Essex County is an exciting place to live and establish a life and family. Located in the New York metropolitan area, there are a myriad of opportunities to pursue in the region, including recreational and career-related. However, when deciding whether to live or invest in the area, prospective citizens will commonly look into the Essex County crime rate.
While Essex County is the 19th largest county in land area, it has a large population of 863,728, according to the 2020 Decennial Census. By understanding the crime rate, the average income in the area, educational opportunities, employment prospects, and the housing situation, individuals who are interested in moving to Essex County can make an informed decision about their potential relocation. Furthermore, by staying up to date on the crime statistics in the region, inhabitants can avoid risky situations and protect themselves.
Understanding the Crime Rate and Statistics in Essex County, New Jersey
It’s important to note that crime rates are the result of many factors, such as:
- -Local, state, and federal legislation
- -Corporate interests and investment in the area
- -Cultural practices
- -Available public resources, such as schools, parks, and social support programs
While not all crimes are reported to law enforcement, looking at the crimes that are processed by prosecutors, for example, can provide insight into the occurrence of crime in the community.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (ECPO) tends to be one of the biggest in New Jersey, with a high volume of cases. In 2022, the ECPO had a decrease in the total number of new adult defendant case files, dropping from 12,387 in 2021 to 10,703. The higher figure in 2021 was attributed to the slowdown caused by the pandemic in the preceding year.
Conversely, the total number of defendants indicted rose from 3,860 in 2021 to 4,444 in 2022, again influenced by pandemic-related factors. Approximately 53.9 percent of the ECPO’s resolutions for adult defendants, following an indictment or accusation, involved first- or second-degree criminal charges. Moreover, there was an uptick in the total number of juveniles in delinquency case filings in Essex County, which went up from 1,234 in 2021 to 1,428 in 2022.
2018 FBI Crime Statistics for Newark, New Jersey
While there are no FBI crime statistics for Essex County, there are crime statistics for Newark, which is the largest city in the county and in the state. According to FBI crime statistics from 2018, the city of Newark, New Jersey, had a high violent crime rate, with 7.33 per 1,000 inhabitants falling victim to violent crime. The violent crime rate in Newark was more than 3 times greater than the statewide violent crime rate of 2.06 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The rates of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter were 26.6 per 100,000, compared to the statewide average of 3.25 per 100,000.
In terms of property crimes, the rate was 20.1 per 1,000 residents in Newark. The statewide rate was:
- -2.95 per 1,000 for burglary
- -10.01 per 1,000 for larceny/theft
- -7.14 per 1,000 for motor vehicle theft
- -13.46 per 100,000 for arson
All rates were higher for the city of Newark than the statewide averages that they were compared to.
By working with an Essex criminal defense attorney, those facing charges for such crimes in Essex County can defend their rights and work to fight for optimal case outcomes.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Economic Situation in Essex County, New Jersey?
A: According to the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, the median household income in Essex County is $74,994, which is low compared to the median household income in the state of New Jersey of $96,346. In Essex, New Jersey, the median income by type of family varies, with married-couple families earning $135,176 and nonfamily households earning $40,166. The poverty rate in Essex County is 15.7%, which is higher than the state poverty rate of 9.7%.
Q: What Does Education Look Like in Essex County, New Jersey?
A: According to data from the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, in Essex County, 38.4% of the population has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, which is low compared to the New Jersey state average of 43.5% of the population. Of those who are 25 years old or older, 27% have obtained a high school or equivalent degree, 22% obtained a Bachelor’s degree, and 16.4% obtained a graduate or professional degree. 64.2% of the school population is enrolled in a K-12 education program.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Essex County, New Jersey?
A: Based on data from the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, the median gross rent in Essex County is $1,376, which is low compared to the median gross rent of the state of New Jersey, which is $1,555. Of all the occupied units paying rent, 34.4% are paying rent in the range of $1,000 to $1,499. The homeownership rate of 46.1% is low compared to the state homeownership rate, which is 64.6%, meaning that there is a greater proportion of renters in the area.
Q: Are People in Essex County, New Jersey, Healthy?
A: Data from the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates shows that 12.2% of the population in Essex County is disabled, which is higher than the statewide average of 11.2%. In terms of disability classification, 5.6% of residents have ambulatory difficulty, 4.9% of residents have independent living difficulty, and 4.6% have cognitive difficulty. 9.5% of the population in Essex County is without healthcare insurance coverage, which is high compared to the statewide average of 6.8%.
Work With Compassionate and Skilled Criminal Defense Representation
If you are facing charges for crimes in Essex County, New Jersey, you are likely feeling overwhelmed by the potential consequences of a conviction, unsure about how to navigate the legal process, and lost about what steps to take next.
Fortunately, a caring and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can take on your case, no matter how minor or serious the charges. We can work with you to understand your case, inform you of your rights and upcoming procedures, and build and implement an optimal defense plan to fight back against your charges. Contact us today to discuss your case.
