New York City, is noted for its lively culture and iconic sites but has districts plagued by high crime rates and social issues. While crime rates have dropped dramatically in recent years, particular neighborhoods continue to suffer safety problems owing to gang involvement, violent crimes, and poverty.
These neighborhoods frequently face economic gaps, making them hotbeds for criminal activity. These neighborhoods, ranging from the Bronx to sections of Brooklyn and Queens, have garnered a reputation as some of the most hazardous in the city. Despite local authorities’ efforts to reduce violence, citizens and law enforcement confront continuous obstacles.
This article examines seven of New York City’s most hazardous neighborhoods, focusing light on their persistent crime problems.
1. Hunt’s Point
Hunters Point is New York City’s most deadly neighborhood. Hunts Point, located in the Bronx, is considered one of New York’s worst neighborhoods due to the prevalence of prostitution and drug use. Your chances of being a victim at Hunts Point are about 1 in 22. The most concerning trend is the increase in sexual assault charges in Hunts Point, making it a hazardous location to visit.
The average violent crime rate is roughly 1,944 per 100,000 people, whereas the average crime rate is around 4,557 per 100,000 people. Whether you’re visiting New York City or contemplating a move, you should avoid Hunts Point whenever possible.
2. Brownsville
Brownsville is one of New York City’s worst neighborhoods. It is also the most deadly area in Brooklyn. The region has a long history of being one of New York’s most dangerous neighborhoods, with a high number of killings, drug-related deaths, and murders.
With a murder rate nearly four times the New York average, it’s easy to see why Brownsville is a neighborhood to avoid in the city. The average New Yorker does not consider the crime rate worth the risk.
Your chances of becoming a victim of a crime here are approximately 1 in 36. The violent crime rate is 1,264 per 100,000 people, whereas the total crime rate is approximately 2,810 per 100,000 people. It is quite likely that you will become a victim here. This Brooklyn neighborhood is not particularly safe, so avoid it if at all possible.
3. Mott Haven
Mott Haven is without a doubt one of New York’s most dangerous neighborhoods. Its crime rate is over 400 percent greater than the national average. It is generally a good idea to stay inside when it becomes dark in the city. This is especially true if you’re passing through Mott Haven on your way to another destination. When possible, avoid staying in the neighborhood.
In Mott Haven, your chances of becoming a victim are one in thirty-two. The violent crime rate here is roughly 2,039 per 100,000 people, whereas the overall crime rate is around 5,181 per 100,000 people. This figure covers all forms of crimes, including rape, murder, assault, and robbery. It’s advisable to be cautious when moving through Mott Haven, both in daylight and at night.
4. Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, has a long history of high crime rates. Although it is no longer as deadly as it was when Biggie was singing about “Do or Die, Bed-Stuy,” crime rates have begun to rise in recent years, rather than fall. Robberies and interactions with individuals that swiftly escalate into violence are the most common. You have to be on your toes in Bed-Stuy.
In Bedford-Stuyvesant, your chances of becoming a victim are approximately one in every 35. The violent crime rate is at 1,065 per 100,000 people, whereas the average crime rate is around 2,902 per 100,000 people. It’s one of the neighborhoods to avoid in New York City, whether you’re traveling or looking for a place to live for a prolonged period.
5. Midtown
Although many people do not perceive Midtown to be particularly hazardous, crime has increased in recent years, owing in part to the city’s enormous homeless population.
In 2020 and 2021, there were multiple high-profile incidents in which homeless males attacked and stabbed bystanders in Midtown. Although violent crime is lower than in other neighborhoods, minor offenses such as stealing are common. The bustle of tourists around Times Square and Central Park makes it simple for crooks to steal personal goods and flee.
The property crime rate here is approximately 7,400 per 100,000 inhabitants. The violent crime rate is approximately 1,200 per 100,000 inhabitants. You are more likely to be pickpocketed here than assaulted, yet neither is favored in everyday life. It is critical to keep an eye out, especially while surrounded by tourists who make it appear as if nothing could go wrong.
6. East Harlem
East Harlem is one of Manhattan’s most dangerous regions. This neighborhood is a melting pot of diversity, where many people grow and prosper. Nonetheless, it has one of the highest crime rates in New York City. The majority were property offenses, but the violent crime rate is roughly double the national average.
In East Harlem, your chances of becoming a victim are approximately one in every 22. The average violent crime rate is 1,616 per 100,000 people, whereas the overall crime rate is approximately 4,554 per 100,000 people. With more law enforcement, these figures could change for the better soon.
7. Fordham
Fordham is another hazardous NYC area. Despite being a college town with a portion of the Fordham University campus, Fordham remains one of New York’s worst neighborhoods. Despite Fordham’s tiny population, this Bronx neighborhood has roughly five times the national average in terms of assault rates. There is a distinct police force for the north and south sides of the area.
Your chances of becoming a victim here are approximately one in 29. The average violent crime rate is roughly 1,251 per 100,000 people, whereas the overall crime rate is around 3,604 per 100,000 people. Fordham is not a location you want to walk alone at night. Its crime rate has not improved in recent years, so we’ll see where it goes in the future.