If you are planning to visit or live in New York City, it’s important to note that like any other city, there may be certain areas that are best to avoid. The Big Apple has a few neighborhoods that are considered more dangerous than others. So, which areas should you be cautious of? There are several locations in the city that you may want to steer clear of if possible.
Looking for information about the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City? Look no further. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. It’s important to stay vigilant when you’re in a metropolis as big as New York, and this list can help you be aware of which neighborhoods to avoid. Keep reading to find out more about why these neighborhoods made the list.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC
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- Hunts Point
- Brownsville
- Mott Haven
- Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Midtown
- East Harlem
- Fordham
- Highbridge
- Bushwick
- Tremont
1. Hunts Point
Hunts Point, situated in the Bronx, is considered the most perilous neighborhood in NYC due to its rampant prostitution and drug problems. The area has a high crime rate, and the likelihood of becoming a victim in Hunts Point is around 1 in 22. The rise in sexual assault cases in Hunts Point is a major concern, making it an unsafe destination for visitors.
The violent crime rate averages around 1,944 per 100,000 people, while the overall crime rate averages around 4,557 per 100,000 people. If you’re planning a trip to New York City or considering a move, it’s advisable to avoid Hunts Point during your visit or residency in the city.
2. Brownsville
Brownsville, located in NYC, is considered one of the most perilous neighborhoods. It has a notorious reputation for being one of the bad parts of the city, with a high rate of homicides, drug-related deaths, and murder. In fact, the murder rate in Brownsville is almost four times higher than the average in New York. It’s evident that this area is not suitable for the average person due to the high crime rate, and avoiding it is highly recommended.
The likelihood of falling prey to a crime in this area is relatively high, with a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim. The violent crime rate is 1,264 per 100,000 individuals, and the overall crime rate is around 2,810 per 100,000 individuals. It’s safe to say that this Brooklyn neighborhood is far from being considered secure, so it’s best to avoid it if you can.
3. Mott Haven
Mott Haven neighborhood in New York has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous areas in the city. Its crime rate is almost 400% higher than the national average, making it a high-risk location for visitors. It is advisable to avoid being outside after dark, especially if you are just passing through Mott Haven to reach another destination. If possible, it is best to avoid the neighborhood altogether and stay safe.
Mott Haven has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of approximately 2,039 per 100,000 people. The overall crime rate in this area is about 5,181 per 100,000 people, which includes all types of crimes such as rape, murder, assault, and robbery. Your chance of falling prey to any of these crimes in Mott Haven is 1 in 32. Therefore, it is advisable to be vigilant and cautious when navigating through Mott Haven, whether it is during the day or night.
4. Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, has a notorious history of high crime rates. While it may not be as dangerous as it was during the days of Biggie’s “Do or Die, Bed-Stuy,” crime rates have recently started to rise instead of decreasing. Robberies and violent encounters with individuals are the most prevalent types of crime in the area, making it crucial to be vigilant while in Bed-Stuy.
In Bedford-Stuyvesant, the likelihood of falling prey to crime is approximately 1 in 35. The area has a high violent crime rate of around 1,065 per 100,000 individuals, and an average crime rate of about 2,902 per 100,000 people. Whether you’re a visitor or searching for a suitable place to reside in New York City for an extended period of time, Bedford-Stuyvesant is one of the neighborhoods to steer clear of due to its crime rates.
5. Midtown
Midtown may not be viewed as a dangerous area by some, but crime rates have been increasing in recent years. The rise in crime is partly due to the significant issue of homelessness. In Midtown, there have been several notable incidents in 2020 and 2021 where homeless individuals have attacked and stabbed pedestrians. While violent crime rates may not be as high as in other areas, theft is a prevalent issue. The busy streets of Times Square and Central Park provide an opportunity for criminals to quickly snatch personal belongings and flee the scene.
In this area, the rate of property crime is approximately 7,400 cases for every 100,000 individuals. Meanwhile, the rate of violent crime is around 1,200 incidents per 100,000 people. While pickpocketing is more common than assault, neither is a desirable experience in everyday life. It’s crucial to remain vigilant, even in the presence of other tourists that may create a false sense of security.
6. East Harlem
East Harlem, a neighborhood in Manhattan, boasts of cultural diversity, and it is a place where many people thrive. Unfortunately, it also has one of the highest crime rates in New York City. Property crimes make up most of the crimes committed in this area, but the violent crime rate is nearly double the national average.
In East Harlem, the chances of becoming a victim are approximately 1 in 22 people. The violent crime rate per 100,000 people averages around 1,616, while the overall crime rate averages around 4,554 per 100,000 people. However, with the recent increase in law enforcement, these statistics could potentially improve in the near future.
7. Fordham
Fordham, a neighborhood located in the Bronx, is considered one of the dangerous parts of New York City, despite being partially a college town and having a portion of Fordham University campus. The assault rate in this small-sized neighborhood is nearly five times higher than the national average. Interestingly, Fordham has a separate police force for the North and South sides of the area to ensure the safety of its residents.
The likelihood of falling prey to crime in this area is quite high, with statistics showing 1 in 29 people becoming victims. The average violent crime rate is 1,251 per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate is 3,604 per 100,000 people. It’s important to exercise caution when walking alone at night in Fordham as the crime rate has not seen any significant improvement in recent years. It remains to be seen whether any changes will occur in the future.
8. Highbridge
The Bronx neighborhood of Highbridge is notorious for its high crime rates. Despite being a popular area with coffee shops and famous film locations, tourists are often discouraged from visiting due to safety concerns. Street crimes and drug-related offenses are prevalent in this area, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York.
The probability of falling victim to a crime in this locality is around 1 in 29. The violent crime rate averages at about 1,149 per 100,000 people, while the overall crime rate stands at approximately 3,564 per 100,000 people. Though Highbridge can be an attractive neighborhood, it’s essential to stay alert at all times. You never know what might be happening around you in the vicinity.
9. Bushwick
Located in Brooklyn, Bushwick has been a part of the city since the 1800s. Despite being one of the least dangerous neighborhoods on this list, it still has a high crime rate. Over the years, the area has been rebuilt and has attracted many new residents due to its more affordable cost of living.
In Bushwick, there is a 1 in 40 chance of falling prey to criminal activities. The area’s average violent crime rate stands at approximately 727 per 100,000 individuals, while the average crime rate is around 2,511 per 100,000 individuals. While the rate of violent crimes is not as high, Bushwick faces a challenge with petty theft and robberies. However, there is hope as measures to curb the rising crime rate are being put in place and the situation is expected to improve soon.
10. Tremont
Tremont, located in the Bronx, is infamous for being one of the poorest areas in New York City. To combat the high crime rates, the neighborhood has two separate police precincts, which is almost double the national average. Unfortunately, Tremont has a longstanding reputation for crime, making it one of the more dangerous parts of the city.
When traveling through Tremont, it’s important to keep your surroundings in check, as the chances of becoming a victim are approximately 1 in 35. The average rate of violent crimes in the area is around 1,223 per 100,000 people, while the average crime rate is about 2,898 per 100,000 people. Whether you’re out during the day or at night, taking precautions can help you avoid becoming a victim.
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