By New York City is a vibrant destination to visit and an exciting place to live in. However, like any other city, there are some areas you should avoid to stay safe during your time there. Certain neighborhoods in New York City are more dangerous than others, and it’s essential to be aware of them. This article will provide you with insights on the most dangerous places to avoid in the Big Apple. Being knowledgeable about these areas can help you take precautions and have a safe experience in this bustling city.
If you’re looking for information on the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City, you’ve found the right resource. This article will outline ten of the most hazardous neighborhoods in New York City and explain the reasons for their inclusion on this list. Given the vast size of New York City, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety while visiting or living there. Read on to learn more.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC
- Hunts Point
- Brownsville
- Mott Haven
- Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Midtown
- East Harlem
- Fordham
- Highbridge
- Bushwick
- Tremont
1. Hunts Point
Hunts Point, located in the Bronx, is widely considered the most dangerous neighborhood in New York City. The prevalence of prostitution and drug-related issues in the area make it a particularly unsafe place to visit or live. With a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim in Hunts Point, caution is advised when traveling to this area. Sexual assault cases are also on the rise in Hunts Point, further emphasizing the need to exercise vigilance in this neighborhood.
The average violent crime rate in Hunts Point is 1,944 per 100,000 people, and the average crime rate is 4,557 per 100,000 people. Whether you’re visiting New York City or considering a move, it’s recommended that you avoid Hunts Point if possible to ensure your safety.
2. Brownsville
Brownsville, situated in Brooklyn, has a well-established reputation as one of the most dangerous parts of New York City. It has the highest rates of homicide, drug-related deaths, and murder, with a murder rate nearly four times the city’s average. Due to its high crime rate, it’s strongly recommended to avoid Brownsville.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in this area is approximately 1 in 36, with a violent crime rate of 1,264 per 100,000 people and an overall crime rate of about 2,810 per 100,000 people. As a result, it’s advisable to stay away from Brownsville if possible to avoid putting oneself at risk.
3. Mott Haven
When it comes to safety, Mott Haven is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City. Its crime rate is almost 400% higher than the national average, indicating the high risk of becoming a victim of crime in this area. It’s advisable to avoid being out after dark in Mott Haven, especially if you’re just passing through to get somewhere else. If possible, it’s recommended to stay outside of this neighborhood to minimize the chances of falling victim to crime.
Mott Haven is considered one of the most unsafe neighborhoods in New York City, with a crime rate almost 400% higher than the national average. The chances of becoming a victim of crime in this area are high, with a 1 in 32 chance of being victimized. The violent crime rate in Mott Haven is about 2,039 per 100,000 people, and the overall crime rate is around 5,181 per 100,000 people, which includes various crimes such as rape, murder, assault, and robbery. It’s advisable to remain vigilant when traveling through Mott Haven, regardless of the time of day or night.
4. Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bedford-Stuyvesant, located in Brooklyn, has a history of high crime rates. Although it’s not as dangerous as it used to be during the time when Biggie Smalls was rapping about “Do or die, Bed-Stuy,” crime rates have started to rise again in recent years. The area is notorious for robberies and sudden violent encounters, so it’s crucial to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when in Bed-Stuy.
The likelihood of being victimized in Bedford-Stuyvesant is around 1 in 35. The violent crime rate in the area is approximately 1,065 per 100,000 people, while the overall crime rate is around 2,902 per 100,000 people. Whether you’re planning to visit or looking for a place to settle down in New York City, it’s best to steer clear of Bedford-Stuyvesant, which is considered one of the city’s areas to avoid.
5. Midtown
While Midtown may not be commonly known as a dangerous neighborhood, crime rates have increased recently, attributed to the area’s homelessness problem. There have been a few high-profile incidents in 2020 and 2021 where homeless individuals attacked and stabbed people passing by in Midtown. Though violent crime rates are not as high as in other neighborhoods, theft is a prevalent issue. The large influx of tourists in Times Square and Central Park creates an opportunity for criminals to quickly snatch personal belongings and flee the area.
The area has a property crime rate of approximately 7,400 per 100,000 people and a violent crime rate of around 1,200 per 100,000 people. Although the chance of being pickpocketed is higher than being assaulted, neither scenario is desirable in daily life. It is important to remain vigilant, even amidst crowds of tourists that may create a false sense of security.
6. East Harlem
East Harlem, a neighborhood in Manhattan, is known for its diverse community where many individuals have found success. However, the area also has a high crime rate, particularly in property-related offenses. Moreover, the violent crime rate in East Harlem is nearly twice the national average, making it a potentially dangerous area.
In East Harlem, the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime is relatively high, with an estimated ratio of 1 in 22 people. The area’s violent crime rate is also above average, at approximately 1,616 incidents per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate stands at approximately 4,554 incidents per 100,000 individuals. However, with the implementation of increased law enforcement measures, these statistics have the potential to improve in the near future.
7. Fordham
While Fordham includes a portion of the Fordham University campus and is considered a college town, it is still classified as one of the dangerous neighborhoods in New York. Despite its small size, this Bronx community has an assault rate that is almost five times higher than the national average. Additionally, the area is divided into two sections, North and South, each with its own police force.
The likelihood of being a victim of crime in Fordham is approximately 1 in 29 people. The violent crime rate in the area is above average, with around 1,238 incidents per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate is about 3,569 incidents per 100,000 individuals. It’s advisable to avoid walking alone at night in this neighborhood due to its high crime rate. Despite the lack of improvement in the area’s crime rate over the years, the future remains uncertain.
8. Highbridge
Highbridge is a neighborhood in the Bronx that boasts popular attractions, such as coffee shops and iconic filming locations, attracting many tourists, even though they may not be welcome in the area. However, it is also considered one of the worst neighborhoods in New York due to its high street and drug-related crime rates.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Highbridge is around 1 in 29 people. The violent crime rate in the neighborhood is above average, with an estimated 1,149 incidents per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate stands at approximately 3,564 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Although Highbridge may have its appealing features, it’s crucial to remain aware of your surroundings as you never know what might be happening around you in this neighborhood.
9. Bushwick
Bushwick is considered one of the relatively less dangerous neighborhoods on this list, but it still shares similar concerns as the others. Located in Brooklyn, this area has a long-standing history dating back to the 1800s. Despite experiencing revitalization and attracting younger residents due to more affordable living options, the neighborhood still struggles with a higher crime rate than other areas in the city.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Bushwick is about 1 in 40. Although the violent crime rate is comparatively lower than other neighborhoods, at around 727 incidents per 100,000 individuals, the overall crime rate is around 2,511 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Petty theft and robbery are among the top concerns in the area, with an increasing trend in the crime rate. Nevertheless, measures to improve the neighborhood’s safety and reduce crime rates are underway.
10. Tremont
Tremont is acknowledged as one of the neighborhoods with the lowest income in New York City. Due to its high crime rates, the area has two separate police precincts to maintain law and order, with crime rates almost twice the national average. For this reason, it is widely considered one of the unsafe neighborhoods in New York City.
The chances of falling victim to crime in Tremont are relatively high, with odds of approximately 1 in 35 people. The average violent crime rate in the area is around 1,223 incidents per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate is approximately 2,898 incidents per 100,000 individuals. When traveling through Tremont, it is essential to remain vigilant of your surroundings to avoid falling victim to crime, regardless of the time of day.
