There are three kinds of lies. Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics.

This old quote seems to apply today when reviewing the stats used by WalletHub to determine the top cities in America when it comes to safety.

Most people look at a city and judge "safety" related to how comfortable are you walking from your car to a house or to a restaurant after you park.

Would you let your teenage daughter go out late with friends? Are you generally concerned about having your car stolen or being assaulted on the street?

These are certainly questions that residents who don't live in Newark or Jersey City have before heading downtown.

Jersey City (Google Street View)
Jersey City (Google Street View)
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In Jersey City, the crime stats are outpacing New York City and in Newark, it's even worse with the largest city in NJ having a violent crime rate double the national average.

Ebon Square Apartments in Newark after a shooting 6/26/23
Ebon Square Apartments in Newark after a shooting 6/26/23 (ABC 7 Eyewitness News via YouTube)
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It should come as no surprise that Newark and Jersey City are often and recently found in the list of the top most dangerous cities in New Jersey.

Of course, that didn't stop the folks at WalletHub from listing both places among the safest in the country.

I guess, "financial safety" and rare natural disasters count.

Is that why these cities/towns didn't make the list?

30 'poorest' neighborhoods in NJ

These ZIP codes in New Jersey have the highest percentage of households earning less than $25,000 in annual median income. The figures are based on 5-year data by the U.S. Census American Community Survey as of 2021.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.

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