New Jersey’s Top 10 Riskiest Cities: Exploring the Dark Side in 2023

Delve into the top 10 riskiest cities in New Jersey for 2023, exploring the challenges and statistics that make these locales stand out.

Photo: Southwest Journal

Top 10 Riskiest Cities

1. Asbury Park: With a population of 15,331, Asbury Park sees 1,226 violent crimes per 100k and 3,424 property crimes per 100k. The city’s overall crime rate is significantly higher than the state average, particularly for violent crime occurrences.
2. Millville: This city of 27,272 residents faces 634 violent crimes per 100k and 3,402 property crimes per 100k. Though not as notorious as some cities for violence, it ranks high in property crime incidents.
3. Bridgeton: With a population of 24,032, Bridgeton experiences 973 violent crimes per 100,000 and 3,066 property crimes per 100,000. It holds the dubious distinction of having the highest burglary rate in New Jersey.
4. Atlantic City: Home to 37,550 people, Atlantic City has 822 violent crimes per 100,000 and 2,697 property crimes per 100,000. Known for its casinos and boardwalk, it also faces significant crime challenges.
5. Woodbury: Despite its smaller size of 9,744 residents, Woodbury contends with 389 violent crimes per 100,000 and 3,366 property crimes per 100,000, making it notable for property-related issues.
6. Lindenwold: A city of 17,206, Lindenwold deals with 633 violent crimes per 100,000 and 2,417 property crimes per 100,000. It faces high rates of rape and burglary.
7. Neptune City: Hosting 27,320 inhabitants, Neptune City has 391 violent crimes per 100,000 and 3,327 property crimes per 100,000. While its violent crime rate is low, property crime remains a concern.
8. Camden: With a population of 73,127, Camden grapples with 1,602 violent crimes per 100,000 and 2,159 property crimes per 100,000, known for its high violent crime and murder rates.
9. Elizabeth: As New Jersey’s fourth most populous city with 129,518 residents, Elizabeth contends with 597 violent crimes per 100,000 and 2,236 property crimes per 100,000, predominantly robberies and assaults.
10. Absecon: This coastal town, housing 8,856 individuals, faces 282 violent crimes per 100,000 and 3,895 property crimes per 100,000, primarily dealing with burglary and larceny concerns.

READ ALSO: 10 Most Dangerous Cities In New Jersey 2023: Exploring the Dark Side

Unforgettable Horror: The John List Family Massacre

John List committed one of New Jersey’s most heinous crimes in 1971, slaughtering his entire family in their Westfield home. After the murders, List vanished, leaving the house staged with lights and music. It took nearly a month before the bodies were found. For 18 years, he lived under a new identity in Colorado until a viewer’s tip on “America’s Most Wanted” led to his capture in 1989. List’s case remains a chilling and infamous chapter in the state’s history.

READ ALSO: Where Is John List Now? ‘The Watcher’ Murderer Is Based on a Real Killer Who Made a New Identity After Killing His Family