This Town Tops the List of ‘Worst Places to Live’ in New Jersey

Having lived in New Jersey my entire life, I’ve spent my career on the radio proudly championing the Garden State, particularly my beloved Jersey Shore.

Naturally, certain cities might immediately come to mind when discussing the worst places to live in New Jersey.

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At first, my guess would have been Camden.

Camden has faced significant struggles over the years, particularly with high crime rates and violence.

For decades, it has carried a reputation as one of the most dangerous places in New Jersey.

However, Camden is evolving.

Local leaders are working hard to revitalize the city, focusing on waterfront projects and expanding the arts scene. Despite its challenges, there’s hope for Camden’s future.

If it’s not Camden, surely it must be Newark, right?

Newark, New Jersey’s largest city, has its share of difficulties.

Crime, poverty, and social inequality continue to impact many of its residents.

Yet, Newark is also a city transforming.

READ MORE: These Are New Jersey's Trashiest Towns

The city's broader strategy to create a better future involves improving education, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing public safety.

Newark is undeniably a city of contrasts, but there’s a sense of optimism as improvements take root.

Surprisingly, neither Camden nor Newark has been labeled "the worst place to live in New Jersey."

The lifestyle website 24/7 Wall St. conducted a state-by-state analysis to determine the "worst cities to live in."

They used data from the Census Bureau, FBI, and CDC to create a "weighted index" based on factors such as economy, community, and overall quality of life.

Their criteria required a population of at least 8,000 people.

According to their research, Bridgeton, located in South Jersey’s Cumberland County, is the worst city in New Jersey.

Bridgeton is a town with plenty of charm and history, but it also faces significant challenges.

The town has a staggering poverty rate of 35%, compared to the New Jersey state average of just under 10%.

The median household income in Bridgeton is just under $40,000, which is lower than the statewide average of $89,000.

These economic struggles contribute to a challenging environment for many of its residents.

Additionally, the report highlighted the town’s troubling rate of drug-related fatalities. Statewide, New Jersey sees an average of 33 drug-related deaths per 100,000 residents.

However, in Bridgeton, with a population of just over 26,000, that number spikes to 56 per 100,000 residents—a grim statistic that further compounds the town’s struggles.

It’s important to note that while these numbers tell part of the story, they don’t fully capture the essence of any town.

Communities are complex, and numbers alone can’t always provide the whole picture.

These New Jersey towns have been named some of the most dangerous in the state.