Is Hoboken Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Hoboken, New Jersey, is the Mile Square City, right across the Hudson River from Manhattan.

Don’t let the “square mile” part make you think Hoboken (“Hoe-bow-kin”) isn’t big enough.

It has a robust number of things to do day and night, particularly known for its loud nightlife.

Keep that in mind when making hotel reservations.

Hoboken has been named one of the Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in America.

For Frank Sinatra fans, you likely already know this is where “Old Blue Eyes” was born and raised.

There’s a walking tour in his honor.

You also can’t beat the stunning views in this city, from grass-covered parks to colorful piers; it’s an immersive experience of the New York City culture with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty just a short distance away.

Baseball fans should know this is the birthplace of the game, with the first game happening in 1846.

The first air-conditioned public building debuted here in the early 1900s.

What’s even better about Hoboken is that you get the excitement of New York City without the high crime rates.

Warnings & Dangers in Hoboken

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low overall risk in Hoboken. So low, in fact, that I re-did my math and checked several other sources to make sure I wasn't missing anything. Plus, you have a wealth of things to do, from electric nightlife to family-friendly attractions. I do have one note of caution for visitors that we'll dive into a little later on.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The Hop shuttle takes you around town while NJ Transit helps you get around the state. To get to New York City, you can take the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) train. You can also get a taxi or rideshare to get around town or go through the Lincoln or Holland tunnel in neighboring cities.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with just an average of two reported each year for the past five years. The potential is high, however, so keep your belongings close and limit what you carry to bare necessities.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You'll face the potential for hurricanes, winter storms, nor'easters, flooding, and extreme heat/cold. Treat it as a medium risk to stay informed of emergency management plans.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with the risk of being robbed nearly three times lower than the national average. I'd suggest staying in the tourist areas and not wandering around the different neighborhoods to keep that risk low.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Sadly, the world knows the horrific scene that played out on 9/11 just across the Hudson River. It's a medium risk, and you should always report suspicious activity, even if you're not sure if it qualifies as "suspicious."

SCAMS RISK: LOW

You should always check the police department's social media sites to see trending scams. In early 2023, two scams were making headlines. One involves individuals asking for donations when the scammer really wants to get access to your bank account. The second involves potential victims being asked to cash a check. Then the scammer steals the money, and the victim is on the hook for the bad check funds.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There's the same low risk for women, but please use extra caution when enjoying the nightlife. Stick with friends and never leave a woman behind. Don't take a drink you didn't get directly from a bartender.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

SUEZ is the company that handles water quality testing for Hoboken. As of the latest Water Quality Report, the water is safe to drink and meets all regulations.

Safest Places to Visit in Hoboken

You can use VisitHudson.org to learn about tourism in Hoboken and Hudson County.

The Hoboken Business Alliance has a wealth of information too.

The travel bureau for the state is Visit NJ.

I always recommend starting a trip at the local history museum, as it helps you appreciate the things you see that much more when you know the story behind it all.

The Hoboken Historical Museum showcases the city’s rich history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Start or end your day with a stroll along Hoboken’s waterfront promenade, which offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.

The scenic walkway is perfect for jogging, biking, or simply enjoying the fresh air as you take in the sights of the Hudson River.

Pier A Park is just what it sounds like – a park on land that is shaped like a large pier.

Look at the city events to see if there’s a festival during your visit.

Pier 13 is a more lively and colorful outdoor venue that offers various recreational activities.

Play beach volleyball, go kayaking, or challenge your friends to a game of cornhole while enjoying the stunning waterfront backdrop.

Check the calendar for the food truck schedule.

NOTE: For the best shot of the Manhattan skyline, head to Castle Point Lookout.

It’s the highest spot in town and offers panoramic views.

Hoboken is famous for its delicious food scene.

Explore Washington Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with a diverse mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

You can also grab a snack to go and take a historic walking tour or the Sinatra Walking Tour map, where you can walk by the home where he was born.

Monroe Center for the Art houses numerous galleries, studios, and creative spaces where you can admire and even purchase unique works of art.

Download the Through the Windows citywide art map from the Business Alliance to walk through all the art displays.

If you’re visiting with family, Hoboken offers family-friendly attractions like the Hoboken Cove Boathouse, where you can rent kayaks or take guided tours.

You can also visit the Hoboken Fire Department Museum, which showcases antique fire trucks and offers educational exhibits.

Newport Centre is a three-story tall shopping center in Hoboken with major name brands like Macy’s and Sephora in neighboring Jersey City.

About four miles away from Hoboken, you’ll be able to explore Ellis Island and take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

Places to Avoid in Hoboken

Most of Hoboken is safe to visit, but you will need to have street smarts and a big-city attitude to avoid being targeted.

There are some public housing spots around town, mostly away from the water and around Jackson and Harrison streets.

Since a lot of the crime that does happen here is on streets or sidewalks against strangers, you just want to avoid any potentially risky neighborhoods.

In the aforementioned area, people tend to hang out on street corners or in parks.

If you want to avoid the nightlife noise, stay in Uptown, which is the northern part of town.

Downtown is the southern end, where much of the noise will be.

Of course, you’ll have standard city and traffic noise in any neighborhood.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Hoboken

So... How Safe Is Hoboken Really?

Statistically, Hoboken is very safe for the number of things to do and the epic nightlife offered.

Violent crime rates are three times lower than the national average.

However, one thing did stick out to me.

Of the 80 violent crimes that happened in 2021, 81% of them were against strangers, and 59% were on a street, sidewalk, or parking lot.

Compare that to other cities that might have a higher crime rate, but more than half happen in private homes or in domestic situations.

If a crime does happen in Hoboken, there’s a greater chance a stranger will be a victim.

That should be enough to keep your situational awareness strong.

Even 53% of the 17 robberies were on public streets or sidewalks.

If you do use the bike share program, you should know that 21% of all thefts over the past five years have been bicycles.

That’s twice as many as car break-ins.

Always lock your bike, even if you’re just stopped for a few minutes.

Hoboken is really an anomaly in an otherwise more dangerous greater metro area of New York City.

It would be great for families, couples, or solo travelers.

You do need street smarts and confidence about you not to show any sign of weakness.

How Does Hoboken Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors will be required to show a visa and passport at the port of entry or airport. Some of you might be eligible for a visa waiver, but you'll have to check that on the U.S. State Department website. Make note of what you can bring into the country and take home with you at the Border Patrol website.

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here, but a credit card is the safest option, so you don't have to worry about carrying cash. You will find many places to exchange currency in Hoboken, like Travelex, but you'll get the lowest rates at your home bank.

Weather

Plan for the season, as Hoboken gets a robust version of all four. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes because you'll be on your feet more than driving in a car. You might want to grab a few COVID masks in case of bad air quality.

Airports

The Newark airport and LaGuardia are 13 miles away in opposite directions. JFK is 21 miles away. All airports are great options with many international flights.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a smart investment to protect you against severe weather or major winter storms. You'll also want to look at supplemental health insurance if you aren't covered in the United States.

Hoboken Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

New Jersey - Safety by City