Homicide Rate In Jersey City Drops To Record Low: See Final Numbers

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Any crime is too much crime, but Jersey City was able to announce a positive trend recently: The annual homicide rate has been cut to single digits for the first time.

The new low rate was announced in Jersey City in early December, but two days later, a 34-year-old man was shot to death on the West Side. That brought the rate for 2024 from six to seven homicides, still a historic low.

Jersey City has been criticized over the years for downplaying crime numbers, including getting rid of its Compstat program. The city now updates crime numbers on its public safety website.

Many of the deaths over the years have been young men, some of who were shot in what officials characterized as gang retaliation. In fact, more than 12 men were arrested last year in connection with Jersey City "street gangs." READ MORE: Gang Member Charged For Shooting 'Rival Gang Members' In Jersey City: Prosecutor

Overall trends in violent crime have been largely positive this year, the city noted in a press conference last month.

Crime Numbers

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and public safety officials announced on Dec. 5 that the city was finishing up the year with the lowest number of homicides in recorded history — six to date — down from 11 the year before.

Ten years earlier, in 2014, the city had had 24 homicides, officials said.

"This achievement, coupled with record-breaking decreases in shootings and other major crime categories throughout Jersey City, reflects the Fulop Administration’s strategic investments and innovative approaches over the past 11 years," said a release.

The city also said shootings were down 45 percent from previous year.

“This is the first year we achieved single digits for homicides," Fulop said. "As one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S., what we have accomplished in Jersey City is a reflection of our strategic andcommunity-focused approach to crime prevention that has redefined what’s possible for mid-sized cities across the state and nation."

Fulop, who is running for governor, added, "While one homicide is still too many, our public safety initiatives are clearly making a difference, and we remain committed to working with our residents to drive crime down even further.”

The city said "community-driven structural changes ... and stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement" was part of the reason, as well as a CCTV system in crime hotspots to investigate incidents.

“We’ve put a lot of emphasis in changing the culture of our police department, and the driving force behind these historic crime decreases are the men and women in our police and fire departments, as well as our efforts to strengthen our partnerships with the state and federal prosecutorial agencies,” said Public Safety Director James Shea.

“Our police officers are working hard 24/7, as we can see from the historic crime declines to the 214 illegal guns recovered this year,” Police Director Tawana Moody said.

"Jersey City is achieving historic progress with the lowest homicide rate in our history, even surpassing NYC," said JCPD Chief Robert Kearns. “Jersey City’s success is more than a local win—it’s a roadmap for cities nationwide.”

So far, Jersey City has suffered one homicide in 2025. A man was shot to death on Jan. 3, and a teen was taken into custody. READ MORE: Teen Arrested In Fatal Jersey City Shooting.

For all of the numbers, click here.