Passaic County, situated within the New York metropolitan area, is a New Jersey county with a population of approximately 501,826 residents and spanning 197 square miles. Renowned for its diverse culture, picturesque parks, and historic landmarks, Passaic County offers a mix of attractions.
Nonetheless, it’s important to note that not all areas within Passaic County enjoy the same level of safety and tranquility. Several neighborhoods grapple with elevated crime rates, diminished quality of life, and social challenges. In this article, we will delve into the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Passaic County, New Jersey:
Paterson
Paterson, with approximately 145,233 residents, holds the distinction of being Passaic County’s largest and most densely populated city. Unfortunately, it also faces significant safety challenges, boasting a crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 residents.
The year 2022 saw a concerning spike in homicides, reaching 25, the highest count since 1991. Additionally, Paterson has gained notoriety for its ongoing issues with drug trafficking and gang-related activities. The city grapples with long-standing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, and racial tensions that have persisted for decades.
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Salem
Salem, located in Salem County, New Jersey, shares its border with Passaic County. It encompasses an area of approximately 2.8 square miles and is home to around 4,977 residents. Regrettably, it holds the distinction of being the second most unsafe location in Passaic County, exhibiting a crime rate of 10.5 incidents per 1,000 residents.
In the year 2022, Salem experienced 237 property-related crimes, accounting for more than half of the total reported offenses within the city. Moreover, Salem grapples with economic challenges, including high levels of poverty and unemployment. The city’s median household income stands at $26,579, while the poverty rate hovers at a concerning 36.9%.
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Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights, situated in Ocean County, New Jersey, shares its border with Passaic County. This borough spans 0.8 square miles and is home to approximately 2,903 residents. Regrettably, it ranks as the third most crime-prone area in Passaic County, with a crime rate of 10.4 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Notably, Seaside Heights grapples with a substantial number of non-violent offenses, including fraud, vandalism, and disorderly conduct. In the year 2022, the borough reported 302 such incidents, comprising over two-thirds of the total reported crimes.
Despite its crime challenges, Seaside Heights remains a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer season. This borough is renowned for its lively boardwalk, amusement park attractions, and vibrant nightlife.
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Brooklawn
Brooklawn, situated in Camden County, New Jersey, shares its border with Passaic County. The borough spans an area of 0.4 square miles and has a population of approximately 1,955 residents. Notably, it ranks as the fourth most hazardous location in Passaic County, with a crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents.
One significant concern in Brooklawn is the prevalence of property crimes, including burglary, theft, and arson. In the year 2022, the borough reported 180 property crimes, constituting over 90% of its total crime incidents.
Furthermore, Brooklawn’s proximity to Camden, one of the nation’s most perilous cities, is worth noting. Camden boasts a high crime rate of 42.5 per 1,000 residents and holds the distinction of being the second most violent city in the United States.
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Millville
Millville, located in Cumberland County, New Jersey, shares its border with Passaic County. Its population stands at approximately 27,391 residents, covering an area spanning 44.3 square miles.
Ranked as the fifth most crime-prone area in Passaic County, Millville exhibits a crime rate of 8.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. In 2022, the city recorded 244 instances of violent crimes, constituting more than half of the total reported crimes within the city. Additionally, Millville hosts several industrial sites that present environmental and health concerns.
The city has grappled with pollution, contamination, and hazardous waste stemming from its glass manufacturing, textile, and steel industries.
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Conclusion
Based on web search results, the following five neighborhoods in Passaic County, New Jersey are considered the most dangerous. They exhibit elevated crime rates, a diminished quality of life, and pervasive social issues, rendering them inhospitable and unattractive for both residents and visitors.
If you find yourself in or around these areas, exercise caution and implement safety measures to safeguard yourself and your belongings. Prioritize your safety at all times.
