New York is one of the biggest but simultaneously one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.
I’ve been in all of them. I’d like to share helpful experience so you know what to expect from each.
I’ve compiled a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC. I will provide the following info about them:
- Neighborhood map;
- Crime overview;
- What the current neighborhood is known for (in a bad way).
But first and foremost, let’s have a look at the NYC crime rate.
What’s the Crime Rate in NYC?
According to the New York City Police Department, here’s the full picture of the crime rate in the City of New York:
The rape rate in the city fell by 24.4% (102 vs. 135), burglary by 19.8% (1,065 vs. 1,328), and car theft by 3.8% (1,178 vs. 1,224).
Also, felony assault fell by 1.5% (2,068 vs. 2,100).
Reductions in Specific Crimes: The number of vehicles stolen in New York City was reduced by at least 3.8% for the second consecutive month
Arrests and Incidents: Arrests for all major index crimes citywide increased by 5.7% in January compared to the same period a year ago.
Public Housing Developments and Bias Incidents: Overall, major crimes in public housing dropped by 11 in January 2024. This was compared to the previous January.
The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force investigated more bias incidents in January. The total across the five boroughs increased by 12.
Stay updated and check the crime map of New York City here, and keep reading to know the most unsafe areas in New York City.
You may also like: 15 Safest Neighborhoods in New York City
15 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC
Explore the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC Ranked as in the source article. Click a highlighted neighborhood or marker for details.
1. Brownsville, Brooklyn
Brownsville is the most dangerous neighborhood in NYC. It has the highest rates of drug-related mortality, murder, and homicide in the city.
See Brownsville’s crime map below (the darker the red is, the more dangerous the part):
All in all, sources indicate that Brownsville is the worst neighborhood in NYC.
Let’s explore one of the most reliable sources.
For example, let’s see some data from AreaVibes:
| Statistic | Brownsville/100k people | New York/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 9,201 (estimate) | 3,039 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | n/a | 3.9 | 2.7 | 5 |
| Rape | n/a | 23.4 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | n/a | 187.5 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | n/a | 456.2 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3,541 (estimate) | 671 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | n/a | 154.7 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | n/a | 2,015.00 | 1,432.80 | 1,272.10 |
| Vehicle theft | n/a | 198.5 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5,660 (estimate) | 2,368 | 1,720 | 1,760 |
The most striking figure is violent crime. The estimated Brownsville rate of 3,541 per 100,000 people is roughly 5.3 times the New York City rate of 671 and almost 10 times the national rate of 359.
The estimated total crime rate of 9,201 per 100,000 is approximately three times the NYC figure and more than four times the national figure.
You can also see some crime stats for Brownsville yourself from the NY Police Department here.
2. Hunts Point, The Bronx
Hunts Point is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC.
Being located in the Bronx and is known for its high rates of prostitution and drug-related crimes.
In this neighborhood, the crime rate is 1 in 22 chance of being a victim. Sexual assault cases are also on the rise in Hunts Point, making it an unsafe place to visit.
3. East Harlem, Manhattan
East Harlem is one of the most unsafe areas in Manhattan.
Overall, the neighborhood has a high crime rate, with a 1 in 27 chance of being a victim.
This neighborhood is on this list as is known for gang activity, drug dealing, and violent crime.
4. Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), Brooklyn
Bedford-Stuyvesant (or as they call it, “Bed-Stuy”, is another risky neighborhood in Brooklyn.
It has a high crime rate, with a 1 in 38 chance of being a victim.
Bed-Stuy has a poor reputation and poverty and unemployment continue to increase here.
5. Jamaica, Queens
Jamaica is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC.
If you decide to have a walk in this neighborhood, keep in mind that you’ll have a one in 49 chance of being a victim.
You may also like: Worst Neighborhoods in Staten Island NY
6. East New York, Brooklyn
East New York is one of the unsafe neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It has a 1 in 70 chance of being a victim.
Next comes poverty and unemployment, which contribute to its high crime rates.
7. Tremont, The Bronx
Tremont is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC.
So it has a high crime rate, with a 1 in 72 chance of being a victim.
8. East Flatbush, Brooklyn
East Flatbush is one of the worst neighborhoods in NYC (Brooklyn) – a 1 in 75 chance of being a victim.
But, only 29% of adults in East Flatbush have a college degree.
And, one in six adults has not finished high school. This can limit opportunities and impact socioeconomic conditions.
9. Mott Haven, The Bronx
Mott Haven is the next unsafe neighborhood in the Bronx. It has a high crime rate, with a 1 in 77 chance of being a victim.
10. Fordham, The Bronx
Fordham is another area to avoid in the Bronx. It has a high crime rate.
Known for its criminal authority, Fordham gives you a 1 in 89 chance of being murdered.
All in all, Fordham is known for its criminal background and cruel scenes.
Recommended Article: All Irish Neighborhoods in NYC Explored
Main takeaways
We’ve explored the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC. But surely crime stats can change.
Meanwhile, I’ve mentioned some tips to stay safe in NYC. Some neighborhoods may have more crime.
But, they also have unique characteristics and a strong community.
Stay safe!!
