NYC is the most populous city in the US, located at the mouth of the Hudson River. It’s a city of 8.48 million residents and a premier tourist destination because of the iconic experience and endless activities.
Whether you’re thinking about relocating to NYC or looking for a visit, it is better to know how safe the city is.
We are going to dive deeper into the safety and crime statistics of NYC. We’ll share the top 10 safest neighborhoods in NYC and some safety tips to save you from being a victim of crime.
NYC’s Overall Crime Statistics
NYC’s total crime rate is 30.66 per 1,000 residents. It’s 33% higher than the national median of 23 and 40% higher than the state’s average of 21.88. Its crime rate is a bit elevated, but still, it is generally considered safe for both residents and tourists.
The violent crime rate of the city is 6.68 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 54,691 reported crimes in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023). The rate is 67% higher than the national median of 4.
The property crime rate is 23.98 per 1,000 residents. A total of 196,267 property crimes were reported. It’s 21% higher than the national average of 19 and 33% higher than the state’s average.
Year on year, crime in NYC has increased by 6%. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 150, and property crimes are 1 in 42.
Source: AreaVibes
Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods in NYC
Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. Its crime rate is low, and it is excellent when it comes to employment, education, amenities, health, etc.
The overall crime rate of the neighborhood is 15.57 per 1,000 residents. It’s about 50% lower than the NYC crime rate and 32% lower than the national median of 23.
The violent crime rate is comparatively low. It’s 2.18 per 1,000 residents. While the violent crime rate of the city is 6.68, the national median is 4 per 1,000 residents.
The property crime rate is also low, which is about 13.39 per 1,000 residents. It’s 29.5% lower than the national median of 19.
North Sutton Area
The overall crime rate of North Sutton Area is 14.57 per 1,000 residents. It’s 36.65% lower than the national median of 23.
Its violent crime rate is 1.3 per 1,000 residents. It’s lower than any of the neighborhoods in this list, which means it’s extremely safe.
The property crime rate is 13.27 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes in the neighborhood are 1 in 76.
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island’s violent crime rate is 2.59 per 1,000 residents. It’s 61% lower than the violent crime rate of NYC and 35% lower than the national median of 4.
The property crime rate is 8.29 per 1,000 residents. It’s almost half of the national median of 19. Both property and violent crimes are comparatively low in the neighborhood.
Forest Hills
Forest Hills has a violent crime rate of 3.26 per 1,000 residents. It is 50% lower than the NYC rate and 18.5% lower than the national median of 4.
The property crime rate of the area is 23.19, which is almost equal to the NYC rate of 23.98. But it is 22% higher than the national average of 19.
It’s a great option for schools, employment, commute, and amenities, but the cost of living is high.
Park Slope
Park Slope is a safe place because of the low crime rate and health facilities. Its overall crime rate is 27.04, which is lower than the NYC rate, but 17.5% higher than the national average of 23.
The violent crime rate of the area is 3.2 per 1,000 residents. It means it is better than NYC and the country’s average. However, the property crime rate of the area is 23.84, which is high compared to the national median of 19.
Cobble Hill
The total crime rate of Cobble Hill is 31.14, which is way higher than the national median and NYC’s average crime rate.
However, the violent crime rate of the area is 1.78 per 1,000 residents. It’s almost half of the national median 4.
The property crime rate is 29.3, which is quite high compared to the city’s (2.39), state’s (1.79), and national rate (19).
Battery Park
Battery Park’s overall crime rate is 18.4 per 1,000 residents, which is much lower than the city’s crime rate of 30.66 and the national average of 23.
The violent crime rate is 1.69 per 1,000 residents, which is way lower than the national average of 4. And the property crime rate is 16.71, which is again lower than the national median of 19. It’s an extremely safe neighborhood in the city with nearby schools, hospitals, and amenities.
Murray Hill
The violent crime rate of Murray Hill is 3.46 per 1,000 residents. It is lower than the national median and NYC’s violent crime rate.
Its property crime rate is 17.5 per 1,000 residents. Which is around 8% lower than the national median. It’s considered a safe neighborhood in NYC.
Upper East Side
Upper East Side is safer in terms of violent crimes. Its violent crime rate is 2.96 per 1,000 residents, which is 26% lower than the national median and 55.6% lower than NYC’s violent crime rate.
Keep in mind that its property crime rate is high, which is 28.94 per 1,000 residents. Residents need to be careful about property crimes.
Upper West Side
Upper West Side’s total crime rate is 33.24 per 1,000 residents. It’s higher than NYC’s rate, NY’s rate, and the national median (23).
However, the violent crime rate of the area is 3.34 per 1,000 residents. It is 16.5% lower than the national median (4) and 50% lower than NYC’s violent crime rate.
Source:AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org
Common Crimes in NYC
Violent Crimes
Assault: The assault rate of the city is 4.38 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 35,913 reported cases. It’s around 66% higher than the national rate of 2.64.
Robbery: With 16,366 reported robbery cases, the crime rate is 2 per 1,000 residents. It’s around 200% higher than the national average of 0.67.
Rape: The crime rate is 0.25 per 1,000 residents with a total of 2,067 reported cases. It’s 34% lower than the national median of 0.38.
Murder: NYC’s murder rate is 0.042. It’s 30% lower than the national average of 0.06.
Property Crimes
Theft: With a total of 164,238 reported cases, the theft rate is 20 per 1,000 residents. It’s 48% higher than the national average of 13.47.
Burglary: The burglary rate is 1.67 per 1,000 residents. And it’s 33% lower than the national average.
Vehicle Theft: The vehicle theft rate is 2.24 per 1,000 residents. And it’s also way lower than the national median of 3.19 per 1,000 residents.
How Residents Can Ensure Their Safety in NYC
Home Safety
If you want to ensure robust security for your home, install a modern security system. It will safeguard your home and loved ones and keep you updated.
eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is a video alarm system perfect for home security. It offers 24/7 professional monitoring for quick response to any suspicious activity. It is equipped with powerful security cameras, an alarm system, a video doorbell, and sensors to protect every corner of the house.
For those who do not want professional monitoring and are looking for a maintenance-free setup, the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max is the best option. It includes four triple-lens 16 MP security cameras that capture exceptional details and clarity. They detect objects and track their motion. It’s also equipped with a local AI agent to detect genuine threats and respond quickly.
Vehicle Safety
For optimal security of your vehicle, install a car security camera/dashcam and GPS tracker. It will allow you to monitor your car remotely and ensure its safety.
Always pick a well-lit area to park your car. Hide your valuable items and lock the doors and windows.
Community Engagement
Engage with communities to be aware of the recent crimes and ongoing programs to deal with threats and issues. It allows you to engage with people and local authorities. Not only does it keep you updated, but it also helps in reducing the crime rate. You can take part in community programs and events.
FAQs
What is the safest neighborhood in NYC?
North Sutton Area is the safest neighborhood in NYC. Its violent crime rate is 1.3 per 1,000, and its property crime rate is 13.27 per 1,000 residents. Other than that, Dyker Heights, Roosevelt Island, Forest Hill, and Park Slope are also the safest neighborhoods in NYC.
What is the least safe borough in NYC?
Bronx is considered one of the least safe boroughs in NYC. Its violent crime rate is 10.43, and its property crime rate is 32.31 per 1,000 residents.
Which part of NYC is best to live in?
Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn are the best places to live in NYC. They are safe and are excellent when it comes to livability, education, health, employment, and amenities.
