rate of 1,984.1 per 100,000 residents, largely attributed to theft and burglary.
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Carteret
Carteret, located along the Arthur Kill waterway, is a borough with a population of around 24,000 residents. This suburban area blends residential and industrial zones, serving as a crucial hub for transportation related to oil refineries and warehouses. Despite its tranquil appearance, Carteret faces a significant crime issue.
In the year 2019, Carteret registered a violent crime rate of 569 incidents per 100,000 individuals, surpassing the national average by more than 200 points. The primary violent offenses consisted of aggravated assault and robbery, with 54 and 47 cases respectively. Additionally, the borough reported a notable property crime rate of 1,903.9 per 100,000 people, largely attributed to theft and motor vehicle theft.
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Sayreville
Sayreville, situated along the Raritan River, is a borough home to approximately 45,000 residents. It possesses a suburban character, bolstered by a robust industrial foundation and a burgeoning commercial landscape.
The town has gained renown for its vibrant music scene and illustrious locals, including Jon Bon Jovi and Marilyn Manson. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that Sayreville grapples with a notable issue: it holds the distinction of having the highest crime rate in Middlesex County, far surpassing other areas.
In the year 2019, Sayreville documented a remarkably high rate of 990.7 violent crimes per 1000 individuals, surpassing the national average by an astonishing margin of more than 600 points. The prevalent forms of violent crimes were aggravated assault, constituting 203 instances, and robbery, with 165 cases. Additionally, Sayreville contended with a significant property crime rate of 3,245.4 incidents per 1000 individuals, primarily attributed to theft and burglary.
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Final Words
These represent the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Middlesex County, New Jersey, as indicated by the most recent FBI crime statistics. Nonetheless, while crime figures hold significance, they shouldn’t be the sole criteria for determining your place of residence.
Every neighborhood possesses its unique advantages and disadvantages, along with the potential for enhancement. Thus, conducting personal research and physically exploring these areas prior to arriving at any conclusions is of utmost importance.
