An Overview of Crime Rates in Camden, NJ
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Camden is 85.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Camden, there were 1125 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1571 per 100,000 individuals, 324.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1970 property crimes, amounting to 2751 per 100,000 residents, 40.8% higher than the U.S. average.
Having a crime rate of 4322 per 100,000 residents, Camden experiences a crime rate that is 85.94% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Camden contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
With a violent crime rate of 1571 crimes per 100,000 residents, Camden is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Camden ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 64 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Camden stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Camden, a total of 28 murders were reported, equating to 39 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Camden faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 432 vehicle thefts, translating to 603 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Camden in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 166.
What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Camden?
AreaVibes surveyed 129 local residents in Camden to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 24% of people answered that there was very little crime in Camden and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 76% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Camden a Safe Place to Live?
Determining whether Camden is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Camden has an overall crime rate that is 86% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 8.48 daily occurrences, comprising 3.08 violent crimes and 5.4 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Camden as a potential place to establish residency.
Has Crime in Camden Increased Since Last Year?
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Camden crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Camden has increased by 12.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 4% and property crime has increased by 24.8%.
Potential Causes for Crime in Camden
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Camden, the cost of living is 7.91% lower than the national average.
In Camden, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 4.06 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Camden are $938, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
