New Jersey's Top 3 Most Dangerous Cities in 2026

Crime concerns grow in the Garden State, with Camden, Atlantic City, and Trenton topping the list.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A new report has identified the three most dangerous cities in New Jersey for 2026, with Camden, Atlantic City, and Trenton leading the way in crime rates. While New Jersey as a state ranks as the second safest in the U.S., certain cities are still grappling with high levels of robberies, assaults, thefts, and car thefts that have residents on high alert.

Why it matters

Crime data and public safety concerns are important factors for families and businesses when deciding where to live, work, and invest. This report shines a light on the specific cities in New Jersey that are struggling the most with crime, providing valuable information for residents and policymakers alike.

The details

According to the report, Camden suffers an average of four robberies, six assaults, and nearly nine thefts every single day, with over 900 car thefts in 2024. Atlantic City logged 1,690 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, along with an overall crime risk of about 1 in 11. Trenton, the state capital, saw 1,160 violent crimes and 2,950 property crimes per 100,000 people.

  • The 2026 crime data and rankings were released on February 17, 2026.

The players

Camden

A city in New Jersey that has struggled with high crime rates, including robberies, assaults, thefts, and car thefts.

Atlantic City

A popular tourist destination in New Jersey that also has a high crime rate, with 1,690 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and an overall crime risk of about 1 in 11.

Trenton

The capital city of New Jersey, which has seen 1,160 violent crimes and 2,950 property crimes per 100,000 people.

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The takeaway

While New Jersey as a state ranks as the second safest in the U.S., these crime data and public safety concerns in certain cities highlight the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of crime and improve community well-being across the Garden State.