Out of 25 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 25 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 73 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 9 |
Top 25 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hudson | New Jersey | 6 | 3 | 2021 | 13/100 |
| 2 | Bergen | New Jersey | 6 | 3 | 2021 | 13/100 |
| 3 | Bergen,Passaic | New Jersey | 6 | 3 | 2021 | 13/100 |
| 4 | Union | New Jersey | 5 | 0 | 2019 | 6/100 |
| 5 | Mercer | New Jersey | 4 | 0 | 2021 | 17/100 |
| 6 | Warren | New Jersey | 4 | 0 | 2012 | 6/100 |
| 7 | Gloucester | New Jersey | 4 | 0 | 2012 | 6/100 |
| 8 | Monmouth | New Jersey | 4 | 0 | 2021 | 4/100 |
| 9 | Middlesex,Monmouth | New Jersey | 4 | 0 | 2021 | 4/100 |
| 10 | Ocean | New Jersey | 4 | 0 | 2019 | 4/100 |
| 11 | Essex,Hunterdon,Morris,Passaic,Somerset,Union,Warren | New Jersey | 3 | 0 | 2025 | 7/100 |
| 12 | Salem | New Jersey | 3 | 0 | 2016 | 3/100 |
| 13 | Passaic | New Jersey | 3 | 0 | 2024 | 2/100 |
| 14 | Camden | New Jersey | 3 | 0 | 2012 | 2/100 |
| 15 | Middlesex,Somerset | New Jersey | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 17/100 |
| 16 | Essex | New Jersey | 2 | 0 | 2020 | 7/100 |
| 17 | Middlesex | New Jersey | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 6/100 |
| 18 | Cumberland | New Jersey | 2 | 0 | 2021 | 6/100 |
| 19 | Hunterdon | New Jersey | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 2/100 |
| 20 | Somerset | New Jersey | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 2/100 |
| 21 | Morris | New Jersey | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 2/100 |
| 22 | Hunterdon,Morris | New Jersey | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 23 | Sussex | New Jersey | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 24 | Atlantic | New Jersey | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 25 | Burlington | New Jersey | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for New Jersey based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.