13 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New York 2024 – Stats & Crime Rate

New York City. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. For many, it’s a place of dreams, bright lights, and endless opportunities. But let’s be real for a second: not every corner of NYC is all Broadway glitz and Central Park charm.

Some neighborhoods can be downright dangerous, which doesn’t come as a surprise, since New York is definitely one of the most dangerous cities in the US. Here’s a look at the rougher sides of the city, the places you might want to think twice about before wandering into at night.

13. Rockaway, Queens

Rockaway experiences seasonal tourism, which impacts crime rates. Off-season spikes in property theft and violent incidents are common. It’s a unique dynamic that makes safety a seasonal concern.

Overall Increase in Crime

• As per Rockawave, crime across New York City has risen by 35% in the seven major crime categories (murder, robbery, rape, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto) compared to the previous year. In Rockaway specifically, crime has increased by around 7.5% in these major categories.

Detailed Crime Statistics for Rockaway

• The piece by Rockawave also states that the 100th Precinct (covering Broad Channel to Beach 59th Street) has seen a 36% increase in the seven major crimes, up from 231 to 315 incidents.
• Grand larcenies in the 100th Precinct have increased by 46% citywide and are a significant contributor to the rise in crime.
• Burglaries have increased by 50% in the 100th Precinct, compared to 38% citywide.
• Grand theft auto incidents have surged by 318% in the 100th Precinct, from 11 to 46 incidents.

Queens Crime Increase in Early 2024

• According to a report by QNS, major crimes in Queens, including Rockaway, saw a slight increase in the first month of 2024 compared to 2023.

12. Tremont, Bronx

Tremont deals with high crime rates, but there’s a strong community effort to improve safety and quality of life. The neighborhood is actively fighting against its dangerous reputation, striving for a better future.

General Crime Rates

• Tremont’s crime rates are significantly higher than the national average. The neighborhood has crime rates that are 65% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 326% higher according AreaVibes.

Serious Crime Rate

• Judging by the sources from NYU Furman Center, the serious crime rate, which includes both property and violent crimes, was reported as 25.2 serious crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023. This is significantly higher compared to 14.2 serious crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024.

Overall Crime Data

• The piece by Dahlcore states that this neighborhood reports a high crime rate, with 1,223 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, and residents have a 1 in 35 chance of being a victim of crime.

11. Canarsie, Brooklyn

Canarsie has its fair share of property crimes, but recent improvements offer a glimmer of hope. The neighborhood is working towards a safer environment, though challenges remain. It’s a community in transition.

Crime Stats

According to statistics sourced by AreaVibes:

• Violent Crime: The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Canarsie is 1 in 162.
• Property Crime: The chance of being a victim of property crime in Canarsie is 1 in 53.
• Overall Crime: The chance of being a victim of any crime in Canarsie is 1 in 40.

Property and Violent Crimes

• The serious crime rate, including property and violent crimes, was 9.3 serious crimes per 1,000 residents, as per NYU Furman Center.

10. Fordham, Bronx

Fordham is a bustling commercial hub, yet it faces high rates of theft and property crime. The busy streets are a double-edged sword, bringing both opportunity and danger. It’s a place where vigilance is key.

Crime Statistics in Fordham

• As per statistics provided by Vitalianolaw, there is a steep rise in grand larceny cases by 97.5% in the 47th Precinct, which covers areas such as University Heights, Morris Heights, and Fordham.
• AreaVibes statistics show that Fordham’s crime rates are significantly higher than the national average. Violent crimes in Fordham are 328% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a crime victim.

9. East New York, Brooklyn

East New York struggles with high violent crime rates and significant economic challenges. The community is constantly working against the tide to improve safety and quality of life. It’s an uphill battle, but one that’s fought every day.

Crime Statistics (75th Precinct – East New York)

The following data sourced from the NYPD’s Borough and Precinct Crime Statistics, particularly from the 75th Precinct, which covers East New York shows the following:

• Murder: 15 incidents
• Rape: 45 incidents
• Robbery: 250 incidents
• Felony Assault: 350 incidents
• Burglary: 200 incidents
• Grand Larceny: 500 incidents
• Grand Larceny Auto: 150 incidents

8. Fort Greene/Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Fort Greene and Clinton Hill are known for their cultural vibrancy, yet they face a serious crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000 residents.

The contrast between the artsy vibe and the crime statistics is stark. It’s a neighborhood that embodies the city’s contradictions.

Violent Crime Rate

• Violent crime in the 88th Precinct, which includes Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, increased by 140%, rising from 5 to 12 incidents, as per Brownstoner.

Serious Crime Rate

• As the statistics by Furman Center show, the serious crime rate, including both property and violent crimes, in Fort Greene/Brooklyn Heights was 18.6 serious crimes per 1,000 residents.

Perception of Law Enforcement

• It’s not all grim, judging by Niche reports, since 43% of respondents believe that the police are very visible and very responsive in Clinton Hill, and 86 of respondents claim they feel safe in this neighborhood.

7. Jamaica, Queens

Jamaica in Queens is a diverse area, yet it’s plagued by a variety of crimes. The murder rate here stands at 0.0154 per 1,000 residents.

Violent crimes like assault, robbery, and theft are more common than anyone would like. Safety is a significant concern.

Overall Crime Statistics for New York City in January 2024

• There are ongoing reductions achieved in shootings, homicides, vehicle thefts, and other major crimes, as per NYPD official data.

Recent Crime Trends

• As per QNS, the number of murders was down in northern Queens and up in southern Queens during the 28-day period from March 11 to April 7, 2024.

General Crime Statistics for Queens

• Queens has significantly fewer violent crimes than the Bronx and Brooklyn, as Tsigler Law reports.

6. Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), Brooklyn

Bed-Stuy might have a rich cultural backdrop, but it’s also grappling with crime rates 24% higher than the national average and remains one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

The high poverty rate doesn’t help either. Historical crime issues persist, making it a neighborhood where caution is a constant companion.

Crime Complaints (Year to Date 2024 vs. 2023)

5. East Harlem

East Harlem, with its rich cultural heritage, faces a poverty rate of 31.2% and a serious crime rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents in 2022. The vibrant community is often overshadowed by gang violence and drug-related crimes.

So, is Harlem safe to live in these days? Despite some improvements, it remains a tough place to call home.

Violent Crime Rate

• In 2024, violent crime in East Harlem has seen significant attention due to various incidents. For example, there have been several reported assaults and attempted rapes, such as the case that was reported inside a store on Madison Avenue and East 108 Street in East Harlem a month ago, which Fox 5 NY thoroughly covered.

Assaults

• Assault rates in Harlem, including East Harlem, have been noted to remain high, while other major crimes have decreased, as per New York Times.

Auto Thefts

• There has been an increase in auto thefts in Harlem as of early 2024, based on NYPD data that Patch reported.

Overall Crime Rate

• According to AreaVibes, East Harlem has a total crime rate of 4,336 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average and other areas in New York.
• The NYU Furman Center notes that the serious crime rate in East Harlem was 21.1 serious crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023, indicating a need to monitor trends for 2024.

4. Soundview, South Bronx

Soundview in the South Bronx doesn’t fare much better. Violent crimes are a grim reality, with a crime rate of 4.130 per 1,000 residents.  Imagine dealing with an incident every 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Economic challenges are ever-present, making life here a daily grind against adversity.  So is South Bronx safe? Not really with this crime rate, and although Soundview is a beautiful neighborhood, it has its fair share of problems.

Once again, AreaVibes comes to the rescue with some hard, evidence-based stats:

Overall Crime Rate

• The chance of being a victim of any crime in Soundview is 1 in 31.

Violent Crimes

• The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 76.
• Violent crimes in Soundview are 260% higher than the national average.

Property Crimes

The chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 50.

3. Brownsville, Brooklyn

Brownsville has earned its reputation as one of NYC’s most dangerous neighborhoods and one of more dangerous parts of Brooklyn.  With a serious crime rate of 18.9 per 1,000 residents in 2022, it’s a place where safety isn’t a given.

The high unemployment rate and low median household income only add to the struggles here.  Living in Brownsville means dealing with poverty, crime, and the constant challenge of just getting by.

Overall Crime Rates

According to AreaVibes statistics:

• Brownsville crime rates are 60% higher than the national average.
• Violent crimes in Brownsville are 337% higher than the national average.

Violent Crime Rate

• The violent crime score in Brownsville is 89.4, compared to the US average of 22.7, judging by the reports by Gitnux.

Murder Rates

• Brownsville has endured a significant portion of Brooklyn’s homicides, with 20% of all Brooklyn’s 55 homicides this year occurring in the 73rd Precinct, as NY Daily News reports.

Total Crime Rate

• According to Dahlcore, Brownsville has a total reported crime rate of 2,810 per 100,000 people, with a violent crime rate of 1,264 per 100,000.

2. Hunts Point, The Bronx

Hunts Point deals with a serious crime rate of 27.9 per 1,000 residents. Safety and economic issues are ongoing battles for the community. It’s a place where danger feels ever-present, and Hunts Point crime issues have kept persisting this year.

Overall Crime Rates

• Hunts Point’s crime rates are 160% higher than the national average, as per AreaVibes.
• Violent crimes in Hunts Point are 572% higher than the national average.
• In Hunts Point, you have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.

Serious Crimes

• The serious crime rate, including property and violent crimes, was 31.5 serious crimes per 1,000 residents, as NYU Furman Center reported.

Safety Scores

• Hunts Point scored 26/100 in total crime safety at Ovogo, indicating below satisfactory safety levels.

Violent Crime Rate

• Tsiger Law reported some disturbing stats regarding the violent crime rate:
• The violent crime rate in Hunts Point and Longwood was 13.6 per 1,000 residents.
• Compared to the Bronx’s rate of 8.9 and the city’s rate of 5.1.

Crime Trends

• Still, Bronx Times gave us some piece of good news. They reported that in the 41st Precinct, which includes Hunts Point and Longwood, there was a decrease of 31.7% in crime rates in early 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year.

1. Mott Haven, The Bronx

Mott Haven sits at the very top of our list, and if you ever wondered, “Is The Bronx dangerous,” it should give you the answer.  Mott Haven tops the list with the highest reported serious crime rate at 28.0 per 1,000 residents.

Socioeconomic challenges are severe, adding to the neighborhood’s tough reputation.  Living here means facing some of the harshest conditions in the city, and this is one of the areas to avoid in New York unless you have some really pressing matter to attend to.

Overall Crime Rate

Statistics from AreaVibes are definitely worrying:

• The chance of being a victim of crime in Mott Haven is 1 in 15.
• The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Mott Haven is 1 in 39.
• The chance of being a victim of property crime in Mott Haven is 1 in 24.

40th Precinct (Includes Mott Haven)

Bronx Times reported the following stats:

• Burglaries: Increased from 24 to 42 (75% increase).
• Robberies: Increased by 40%.
• Felony Assaults: Increased by 5.4%.
• Grand Larcenies: Increased by 35.6%.
• Murders and Rapes: Halved.
• Grand Larceny Auto: Decreased by 34.6%.

Additional Information

• For a broader view, the serious crime rate in Mott Haven/Melrose was 30.7 serious crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023 as per NYU Furman Center. Although this rate dipped in 2024, it is still very high.

Concluding Thoughts

New York City, with all its glamour and grit, has neighborhoods that tell stories of resilience amidst hardship. These areas, though fraught with danger, are home to people who face daily struggles with unwavering determination.

Walking through these streets, one can’t help but feel the weight of the challenges and the strength of the communities striving for a better tomorrow. Each neighborhood has its unique set of problems and efforts toward improvement. We can only hope that these crime rates will dip, and that the streets of NYC will be safer in time.