
New Jersey has lots of great small towns that attract families for their schools, their park systems and their sense of community. Low crime is another factor that’s important so it’s good news that six NJ towns made it to the list of safest in the nation. And five of them are located in Central Jersey.
MoneyGeek analyzed crime statistics by quantifying the cost of crime and ranking small cities and towns in every state. This analysis followed MoneyGeek’s previous ranking of the safest large cities in America, according to a report by MediaFeed. Factors such as data on violent crimes and property crimes were evaluated; although property crimes happen more frequently, violent crimes (like murder and assault) are more costly.
NJ’s first entry on the list is Monroe Twp. in Middlesex County, which ranked No. 6 in the Top 25. According to the study, there is a population of 45,000 but the cost of crime per capita is just $39.
Other NJ towns that have the lowest crime stats are:
13. Middletown
16. Princeton
19. Marlboro
20. Fair Lawn
21. Old Bridge
Monroe has a great school district, expansive parks and lots of senior communities. Middletown is a ferry ride away from Manhattan, so it’s a convenient commuter town. Princeton is known for its downtown area along Nassau Street and Palmer Square, plus the prestigious university and lots of hiking trails. Marlboro is situated in the heart of Monmouth County, with its shopping, commercial centers and restaurants. Fair Lawn is considered a bedroom suburb with cute, distinct neighborhoods. And Old Bridge is one of the larger small towns in Middlesex County, known for its history and open space.
Small cities and towns are twice as safe as big cities, according to the study. The analysis found that the median cost of crime in cities and towns with populations between 30,000 and 100,000 was $640, compared to cities with populations over 100,000, where the median cost of crime was $1,320.
Crime takes a toll on communities emotionally and economically. In addition to direct costs from property loss, services for victims and policing and corrections, residents of higher-crime areas often pay higher rates on car insurance, homeowners insurance and renters insurance, according to the study.
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