List of 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC (2023)

If you’re planning to visit or live in New York City, it’s essential to stay aware of the city’s crime rate and avoid specific neighbourhoods that may harm your safety. While NYC is a vibrant and exciting place, some areas are more dangerous than others. So, which neighbourhoods should you avoid? There are several locations that you should steer clear of if you can. Let’s look at the most dangerous places in the Big Apple.

Are you looking for information about the most dangerous neighbourhoods in New York City? You’ve landed on the right page. In this article, we’ll discuss the city’s top ten most dangerous neighbourhoods and explain why they made it to this list. Given the size of New York City, it’s essential to prioritize your safety by being aware of the potential risks in certain areas. So, let’s dive in and explore the neighbourhoods that require extra caution.

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC

Hunts Point

Hunts Point, situated in the Bronx, is considered the most difficult neighbourhood in NYC. The area is notorious for its prevalent prostitution and drug problems, making it one of the worst parts of New York. According to statistics, the likelihood of becoming a victim in Hunts Point is approximately 1 in 22. Sexual assault cases are on the rise, posing a grave concern for anyone who visits the area, as it can be deemed unsafe.

Statistics show that the violent crime rate is approximately 1,944 per 100,000 individuals, while the average crime rate is around 4,557 per 100,000 individuals. If you are planning to visit New York City or looking for a place to live, avoiding Hunts Point as much as possible is advisable. This will ensure your safety during your stay in the city.

Brownsville

Brownsville, one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in NYC, has a notorious history of being a hotbed for criminal activities, homicides, drug-related deaths, and murder. Its murder rate is almost four times higher than the average in New York, making it clear why Brownsville should be avoided at all costs. The risk of being a victim of crime in this area far outweighs any potential benefits, and it’s not worth putting oneself in danger.

According to statistics, there is a high likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in this area, with a 1 in 36 chance. The violent crime rate is reported to be 1,264 per 100,000 people, while the overall crime rate is around 2,810 per 100,000 people. This Brooklyn neighbourhood is not known for its safety, so it is advisable to avoid it if possible.

Mott Haven

Mott Haven is considered one of the most unsafe neighbourhoods in New York. The crime rate here is shockingly high, almost 400% above the national average. It’s advisable to avoid going out after dark in the city, and this holds particularly true if you need to pass through Mott Haven to get to your destination. It’s best to stay clear of this neighbourhood, if possible.

In Mott Haven, the possibility of falling prey to crime is relatively high, with a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim. The violent crime rate in this area is approximately 2,039 per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate is around 5,181 per 100,000 individuals. Notably, this figure covers all types of crimes, including but not limited to rape, murder, assault, and robbery. Therefore, it is advisable to remain cautious and vigilant while traversing through Mott Haven, regardless of the time of day.

Bedford-Stuyvesant

Bedford-Stuyvesant, the neighbourhood in Brooklyn, has historically been associated with high crime levels. While it is not as dangerous as it was during Biggie’s time when he rapped about “Do or Die, Bed-Stuy,” the crime rate in the area has started to rise again in recent years instead of decreasing. Robberies and violent encounters with individuals are the most common criminal activities in the area, so it’s essential to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when in Bed-Stuy.

The odds of falling prey to crime in Bedford-Stuyvesant are pretty high, with a 1 in 35 chance of becoming a victim. The violent crime rate is alarmingly high, around 1,065 per 100,000 people, while the average crime rate is around 2,902 per 100,000. Therefore, Bedford-Stuyvesant is not an ideal location to consider when settling down in New York City, whether you’re visiting or planning to stay for an extended period.

Midtown

Midtown may not be known as a hazardous area, but the rise in crime over recent years is a cause for concern. One contributing factor is the large number of homeless individuals in the area. In 2020 and 2021, there were several notable incidents where homeless men attacked and stabbed pedestrians in Midtown. While violent crime rates may not be as high as in other areas, theft is prevalent. The constant flow of tourists in places like Times Square and Central Park provides ample opportunities for criminals to snatch personal belongings and quickly escape.

In this area, the rate of property crimes is approximately 7,400 for every 100,000 individuals. On the other hand, the violent crime rate is about 1,200 per 100,000 people. Being pickpocketed is more common than being assaulted, but neither scenario is desirable in one’s daily routine. It’s essential to remain vigilant, even when in the company of tourists, who may create a false sense of security.

East Harlem

East Harlem is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood in Manhattan that attracts many people. However, it is also considered one of the most dangerous areas in the city due to its high crime rate. While most crimes in East Harlem are property-related, the violent crime rate is almost twice the national average. Despite this, many individuals still prosper and succeed in this community.

In East Harlem, the likelihood of falling prey to criminal activities is approximately 1 in 22 individuals. The area’s average violent crime rate is about 1,616 per 100,000 people, while the overall crime rate is about 4,554 per 100,000. However, with more stringent law enforcement measures, there is hope that these figures will improve soon.

Fordham

Fordham may seem like a pleasant college town, but it is considered to be one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in New York City. Despite its small size, the assault rate in this Bronx neighbourhood is almost five times higher than the national average. It is worth noting that Fordham has a separate police force for the North and South sides of the area, which speaks to the severity of the safety concerns in this community.

According to statistics, the likelihood of falling prey to criminal activity in Fordham is relatively high, with a rate of approximately 1 in 29. The area’s average violent crime rate is around 1,251 per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate is about 3,604 per 100,000. As such, avoiding walking alone during nighttime in Fordham is advisable. It’s worth noting that the crime rate in the area has not shown significant improvement over the years, and it remains to be seen what changes will occur in the future.

Highbridge

Located in the Bronx, Highbridge is a neighbourhood tourists love to visit for its popular coffee shops and iconic film locations. However, it’s also considered one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in New York. The area is plagued by street and drug crimes, making it a challenging place to live in or visit. Despite its charm, visitors are often cautioned when exploring the neighbourhood.

The likelihood of falling prey to criminal activity in this community is approximately 1 in 29. The rate of violent crimes in this neighbourhood is estimated to be around 1,149 per 100,000 individuals, whereas the overall crime rate is about 3,564 per 100,000 individuals. Highbridge may appear attractive, but it is crucial to exercise caution and remain alert at all times. You never know what might be happening in your surroundings.

Bushwick

Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighbourhood may not be as tricky as other areas on this list, but it shares similarities. The community has a rich history dating back to the 1800s and has gradually transformed, attracting a younger crowd due to its more affordable cost of living in New York. However, despite the gentrification, the city’s crime rate remains one of the highest.

According to statistics, the likelihood of falling victim to crime in Bushwick is approximately 1 in 40. The area’s average violent crime rate is around 727 per 100,000 individuals, while the overall crime rate is about 2,511 per 100,000. While violent crime is not as prevalent, petty theft and robbery are more common. Despite this, there has been a recent increase in crime rates, which is expected to decrease shortly.

Tremont

The Tremont neighbourhood in New York City is widely recognized as one of the most impoverished areas. With nearly double the national average crime rate, this region has two police precincts dedicated to curbing criminal activity. Unfortunately, Tremont has long been associated with high levels of crime, earning a reputation as one of the less desirable parts of New York City.

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