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New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a city with a rich history and diverse population. It is known as The Hub City and The Healthcare City, owing to its role as a regional commercial hub and a centre for medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies. The city has a notable ethnic diversity, with historical significance for the Hungarian community and more recent Latin American immigration.
However, New Brunswick has a reputation for being unsafe. It has a high crime rate, with violent and property crimes being common. The police force has also received negative attention for various incidents, including fatal shootings and corruption. The town has been labelled as one of the worst places to live in the U.S.A. and New Jersey, with factors such as a struggling economy, poor school systems, high unemployment, and low salaries contributing to this perception.
Despite these issues, New Brunswick offers convenient transportation, a vibrant downtown area with restaurants and bars, and a close-knit community with Rutgers University. The presence of the university, hospitals, and corporate headquarters provides educational and employment opportunities. Overall, while the city faces challenges related to crime and economic issues, it also offers cultural and social advantages to its residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 55,846 (2023) |
| Population Density | 10,556.4 per square mile (2010) |
| Racial Makeup | 45.43% White, 16.04% Black or African American, 0.90% Native American, 7.60% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 25.59% other races, 4.39% two or more races (2010) |
| Hispanic or Latino of any race | 49.93% (2010) |
| Average Household Size | 3.36 (2010) |
| Median Household Income | $44,543 (2010) |
| Median Family Income | $44,455 (2010) |
| Per Capita Income | $16,395 (2010) |
| Below Poverty Line | 15.5% of families, 25.8% of population (2010) |
| Crime Rate | 37 per 1,000 residents (2022) |
| Violent Crime Rate | 9.1 per 1,000 residents (2022) |
| Property Crime Rate | 28 per 1,000 residents (2022) |
| University | Rutgers University |
| Nicknames | "The Hub City", "The Healthcare City" |
What You'll Learn
Crime rates
New Brunswick, New Jersey, has a crime rate of 37 per 1,000 residents, which is one of the highest in the United States. Compared to other communities of similar population size, New Brunswick's crime rate is higher than average. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in New Brunswick is 1 in 110, and the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 36. This means that your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in New Brunswick is 1 in 27.
New Brunswick's violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, across communities of all sizes. Violent crimes tracked include rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon.
Property crimes, on the other hand, are also common in New Brunswick. Property crimes that are tracked include burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
The overall crime rate in New Brunswick is 40.16 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. The safest part of the city is considered to be the southwest, while the most dangerous area is the southeast.
The number of homicides in New Brunswick stood at 4 in 2022, a decrease of 6 compared to 2021. In the last five years, New Brunswick has seen a rise in violent crime and a decline in property crime. The city's crime rate in 2022 was 1.5 times higher than the US average.
While some residents feel safe in New Brunswick, others have expressed concerns about safety. The police presence has been described as visible but slow to respond when needed.
In summary, while New Brunswick has a high crime rate compared to other US cities, there are safe areas within the city, and residents can take precautions to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.
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Poor infrastructure
New Brunswick, New Jersey, has been described as having poor infrastructure. The city has a high crime rate, with a rate of 37 per 1,000 residents, and is considered one of the most dangerous places in America. The city also has a history of racial slavery and was a hub for slave auctions and sales in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
New Brunswick has a problem with potholes and bumpy roads, which can make driving and crossing the street dangerous. The city is served by NJ Transit and Amtrak trains, but the roads can be confusing and difficult to navigate. The city is also bisected by Route 27 and hosts less than a mile of the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95).
New Brunswick is home to Rutgers University, the state's largest university, and is a hub for medical facilities, including Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Saint Peter's University Hospital. The city has been called both the “Hub City” and the “Healthcare City”.
The city is ethnically diverse, with a large Hungarian population, and has been described as having a strong sense of community. However, some residents feel that the city could improve its grip on drugs and crime and that the cost of living should be adjusted for low-income families.
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Poor public safety
New Brunswick, New Jersey, has a crime rate of 37 per 1,000 residents, which is one of the highest in the United States. The chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in the city is 1 in 27. More than 95% of communities in New Jersey have a lower crime rate than New Brunswick.
The violent crime rate in New Brunswick is one of the highest in the nation, with offences including rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in the city is 1 in 110.
Property crime is also a significant issue in New Brunswick, with a rate of 28 per 1,000 population. This includes burglary, larceny over $50, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in the city is 1 in 36.
The overall crime rate in New Brunswick is much higher than the average US city, and the city is in the 13th percentile for safety. The rate of crime is 40.16 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. The safest part of the city is considered to be the southwest, while the southeast neighbourhoods have a higher rate of crime.
The police presence in New Brunswick has been described as "visible but slow to respond when needed", and the city has a higher ratio of police officers to residents than both the state and national averages.
While some residents feel generally safe in the city, others have expressed high safety concerns and have reported regularly not feeling safe.
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Poor cleanliness
New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a pretty good town with lots to do. It is home to Rutgers University, several nationally recognised hospitals, and various shops and restaurants. However, it has a poor cleanliness record.
One resident states that the city is "90% dirty", with "trash in certain places which can make the environment terrible". They go on to say that they "wish the city would focus more on cleaning the city". Another resident says that "there are a lot of bumpy roads where you have to be careful to cross due to potholes and other inconveniences".
Despite the poor cleanliness, New Brunswick has been described as a "nice place to live". It has "friendly neighbours" and "good public schools". The area also benefits from convenient transportation, with "a highway nearby" and "plenty of restaurants".
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Poor driving conditions
New Brunswick, New Jersey, is known for its poor driving conditions. The city has a high rate of car crashes, with several incidents of crashes blocking lanes and causing delays. The city's roads are often congested, with Route 27 being particularly prone to traffic due to fires and accidents. The New Jersey Turnpike, Route 1, Route 18, and Interstate 287 are also frequently affected by crashes and closures.
New Brunswick's driving conditions are further exacerbated by its location between New York City and Philadelphia, making it a hub for commuters and travellers. The city's streets can be confusing and difficult to navigate, with a high number of intersections and a complex grid system. The presence of Rutgers University and its associated traffic also contributes to the challenging driving conditions in New Brunswick.
In addition to the frequent crashes and congestion, New Brunswick experiences seasonal weather conditions that impact driving. Snow and rain can cause delays and hazardous road conditions, particularly during the winter months. The city's proximity to the Raritan River also increases the risk of flooding, leading to road closures and detours.
The combination of frequent accidents, heavy traffic, challenging road infrastructure, and adverse weather conditions makes driving in New Brunswick a difficult and often frustrating experience. The city's efforts to improve transportation, such as the construction of a new train yard by NJ Transit, aim to alleviate some of these issues. However, until significant improvements are made, drivers in New Brunswick will continue to face challenging conditions on a regular basis.
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Frequently asked questions
New Brunswick has one of the highest crime rates in America. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 110, and your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 36.
Some people feel generally unsafe walking around the city at night, although others say that as long as you stay out of certain areas, such as Feaster Park, you will be fine.
New Brunswick has very convenient transportation. It is on the Northeast Corridor rail line, 27 miles from Manhattan, and there are several malls, theatres, restaurants, and supermarkets all within the same vicinity.
The cost of living is high relative to the income levels in the area.
New Brunswick is noted for its ethnic diversity. In the 2010 Census, about 50% of the population identified as Hispanic, and since the 1960s, many new residents have come from Latin America.
