New York, where dreams are made, is one of the most visited destinations in the world with about 13.60 million international visitors.
The state is divided into five boroughs, all of which have their own unique sights and tastes:
The Bronx (Bronx County), Brooklyn (Kings County), Manhattan (New York County), Queens (Queens County), and Staten Island (Richmond County). They are five popular Counties of New York Counties.
Whether you are planning to move to a new home or just travel to unexplored places, there is always a top priority to consider – and that is safety.
Although the cost of living, attractions, and opportunities are other factors to consider, without question crime rates are the most important.
In this article, I made it easy for you to find the safest places with a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC and the safest neighborhoods in NYC.
The data was taken from crimes reported by the Police Department City of New York and some information from the Crime & Safety Report.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC:
- Brownsville
- Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Bushwick
- Downtown
- East Harlem
- Fordham
- Highbridge
- Hunts Point
- Midtown
- Mott Haven
10 Safest Neighborhoods in NYC:
- Bay Ridge
- Bensonhurst
- City Island
- Flushing
- Forest Hills
- Fresh Meadows
- Great Kills
- Kensington
- The Rockaways
- Upper East Side
Stay Alert in the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC
Brownsville
Borough: Brooklyn
Precinct: 73rd
Population: 58,300
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 2,810/100,000 people
Brownsville is bounded by Canarsie, Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Cypress Hills, East Flatbush, and East New York. It is known as the murder capital of New York City for having the highest homicide rates.
Moreover, it ranks the 66th safest for all crime out of 69 patrol areas compared. Plus, it is the 68th safest for violent crime and 52nd safest for property crime.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Borough: Brooklyn
Precinct: 81st and 79th
Population: 157,530
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 2,902/100,000 people
Known for its historic brownstones and Victorian architecture, Bedford-Stuyvesant is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
The neighborhood is patrolled by two Precincts: 81st and 79th. The crime rate in Bedford-Stuyvesant is 36% higher than the state average.
For every 100,000 people, approximately 1,065 are involved in violent crimes and 1,837 in property crimes.
Explore; The Ultimate Bed Stuy Guide + Things to Do in Bed Stuy
Bushwick
Borough: Brooklyn
Precinct: 83rd
Population: 129,239
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 2,511/100,000 people
A working-class neighborhood with a large Hispanic-American community, Bushwick has one of the highest crime rates in New York, 18% higher than the state average.
About 727 people out of 100,000 are victims of violent crimes, whereas 1,784 are victims of property crime.
Theft and robbery are the most common crimes in the neighborhood. The 83rd Precinct is said to be the 52nd safest out of 69 Precincts.
Explore; A Guide To Bushwick, Brooklyn + What To Do In Bushwick
Downtown
Borough: Manhattan
Precinct: 1st
Population: 382,654
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 4,944/100,000 people (Financial District)
A center for business, Downtown is also known as Lower Manhattan which is formed by Vatter Park, Financial District, SoHo, and TriBeCa.
Downtown Manhattan has a crime rate of more than 400% higher than the US average. In the Financial District alone, the crime rate is 131% greater than the state average.
According to the report of the Police Department City of New York, the 1st Precinct had 19 grand larcenies, two felony assaults, five burglaries, two robberies, 38 petty larcenies, two sex crimes, two misdemeanor assaults, and one transit crime in 2021.
East Harlem
Borough: Manhattan
Precinct: 25th and 23rd
Population: 115,921
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 4,554/100,000 people
Known as Spanish Harlem and Italian Harlem, East Harlem is a Hispanic neighborhood with a majority of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Cubans, and Mexicans.
The neighborhood is facing issues concerning its high crime rate, which is 113% greater than the state average.
The total crime per 100,000 people is estimated to be 4,554. which is broken down to 1,616 for violent crimes and 2,938 for property crimes. It ranked the eighth safest out of 17 neighborhoods in Manhattan.
Fordham
Borough: The Bronx
Precinct: 46th and 52nd
Population: 43,394
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 3,569/100,000 people
Fordham gives off a college town vibe because of Fordham University and several schools. The crime rate in the neighborhood is 67% greater than the state average.
3,569 people out of 100,00 are estimated to have dealt with crimes. The 46th Precinct reported that there were four robberies, nine felony assaults, two burglaries, 19 grand larcenies, and four G.L.A. in 2021.
Highbridge
Borough: The Bronx
Precinct: 44th
Population: 37,727
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 3,564/100,000 people
Highbridge is one of the best places to have coffee and go sightseeing. However, take extra caution as it has high crime rates, especially drug crimes and street crimes.
The crime rate is 67% higher than the state average, which makes the neighborhood the 39th safest out of 69 patrolled neighborhoods. Out of 100,000 people, 1,149 are involved in violent crimes and 2,415 in property crimes.
Hunts Point
Borough: The Bronx
Precinct: 41st
Population: 12,281
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 4,557/100,000 people
Hunts Point has had a reputation for having prevalent prostitution and high crime rates. The chance of being a victim of violent crimes is 1,944 out of 100,000 people, which is about one out of 22 people.
Crime happens to 4557 people out of 100,000, which is about 113% higher than the state average and 55% higher than the US average. With these statistics, Hunts Point is ranked the 67th safest for all crimes out of 69 patrolled areas.
Midtown
Borough: Manhattan
Precinct: 18th and 14th
Population: 104,753
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 9,833/100,000 people
Midtown is one of the top tourist destinations of New York, known to be the best spot to see the famous Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, and Times Square, to name a few.
However, it is also a hot spot for crimes such as theft and grand larceny. The crime rate in Midtown is 360% higher than the state average, ranking 62nd safest for violent crimes and 69th safest for property crimes out of 69 patrolled areas.
Out of 100,000 people, 8,430 are victims of property crimes, which include pickpockets, robberies, and burglaries,
Mott Haven
Borough: The Bronx
Precinct: 40th
Population: 52,413
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 5,181/100,000 people
Mott Haven has had a long-standing history of high crime rates. The crime rate is about 400% greater than the US average and 143% greater than the state average.
52,413 residents live in the neighborhood and 5,181 out of 100,000 are victims of crimes. In 2021, the 40th Precinct reported five robberies, 16 felony assaults, two burglaries, 15 grand larcenies, six G.L.A., five house crimes, four patty larcenies, eight misdemeanor assaults, two shooting victims, and two shooting incidents.
The Safest Neighborhoods to Live in NYC
Bay Ridge
Borough: Brooklyn
Precinct: 68th
Population: 79,371
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 1,686/100,000 people
Bay Ridge is one of the best places to live with a livability score of 76 out of 100. The neighborhood is patrolled by the 68th Precinct and is ranked as the seventh-safest among 69 patrolled areas.
Out of 100,000 people, 1,686 become victims of crimes. The crime rate is 21% lower than the state average.
Explore; A Complete Bay Ridge Guide + Things to Do in Bay Ridge
Bensonhurst
Borough: Brooklyn
Precinct: 62nd
Population: 104,934
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 1,156/100,000 people
Bensonhurst is called Little Italy or Little Hong Kong because of its large Italian and Hong Kong communities.
The crime rates here are 46% lower than the state average, which can be calculated as approximately 1,156 crimes for every 100,000 people.
It is patrolled by the 62nd Precinct, ranking the fourth safest for all crimes, ninth safest for violent crimes, and seventh safest for property crimes. For every 100,000 residents, an estimated 294 people are victims of violent crimes and 862 of property crimes.
City Island
Borough: The Bronx
Precinct: 45th
Population: 4,387
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 1,291/100,000 people
City Island is known for low crime rates and low cost of living. It is a popular place for the freshest seafood, especially lobsters.
Crime rates are 40% lower than the state average, which is about 10.16 crimes for every 1,000 people. As part of the 45th Precinct, City Island is ranked the 29th safest out of 69 patrol areas.
Flushing
Borough: Queens
Precinct: 109th
Population: 72,008 (176,000 including subsections)
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 1957/100,000 people
Flushing in the New York City borough of Queens has one of the most diverse communities including Chinese, Korean, Indians, Greeks, Italians, and many more.
It is a residential and business district that ranks the ninth safest for all crimes. The most common crime, however, are property crimes related to 1,180 theft crimes.
The chance of being a victim of assault is estimated to be 480 out of 100,000.
Explore; A Complete Guide To Flushing Queens NY Travel + Things To Do In Flushing
Forest Hills
Borough: Queens
Precinct: 112th
Population: 83,728
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 1,195/100,000 people
Forest Hills is a dense urban neighborhood in Queens with crime rates that are 44% lower than the state average.
Moreover, it is one of the most ideal locations to live for its 3% lower cost of living and 13% lower real estate prices than the state average. The neighborhood ranks the sixth safest for all crimes and the sixth safest for violent crimes.
From 1993 to 2010, the 112th Precinct reported a drop in crime rates, almost 90% lower.
Fresh Meadows
Borough: Queens
Precinct: 107th
Population: 17,812
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 879/100,000 people
Fresh Meadows is the 11th safest out of 69 patrol areas. For every 100,000 people, about 879 crimes happen. Moreover, it is also worth noting that crime in the area decreased a little over 50% between 2001 and 2019.
The quiet residential area is one of the most ideal places for families to live for its low crime rates, reputable schools, and diverse opportunities.
Great Kills
Borough: Staten Island
Precinct: 122nd
Population: 40,720
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 554/100,000 people
Located on the South Shore of Staten Island, Great Kills is an urban-suburban mixed residential neighborhood with a majority of White residents.
Crime rates here are approximately 60% lower than the state average. It is ranked the safest neighborhood for all crimes: violent crimes and property crimes. The most reported crimes are related to property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Kensington
Borough: Brooklyn
Precinct: 66th
Population: 53,855
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 249/100,000 people
Located in central Brooklyn, Kensington is a lovely neighborhood with old brick row houses and apartments, and Victorian buildings.
It is patrolled by the 66th Precinct, which ranks the third safest neighborhood for all crimes, 11th safest for violent crimes, and the fourth safest for property crimes. Kensington has 86% lower crime rates than the state average.
The most common crimes involved are property crimes, which is 81.7 burglaries and 571.8 theft crimes for every 100,000 residents.
The Rockaways
Borough: Queens
Precinct: 100th and 101st
Population: 130,000
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 2,166/100,000 people
A peninsula in Queens, The Rockaways or the Rockaway Peninsula is a popular summer attraction known for its beach resorts and beachfront communities.
The peninsula consists of nine neighborhoods: Arverne, Bayswater, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, and Rockaway Park.
The Rockaways is ranked the 31st safest for violent crimes and the third safest for property crimes. For every 100,000 residents, 1,033 are victims of assault and 1,059 of theft.
Upper East Side
Borough: Manhattan
Precinct: 19th and 22nd
Population: 202,517
Total Crime Rate: Approximately 2,095/100,000 people
One of the most affluent neighborhoods of New York City, the Upper East Side (UES) in the borough of Manhattan is a famous destination for its museums, art galleries, historic districts, and shopping locations.
UES has a 2% lower crime rate than the state average. However, living here is more expensive, which is 33% higher than the state average.
Violent crimes are lower with only 251 reported crimes for every 100,000, whereas property crimes are higher at an estimate of 1,844 for every 100,000.
Stay Safe in NYC
There is nothing better than being able to walk freely alone without worries or travel with kids safely. Although every place indeed has its dark sides, it is always still a good idea to stay cautious, choose the safest neighborhoods, and steer away from dangerous spots.
Each neighborhood has its beauty that must be discovered, but I suggest you constantly practice safety precautions like refraining from traveling alone at night, staying in a group, and taking extra caution with your belongings.
What do you think about this list? Let us know in the comment section below!
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