Is Paulsboro safe?
Paulsboro, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Paulsboro as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Paulsboro
“Go with care. While Paulsboro is a close-knit, historic working-class borough along the Delaware River, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly after dark. Both violent and property crime rates trend higher than the New Jersey state averages, but daylight visits for local dining or community events generally pose few issues.”
About the area
Paulsboro is a small industrial borough in Gloucester County situated directly across the river from Philadelphia International Airport. Known for its strong high school wrestling heritage and working-class roots, the community features a compact grid of modest single-family homes, local eateries, and surrounding petrochemical and port infrastructure.
- Industrial / Blue-Collar
- Riverfront Small Town
- Car-Dependent
- Historic Grid
Walking and biking in Paulsboro
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no local bike-share program, and cycling infrastructure consists of shared roads with moderate industrial and commercial truck traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient vehicle access to Route 295 and the Commodore Barry Bridge corridor
- Close-knit community feel with deep-rooted local pride and school sports traditions
- Affordable local dining options along the Broad Street commercial corridor
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates sit well above the New Jersey statewide average
- Poverty rate exceeds 18%, accompanied by elevated residential vacancy and aging housing stock
- Proximity to heavy petrochemical refining and industrial port operations creates environmental and truck traffic concerns
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively low compared to larger urban centers, though occasional individuals experiencing housing insecurity can be seen near commercial pockets along Broad Street or near transit stops.
What Paulsboro is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm with steady commuter traffic, school buses, and low pedestrian activity across the residential blocks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons remain generally safe and active along Broad Street with patrons visiting local convenience stores and delis.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings see diminished street activity; stick to well-lit commercial areas and take basic precautions.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late-night foot travel is not recommended due to heightened risks of property crimes, disturbances, and low street illumination.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by NJ Transit, with local service provided primarily by bus routes 402 and 455 connecting to Camden, Woodbury, and Philadelphia. There is no direct passenger rail service within walking distance; the nearest rail hub is the PATCO Speedline in Woodbury/Lindenwold or Camden.
Free on-street parking is readily available throughout the residential grid and along Broad Street, with no parking decks or metered spaces needed.
Things to do in Paulsboro
- Catch a legendary high school wrestling match or football game at Paulsboro High School's stadium
- Stroll along the riverfront viewing areas near Billingsport Park to watch commercial shipping traffic on the Delaware River
- Explore regional Revolutionary War history just minutes away at nearby Red Bank Battlefield Park
Local favorites
- Sicilian Pizza & Pasta · Pizza Restaurant · 4.3★ (230)A long-running neighborhood staple serving classic thin-crust pies, cheesesteaks, and hot subs.
- Dino's Pizzeria · Italian Restaurant · 4.2★ (185)Popular local counter-serve spot known for generous portion sizes, specialty pizzas, and wings.
- Paulsboro Sports Bar · Bar & Grill · 4.1★ (110)Neighborhood gathering place offering cold draft beers, pub grub, and televised sports.
Neighborhoods near Paulsboro
Common questions about Paulsboro
Is Paulsboro safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Paulsboro a good place to live?
On safety, Paulsboro scores 58/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Paulsboro?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 48/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Paulsboro are safer?
East Greenwich (92), Leonards (84), Greenwich (NJ) (84) score higher nearby.
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