The Bronx, like any urban area, has its share of neighborhoods with higher crime rates and safety concerns.
I’ve done personal research on fifteen of the most dangerous and worst neighborhoods in the Bronx.
Also, you will find detailed information and analysis on the Bronx crime rate overall.
And helpful information about the crime rate overview on each of the neighborhoods below.
What’s the Crime Rate in the Bronx, NY (in 2024)?
In New York City, over 95% of the communities have a lower crime rate than the Bronx.
Also, the number of daily crimes in the Bronx per 100,000 residents is 29% higher than the New York average.
And the property crime rate in The Bronx is 18% higher than the national average.
Let’s see the crime map of the Bronx from NYC.gov below to get a visual picture (red areas are the most dangerous):
Here’s another visualization of the crime map of the Bronx, according to Neighborhoodscout. The bluer it is, the more dangerous:
Also, the violent crime comparison (per 1,000 residents) of the Bronx vs New York shows that it’s much higher in the Bronx than in NY (see the bar chart below):
As you see from the bar chart above, the Bronx has close to 2.5 higher violent crime rates than the national average.
So that’s why it’s quite violent and dangerous in this neighborhood.
Keep reading to get more insights about the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC.
Worst Neighborhoods in the Bronx in 1 Table
Neighborhood | Population | Violent Crime Rate (/100k people) | Property Crime Rate (/100k people) |
Hunts Point | 47,457 | 1,264 | 1,546 |
Mott Haven | 67,731 | 1,212 | 1,285 |
Fordham | 63,689 | 1,066 | 1,285 |
Highbridge | 37,727 | 1,392 | 1,536 |
Tremont | 51,743 | 1,017 | 1,462 |
Belmont | 27,378 | 971 | 1,537 |
University Heights | 53,520 | 1,030 | 1,662 |
Morris Heights | 37,878 | 1,128 | 1,311 |
Soundview | 88,091 | 1,122 | 1,389 |
Crotona Park East | 71,253 | 1,276 | 1,462 |
Longwood | 34,404 | 1,176 | 1,671 |
Claremont | 58,672 | 1,304 | 1,311 |
Mount Hope | 51,187 | 1,304 | 1,431 |
Concourse | 110,706 | 1,231 | 1,463 |
Eastchester | 47,846 | 1,136 | 1,307 |
The table gives a brief summary of the worst dangerous neighborhoods in the Bronx.
Read more about each of the unsafe neighborhoods below.
You may also like: 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY
1. Hunts Point
- Population: 47,457
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,264 /100k people (NYC Average: 364 /100k people)
- Property Crime Rate: 1,546 /100k people (NYC Average: 1,411 /100k people)
Hunts Point in the southeastern Bronx is known for high crime and poverty. It’s primarily an industrial area, known for its wholesale food markets.
The neighborhood faces challenges like drug trafficking and prostitution. This contributes to its unsafe reputation.
So if you sometimes decide to visit this area, be careful, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas.
2. Mott Haven
- Population: 67,731
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,212 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,285 /100k people
When visiting Mott Haven (southern Bronx), one should be vigilant. Especially in isolated areas, and avoid confrontations with strangers.
3. Fordham
- Population: 63,689
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,066 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,285 /100k people
Fordham is home to Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo.
The neighborhood has experienced an increase in crime over the last few decades.
Stay away from crowded places and transit hubs.
4. Highbridge
- Population: 37,727
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,392 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,536 /100k people
Highbridge, named after the High Bridge, is a historic residential area.
In contrast, it faces challenges like poverty and unsafety.
So be careful here, especially in less populated areas.
5. Tremont
- Population: 51,743
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,017 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,462 /100k people
Tremont (southern Bronx) is mostly residential but experiences crime, especially property-related offenses.
You may also like: 15 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC
6. Belmont
- Population: 27,378
- Violent Crime Rate: 971 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,537 /100k people
Belmont faces challenges in crime due to its Italian-American heritage and Arthur Avenue.
There are many markets and restaurants in this neighborhood.
But avoid confrontations and stay aware of your surroundings.
7. University Heights
- Population: 53,520
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,030 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,662 /100k people
University Heights is home to Bronx Community College and several schools.
Nevertheless, visiting this area requires high attention.
8. Morris Heights
- Population: 37,878
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,128 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,311 /100k people
Morris Heights in the western Bronx is a residential area.
However, it faces challenges related to poverty and crime, including robbery and assault.
9. Soundview
- Population: 88,091
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,122 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,389 /100k people
Soundview in the southeastern Bronx is famous for its waterfront parks and diverse residents.
On the contrary, the neighborhood experiences crime activity and drug-related incidents.
10. Crotona Park East
- Population: 71,253
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,276 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,462 /100k people
Crotona Park East is a residential neighborhood with a diverse population. It is named after the nearby Crotona Park.
However, it faces challenges some low-quality life challenges such as robbery and assault.
You may also like: 15 Safest Neighborhoods in New York City
11. Longwood
- Population: 34,404
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,176 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,671 /100k people
Set in the southern Bronx, Longwood is primarily a residential area with a large population.
However, it faces challenges related to poverty and crime, including robbery and assault. Travelers should be cautious in less populated areas. They should avoid showing valuable items.
12. Claremont
- Population: 58,672
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,304 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,311 /100k people
Claremont is a residential neighborhood.
Poverty, robbery, and assault make this area one of the worst neighborhoods in the Bronx, NY.
13. Mount Hope
- Population: 51,187
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,304 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,431 /100k people
Mount Hope in the central-western Bronx is mostly residential.
Nevertheless, it’s not so safe in this neighborhood. So be cautious when being here.
14. Concourse
- Population: 110,706
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,231 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,463 /100k people
Concourse is one of the neighborhoods full of criminals and low-quality of life.
It’s often called the “Grand Concourse” and is lined with Art Deco buildings and green spaces.
But don’t let these details fool your attention.
15. Eastchester
- Population: 47,846
- Violent Crime Rate: 1,136 /100k people
- Property Crime Rate: 1,307 /100k people
Eastchester includes many commercial strips. While it has improved recently, it still faces challenges with theft and vandalism.
You may also like: 15 Worst Neighborhoods in Staten Island, NY
Cultural Significance and Comparison with the National Average
Native American tribes lived in the Bronx before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The Bronx underwent major changes due to the settlers’ arrival.
The Bronx rapidly urbanized and industrialized in the 19th century. It became a hub for manufacturing and transportation.
The Bronx’s defining moment was the construction of the Bronx River Parkway in the late 19th century. It facilitated the borough’s development and accessibility.
The early 20th century saw growth and prosperity. It attracted many European immigrants to exactly the Bronx. Just so you know – Hip-hop was born here in the 1970s. DJ Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa led the movement.
This cultural phenomenon influenced music, art, fashion, and social dynamics. It left a lasting impact on global pop culture.
Key Takeaways
I hope the provided information above will help you avoid safety issues when being in the Bronx.
After going through all the neighborhoods I have to state that it’s worth being there at least once in life.
But one should also keep an eye on the safety as it’s not that safe there.
Stay cautious!!