Is Paterson, NJ Safe? 2026 Crime Rates & Safety Report
Key facts
- 01
Paterson, New Jersey reported 215.65 robbery offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 4.47 times the national reference of 48.24 per 100,000 and 167.41 per 100,000 above that reference, with 340 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 02
Paterson, New Jersey reported 606.37 aggravated assault offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 2.64 times the national reference of 229.56 per 100,000 and 376.81 per 100,000 above that reference, with 956 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 03
Paterson, New Jersey reported 461.75 motor vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 2.39 times the national reference of 193.00 per 100,000 and 268.75 per 100,000 above that reference, with 728 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 04
Paterson, New Jersey reported 334.90 burglary offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.78 times the national reference of 188.15 per 100,000 and 146.75 per 100,000 above that reference, with 528 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 05
Paterson, New Jersey reported 1,573.01 larceny-theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.42 times the national reference of 1,106.97 per 100,000 and 466.04 per 100,000 above that reference, with 2,480 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
Quick answer
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Paterson, NJ has an adjusted safety score of 28.33 out of 100. It ranks #6 in this comparison set out of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in New Jersey. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as stable.
Jump to Section
2026 edition, FBI source year 2025.
Every number on this page ships in the New Jersey workbook.
Key Public Safety Indicators
Reported rates per 100,000 residents; national references shown alongside.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 340 | 215.65 | 48.24 |
4.47× national |
| Aggravated Assault | 956 | 606.37 | 229.56 |
2.64× national |
| Burglary | 528 | 334.9 | 188.15 |
1.78× national |
| Larceny-theft | 2480 | 1573.01 | 1106.97 |
1.42× national |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 728 | 461.75 | 193.0 |
2.39× national |
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What drives Paterson's safety score?
Paterson ranks in the bottom quarter of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in New Jersey, ahead of approximately 0% of that scored set. The profile uses a reporting population of 157,660 and source-year data through 2025; it is a citywide agency-level comparison, not a neighborhood forecast.
The strongest of the three score components is Property Security at 31.69, while Community Order is lowest at 25.27. The 6.42-point spread shows why the composite should be read by component instead of as a single absolute claim about safety.
Among the five public offense indicators, Robbery is highest relative to its national reference at 215.65 per 100,000 (4.47× the national rate). Larceny-theft is lowest on the same relative basis at 1573.01 per 100,000 (1.42× national).
Coverage check: 18 of 18 tracked offense classes have reportable values in this profile. Missing values are not converted to zero.
Public indicator mix
Paterson, New Jersey recorded 2,480 larceny-theft offenses in 2025, 49.3% of the 5,032 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 340 robbery reports (6.8%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Paterson, New Jersey recorded 956 aggravated assault offenses in 2025, 19.0% of the 5,032 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 340 robbery reports (6.8%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Paterson, New Jersey recorded 728 motor vehicle theft offenses in 2025, 14.5% of the 5,032 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 340 robbery reports (6.8%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Paterson, New Jersey uses a reporting population of 157,660 residents and has values for 18 of the 18 tracked offense classes (100.0%) in its 2025 profile; coverage describes available classes rather than the share of residents reporting crime.
Paterson, New Jersey has an adjusted score of 28.33 points out of 100 versus 74.16 in Toms River Township, New Jersey, a difference of 45.83 points below that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Paterson ranks 6 of 6 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Paterson, New Jersey has an adjusted score of 28.33 points out of 100 versus 56.94 in Trenton, New Jersey, a difference of 28.61 points below that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Paterson ranks 6 of 6 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Additional tracked offense classes
- Homicide
- Rape
- Kidnapping/Abduction
- Human Trafficking
- Arson
- Theft From Building
- Theft From Motor Vehicle
- Simple Assault
- Intimidation
- Stolen Property Offenses
- Vandalism
- Weapon Law Violations
- Drug/Narcotic Violations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paterson safe compared to other places in New Jersey?
Paterson is classified as having low relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 28.33 out of 100 and ranks #6 in this comparison set out of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in New Jersey.
What is the crime rate in Paterson?
Public offense rates are listed above.
What is Paterson's safety rating?
Paterson's safety rating in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index is 28.33 out of 100, which ranks #6 in this comparison set out of the 6 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in New Jersey. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as stable, using source-year data through 2025.
What is the safest neighborhood in Paterson?
This profile covers the reporting jurisdiction; consult local sources for neighborhood detail.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Paterson?
Full offense series: state workbook.
Reading notes
Safety Atlas methodology · 2026 coverage report
Cite This Public Safety Profile
Citation formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.