Paterson, NJ is a bustling city located in Passaic County, New Jersey. With a population of over 159,000 people, Paterson is the third-most populous city in the state. The city is known for its industrial history, diverse community, and rich cultural heritage. However, many people may have concerns about the safety of living in Paterson.

In this article, we will delve into the reported crime rates in Paterson, initiatives taken to improve safety, and the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city. 

Is Paterson NJ safe?

Paterson, NJ is not considered one of the safest cities to live in. It ranks lower in safety compared to 78% of U.S. neighborhoods. The estimated crime rate in Paterson is 19.88 crimes per 1,000 residents, with a higher violent crime rate of 7.40 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 12.48 per 1,000 residents.

This means that the chances of being a victim of violent crime in Paterson are 1 in 135 and 1 in 80 for property crime.

Paterson's crime rate is higher than the national average and the overall crime rate in the state of New Jersey. With a total crime rate of 3,137 crimes per year, Paterson has a crime rate 109.40% higher than the state's overall average.

Is Paterson NJ Safe

Paterson NJ crime rate information

Violent Crimes Reported in Paterson

In Paterson, New Jersey, there were 1,168 reported incidents of violent crime, which includes murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. The violent crime rate in Paterson was 7.40 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the national average.

However, this number is still concerning, as it means that there is a 1 in 135.1 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in the city. It is important for residents and visitors to exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Property Crimes Reported in Paterson

Paterson, New Jersey had 1,969 reported incidents of property crime, which includes burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.

The property crime rate in Paterson was 12.48 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average. This means that there is a 1 in 80 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Paterson.

Crime Rate in Paterson Compared to All of New Jersey

Compared to other cities in New Jersey, Paterson has a higher overall crime rate. The total number of crimes committed per 100,000 people in Paterson was 3,799, which is significantly higher than the New Jersey state average of 1,351.

 

Initiatives to Improve Safety in Paterson, NJ

Paterson, New Jersey has also implemented several initiatives to improve safety in the area and reduce crime rates. One of the major efforts has been the establishment of a Community Policing Unit, where police officers work closely with local residents and community organizations to build trust, identify and address safety concerns, and prevent crime in the area.

Another initiative has been the use of ShotSpotter technology, which detects and locates gunfire in real-time and alerts police officers to respond quickly to the scene. The city has also installed surveillance cameras in public areas and on police vehicles, which has helped to deter criminal activity and provide evidence for investigations.

Furthermore, Paterson has received funding from federal, state, and private grants to support initiatives like the Gun Violence Reduction Program, which focuses on reducing gun violence through community engagement, education, and enforcement.

The city has also increased patrols in high-crime areas and invested in technology to improve communication and response times for emergency services.

The Safest Neighborhoods in Paterson

  • Hillcrest
  • Lakeview
  • People's Park
  • Eastside Park Historic District
  • Westside Park
  • Riverside

Paterson is home to several neighborhoods that are known for their safety. These neighborhoods include Hillcrest, Lakeview, People's Park, Eastside Park Historic District, Westside Park, and Riverside. These areas have notably lower crime rates compared to other parts of the city.

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Paterson

  • Eastside
  • South Paterson
  • Northside
  • Haledon Avenue

According to available data, the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Paterson, NJ are Eastside, South Paterson, Northside, and Haledon Avenue. These areas are known for experiencing more crime compared to other neighborhoods in the city. If you're looking for properties to rent or buy in Paterson, NJ, it's best to steer clear of these neighborhoods.

Pros of Living in Paterson, NJ

Cultural Diversity

  • Paterson is known for its diverse population, with a large number of residents from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
  • This can provide a vibrant and multicultural community, with access to a wide range of food, music, and other cultural offerings.

Proximity to Major Cities

  • Paterson is located in northern New Jersey, making it relatively close to major cities such as New York City and Newark.
  • Living close to these cities can provide easy access to their job markets, cultural attractions, and entertainment options.
  • Additionally, Paterson itself has several attractions, including the Great Falls National Historical Park and the Paterson Museum.

Affordable Housing

  • Paterson is generally considered to be a more affordable area to live in compared to other cities in northern New Jersey.
  • Housing costs, in particular, are relatively low compared to nearby cities such as Jersey City and Hoboken.
  • This can make it easier to find affordable housing options and potentially save money on living expenses.

Cons of Living in Paterson, NJ

High Crime Rate

  • According to NeighborhoodScout, Paterson's crime rate is higher than 94% of cities and towns of all sizes in the United States, with a score of 109.40% higher than the state's overall average.
  • Property crime rates, in particular, are high in Paterson, with burglary and theft being relatively common.
  • Living in an area with high crime rates can lead to safety concerns and potentially impact one's quality of life.

Limited Job Opportunities

  • While Paterson is relatively close to major job markets such as New York City and Newark, there are limited job opportunities within the city itself.
  • Unemployment rates in Paterson are generally higher than the national average, which can make it difficult to find stable employment.
  • Additionally, the education and skill levels of many residents may not match the requirements of available jobs, leading to underemployment.

Environmental Concerns

  • Paterson is home to several superfund sites, which are areas contaminated with hazardous waste.
  • Living in an area with environmental concerns can potentially impact one's health and well-being.
  • Additionally, the city has historically struggled with issues such as air pollution and lead contamination.

What Do Residents Say About Paterson, NJ?

Unfortunately, the high crime rate makes Paterson a less than ideal place to raise a family. Shootings are a common occurrence, and there are not enough educational resources and tools available for the younger generation.

Many residents feel that the city needs to invest in cleaning up the area, fixing buildings, and providing better places for children to study and hang out. It is frustrating to have to travel out of state for local teams and educational opportunities when living in an area that should provide them.

Overall, while there is a sense of community in Paterson, the high crime rate and lack of resources make it a challenging place to feel safe and secure. Residents would like to see more investment in improving the city's infrastructure and addressing social issues such as drug addiction to make it a more livable place for everyone.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, the statistics, especially regarding violent crime, suggest that Paterson, NJ's crime rate is a cause for concern, despite police efforts to improve safety. Therefore, at present, Paterson cannot be considered a safe place to live.