New York is one of the most recognizable states in America, known for its world-famous landmarks, diverse communities, thriving economy, and rich cultural heritage. From the fast-paced streets of New York City to the scenic landscapes of Upstate New York, the state offers residents a wide variety of lifestyles and opportunities.
Despite its many strengths, some communities continue to face challenges related to public safety. Crime rates can vary significantly from one city to another, and understanding these differences can help residents, visitors, and policymakers make informed decisions.
Quick Guide
- State: New York
- Ranking Based On: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Key Factors: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide rates
- Safest Practice: Stay aware of local conditions and follow community safety recommendations
- Important Note: Crime rates can vary significantly between neighborhoods within the same city
- Source: Areavibes
The following ranking is based on reported violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. While crime statistics provide valuable insight, they do not tell the full story of any community. Many of these cities are actively investing in neighborhood revitalization, law enforcement initiatives, youth programs, and economic development efforts designed to improve safety and quality of life.
10. Rochester
- Population: 211,665
- 582 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.60
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 172
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,872
Rounding out our list at #10 is Rochester, NY. With a population of 211,665 and a violent crime rate of 582 per 100,000 people (53% higher than the New York average), some parts of Rochester are incredible unsafe.
The violent crime rate consists of 397 counts of assault, 153 counts of robbery, 18 counts of rape and 13 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 172 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
9. Watertown
- Population: 26,084
- 599 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.64
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 167
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,528
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Watertown, NY comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in New York with a violent crime rate of 599 per 100,000 people.
If we break that down, the city sees 1.64 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 167 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
8. Jamestown
- Population: 30,127
- 620 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.70
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 161
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,935
Jamestown, NY is another one of the most dangerous cities in New York and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 30,127 and a violent crime rate of 620 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 436 counts of assault, 87 counts of robbery, 79 counts of rape and 18 counts of homicide. All told, the Jamestown violent crime rate is 63% higher than the New York average.
7. Poughkeepsie
- Population: 31,213
- 644 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.76
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 155
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,280
A 1 in 155 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 1.76 violent crimes per day – those are some fairly good reasons why Poughkeepsie makes the list at #7.
According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 644 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 69% higher than the New York average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (471), robbery (104), rape (63) and homicide (6).
6. Schenectady
- Population: 66,726
- 646 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.77
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 155
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,775
Schenectady, NY comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 646 per 100,000 people, which is 70% higher than the New York average. Schenectady has a population of 66,726, which translates to 1.77 crimes per day and 1 in 155 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Schenectady which are much safer than others.
5. New York
- Population: 8,575,966
- 671 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.84
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 149
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,039
The ongoing battle with crime in New York, NY, is not a new issue – which is why there’s no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 671 and a 1 in 149 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), New York has a violent crime rate that is 76% higher than the New York average.
Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in New York.
4. Buffalo
- Population: 262,656
- 706 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.93
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 142
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,516
With a violent crime rate that is 86% higher than the New York average, it’s not hard to see why Buffalo made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (158), assault (492), rape (43) and homicide (12).
In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Buffalo more vulnerable to high crime.
3. Syracuse
- Population: 146,063
- 765 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.10
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 131
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,999
Home to 146,063 residents, Syracuse, NY ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in New York. Unfortunately for residents of Syracuse, crime is widespread, with more than 765 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year.
When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 2.10 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 101% higher than the New York violent crime rate.
2. Albany
- Population: 99,012
- 817 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.24
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 122
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,665
The second most dangerous city is Albany. With a population of 99,012 and a violent crime rate that is 115% higher than the New York average, the city has seen better days.
The higher than average crime rates in Albany are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 817 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
1. Newburgh
- Population: 28,811
- 984 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.69
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 102
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,901
Newburgh, NY holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in New York with 984 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (684), robbery (200), rape (89) and homicide (11) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 159% higher than the New York average.
Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.
Final Thoughts
Crime statistics provide only one perspective on a city. Every community has strengths, challenges, and residents who are committed to making their neighborhoods better places to live. While these cities reported some of the highest violent crime rates in New York, many also feature strong local cultures, historic landmarks, and ongoing revitalization efforts.
Travelers and residents alike should stay informed, follow local safety recommendations, and remain aware of their surroundings when visiting any urban area.
