New Jersey’s Unexpected ‘Worst’ Town, Can You Guess Which One?

You might be surprised, or maybe not, by which town takes the title of “worst place to live” in New Jersey.

For me, New Jersey is hands down one of the best states to call home. I’ve been a lifelong supporter of the Garden State, and I especially love my spot along the Jersey Shore.

Honestly, I don’t usually sit around thinking about the “worst towns” in New Jersey. If I had to guess off the top of my head, Newark and Camden might come to mind. Yet, I have to admit, Camden has some fantastic spots, like the Aquarium, which I absolutely adore.

So, which town really holds that dubious distinction? According to a report from 24/7 Wall St., it’s not the towns you might expect. They analyzed data from the Census Bureau, the FBI, and the CDC to rank cities nationwide.

What Makes a Town ‘The Worst’

Their methodology considered 22 different factors across three main areas: economy, community, and overall quality of life. Only places with populations over 8,000 were included, covering cities, towns, boroughs, and other communities.

The “worst” city in New Jersey, as it turns out, is Bridgeton, located in Cumberland County, according to 24/7 Wall St.

Surprising Stats You Didn’t Expect

Here’s what the report highlighted about Bridgeton:

• A poverty rate of 35 percent.

• A median household income of just under $40,000, compared with the statewide median of around $89,000.

• Drug-related deaths are a major concern. While New Jersey averages 33 per 100,000 residents, Bridgeton’s rate is 56 per 100,000, despite having a population of just over 26,000.

Beyond the Numbers: Life in the Community

Despite these statistics, I know New Jersey is full of resilient communities. When times get tough, neighbors step up, and support systems grow stronger. I truly believe Bridgeton, like many other towns, has the potential to bounce back and improve these numbers over time.