Brooklyn, NY is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique specifications.
However, like any city, a few neighborhoods in Brooklyn are dangerous. Crime rates are high here. Residents and visitors feel uneasy there.
If you take the comparison of Brooklyn’s crime rate vs New York, Brooklyn’s crime rate is around 89% higher than the state average.
We’ve listed ten of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn for your attention. We’ve also provided you with maps of each one.
But first of all, let’s know the crime rate in Brooklyn, New York.
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What’s the Crime Rate in Brooklyn, NY (in 2024)?
According to NeighborhoodScout, crime rates for Brooklyn, NY indicate that the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 146, and property crime is 1 in 50.
That’s quite high, let’s be honest!!
The image above shows the crime map overview of Brooklyn, according to NYC.gov (see Brooklyn’s crime map above). Red areas are the most dangerous.
Here’s another one from NeighborhoodScout. The bluer it is, the more dangerous:
So in Brooklyn, the total number of crimes reported is around 73,000, with a crime rate of 27 per 1,000 residents. This includes:
- Murder;
- Rape;
- Robbery;
- Aggravated assault;
- Grand theft–vehicle;
- And burglary.
The violent crime rate in Brooklyn is, in fact, the highest in the nation, the chances of being one of these victims is 1 in 146.
Here’s another table of crime data for your attention:
So based on Neighborhoodscout data, Brooklyn is much safer than 14% of U.S. cities.
However, according to The New York Times, the total number of crimes in New York City’s homicide rate has declined 18 percent from January 2023 to January 2024.
Plus, property crimes have risen, fueling voter anxiety.
But let’s see below which are the worst neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York.
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So What are the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY?
1. Brownsville, Brooklyn
Located in eastern Brooklyn, Brownsville is the most dangerous neighborhood in New York.
Overall, it has high poverty and crime rates. Its history dates to the mid-1800s.
Also, this neighborhood is called the “murder capital of New York.” It constantly has issues with crime and public safety.
2. East New York, Brooklyn
East New York has faced persistent challenges related to safety and crime rates.
In general, it’s known for its high crime rates, including violent crimes, burglaries, and gang-related activities.
On the other hand, it also has economic challenges.
Because of this, the neighborhood is having a crime problem also throughout its history.
3. Hunts Point, Bronx
In 2005, when I first arrived in New York City, the NYPD documented over 135,000 crimes in categories such as:
- Homicides;
- Assaults;
- And rapes.
Despite the statistical evidence showing some improvements in safety over the years, Hunts Point remains one of the worst areas to avoid in New York.
4. Mott Haven, Bronx
If you’re asking “Is Mott Haven dangerous?“, I have to state that yes, Mott Haven is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn today.
Overall, Mott Haven has over 41,000 people living there. They are from different nationalities including white, African-Americans, Hispanic/ Latinx, etc.
According to Arevibes, here’s the crime rate (the whole picture in one table) in this neighborhood:
| Statistic | Mott Haven/100k People | New York/100k People | New York/100k People | National/100k People |
| Total crime | 6,890 (estimate) | 2,885 | 2,151 | 2,324 |
| Murder | n/a | 5.3 | 4 | 6.3 |
| Rape | n/a | 31.8 | 29.5 | 40 |
| Robbery | n/a | 211.7 | 112 | 66.1 |
| Assault | n/a | 495.4 | 283.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 2,606 (estimate) | 744 | 429 | 370 |
| Burglary | n/a | 176.7 | 162.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | n/a | 1,794.80 | 1,422.00 | 1,401.90 |
| Vehicle theft | n/a | 169.7 | 137.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4,284 (estimate) | 2,141 | 1,722 | 1,954 |
5. Jamaica, New York, NY
Jamaica is among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn today. This neighborhood has had high violence. It’s been marked with violence, especially in poor urban areas.
The region has seen many forms of violence. These include interpersonal, domestic, gang-related, political, and drug-related incidents.
Despite efforts to address challenges, Jamaica still faces safety concerns.
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6. Highbridge, Bronx, NY
Highbridge (situated in the Bronx) is another unsafe area in Brooklyn.
If you’ve been in this neighborhood, you might’ve seen drug-related offenses and property crimes.
Overall, the efforts of the Police and the government to fight crime and improve safety have been ongoing in this neighborhood.
According to Areavibes, High Bridge crime rates are 105% higher than the national average, just imagine.
Also, violent crimes in High Bridge are 297% higher than the national average.
So proportionally, in this neighborhood, you have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
7. East Harlem, New York, NY
East Harlem (known as El Barrio or Spanish Harlem) is also among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
In this part of New York City, the violent crime rate has reached over 1,600 per 100,000 people, which is 264% higher than the national average.
Here, factors such as poverty and limited opportunities have contributed to the prevalence of crime.
So today East Harlem still remains a challenging area for police, with a long history of gang-related violence and criminal activity.
8. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY
Bedford-Stuyvesant or Bed-Stuy is among the worst neighborhoods in the northern section of Brooklyn, New York.
Worth mentioning that the violent crime rate is about 1,060 per 100,000 people and the average crime rate is approximately 2,900 per 100,000 people.
Some of the top reasons for this picture are economic inequality and poverty.
Above all, the neighborhood started to experience its worst times in the 1980s when the crime rate started to increase in the area.
9. Tremont/Sounth Bronx, NY
Tremont, located in the South Bronx, is recognized as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
If you want to surf around here, be aware that the violent crime rate is 191% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 53% higher.
10. Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY
Bushwick is the last neighborhood on the list of the worst neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
However, I have to state that this neighborhood is comparatively the least dangerous in Brooklyn.
Nevertheless, it still stays famous with its high crime rate. The overall crime rate stands at around 3,500 per 100,000 people – that’s basically becoming a crime victim of about 1 in 40.
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Conclusion
The Brooklyn, New York neighborhood has long been associated with varying levels of safety and crime.
If you’ve noticed, the Bronx has the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Yes, other areas also have high crime, economic inequality, and poverty. But, if you’re traveling to the Bronx, keep safety rules top of mind.
Keep safe!!
