Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC Need to Avoid in 2025

Knowing the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC with potential safety risks is essential when considering a trip to the city as an international student or newcomer. New York City, a vibrant, multicultural city, has a variety of neighborhoods with distinct safety profiles and traits. when deciding where to reside or where to go on vacation. One way to keep people and property safe in New York City is to stay away from some of the most dangerous neighborhoods, which are regarded as the most perilous regions in the city.

These neighborhoods are frequently recognized for their socioeconomic difficulties and high crime rates. Additionally, there may be hazards to one’s personal safety due to the policing environment. This blog will discuss some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC, along with safety issues and things to watch out for.

Table of Contents

Common Crime Behaviors in Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC

Persistent criminal activity in New York’s most hazardous areas affects community safety and quality of life. Even with security improvements, violent crimes, thefts, and drug-related offenses are common in these dangerous NYC areas. The most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC will now be examined in terms of the common crimes that occur there.

Theft and robbery: One of the most prevalent crimes that regularly occur in New York’s most hazardous neighborhoods is the violent or armed theft of personal property.
Offenses Associated with Drugs: These include illegal drug distribution, sale, and possession, which are serious problems in many places.
Assault: In the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC, assaults, such as physical assaults, including aggravated assault, are frequent.
Burglary: Numerous communities have high rates of property crime, which are exacerbated by break-ins that target homes and businesses.
Gun Violence: These include shootings and other incidents involving weapons.

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC

1. Brownsville, Brooklyn

Total Crime Rate: 3723/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1615/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2108/100k people

One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC is the Brownsville area, which is situated in southeastern Brooklyn. The neighborhood frequently deals with a number of criminal issues, such as theft, drug dealing, robberies, and gun violence. While the city of New York as a whole has a crime rate of 2,885/100k inhabitants, Brownsville’s total crime rate is 3,723/100k, indicating that Brownsville’s crime rate is far higher than the city average.

Even though there are more police patrols and community policing initiatives in the region, residents frequently worry about street safety. Although local organizations and community leaders have made significant efforts to improve neighborhood safety, problems still exist in NYC’s most dangerous areas, and more cooperation and funding are required to lower crime rates and improve the quality of life and sense of security for locals.

2. East New York, Brooklyn

Total Crime Rate: 4366/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1400/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2966/100k people

Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC. The two primary types of crime in the area are violent crime and property crime. There are 1,095 violent crimes and 2,176 property crimes for every 100,000 persons. Higher rates of poverty, more unemployment, and a lack of adequate public services and community infrastructure are some of the causes of this trend.

These crimes, which have a major effect on neighborhood safety and the standard of living for locals, include drug offenses, armed robberies, burglaries, and robberies. Residents in East New York are worried about the protection of their houses and cars because property crimes like car theft and burglaries are frequent there. In addition, inhabitants of one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York are at a higher risk of experiencing violence due to the high frequency of violent crimes like shootings and assaults.

3. East Harlem, Manhattan

Total Crime Rate: 6071/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 2065/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 4006/100k people

Because of its high crime rate, East Harlem, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC and one of the most dangerous areas in Manhattan, has gained notice. The crime rate in this neighborhood is significantly greater than the city’s overall average. With an overall crime rate of 6,071/100,000 residents compared to 2,885/100,000 in New York City, East Harlem is one of the neighborhoods to avoid in the city. Robberies, burglaries, drug-related offenses, and auto theft are examples of common crimes.

Even though local crime rates have dropped, the East Harlem neighborhood is still regarded as one of the worst in New York, particularly on some streets and at night. One of the more frequent crimes in East Harlem is robbery. They typically take place in isolated locations or at night, particularly during harsh times. Theft of property from cars, shops, and residents’ houses is another frequent crime in these kinds of NYC’s poorest neighborhoods. Furthermore, violent crimes like assaults and fights can happen from time to time.

4. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Total Crime Rate: 3867/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1615/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2108/100k people

Despite major advances over the past few decades, Bedford-Stuyvesant, a culturally diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn, nevertheless has some crime issues. As one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC, this area has an overall crime rate of 3867 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the city’s average of 2885 per 100,000 residents. In terms of violent crime, Bedford-Stuyvesant has a rate of 1362/100,000 residents, whereas NYC has a rate of 744/100,000. New York City has a property crime rate of 2,141 per 100,000 people, whereas Bedford-Stuyvesant has a rate of 2,505 per 100,000.

Being one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City, Bedford-Stuyvesant has a number of crime indices that are higher than the city’s average. Robberies, shootings, and burglaries are common crimes. The most frequent crime is burglary, which typically takes place on the streets or close to homes. Even though they are less frequent now, shootings involving gang activity or interpersonal conflicts remain a major neighborhood worry.

5. South Bronx, The Bronx

Total Crime Rate: 4068/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1476/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2592/100k people

One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC is the South Bronx, where routine offenses are the main cause of violence. These consist of narcotics offenses, auto thefts, robberies, and burglaries. In particular, compared to other neighborhoods, the South Bronx has a significantly higher rate of violent and property crime. In comparison to the rest of New York City, the South Bronx has a higher crime rate.

These crimes typically take place at night or in busy places like business districts and subway stations. Drug dealing is yet another significant issue in the South Bronx, particularly in those areas with high unemployment and poverty rates where drug-related crimes are common. In the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC, car theft is also a significant issue, especially in parking lots and street parking spots that are frequently the target of stolen cars.

6. Tremont, The Bronx

Total Crime Rate: 3846/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1576/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2270/100k people

One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC is the Tremont neighborhood, which is located in the Bronx. Tremont has a rather high crime rate, particularly when contrasted with the overall average for New York City. In particular, Tremont has a higher crime rate than the Bronx, one of NYC’s five boroughs. The Tremont neighborhood’s overall crime rate is 3846 per 100,000, whereas New York City’s general crime rate is 2885 per 100,000. Compared to the average for New York City, it is 1.33 times greater.

Tremont has a violent crime rate of 1,576 per 100,000 residents, which is 2.1 times higher than the overall average for New York City. Robberies, burglaries, drug-related crimes, and violent crimes are the most common sorts of crimes that occur in this most dangerous area of New York City. While burglaries involve the theft of things ranging from storefronts to automobile interiors, robberies typically take place at night or in remote locations in NYC’s worst districts. Another major issue in the town is drug offenses, which contribute to some criminal activity and heightened insecurity inside the community.

7. Mott Haven, The Bronx

Total Crime Rate: 6890/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 2606/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 4284/100k people

One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC is Mott Haven, which is located in the Bronx. This neighborhood’s total crime rate is 2.4 times higher than the city of New York’s overall crime rate. Property crime is twice as high as the city of New York’s general rate, while violent crime is 3.5 times higher than the city’s total violent crime rate. Comparing these data reveals that this neighborhood has a high-risk index, making it one of the most dangerous in NYC.

Street robberies and thefts are common crimes in the Mott Haven neighborhood, and they typically take place at night or in places with few residents. Because of the low economic standing in some areas of the neighborhood, burglaries are especially common, and residents are frequently at risk of having their cars stolen or having their homes broken into. Residents are under some security pressure because of the community’s level of drug dealing and associated criminal activity.

8. Hunts Point, The Bronx

Total Crime Rate: 6047/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 2484/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 3563/100k people

The most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC are Hunts Point and East Village. Robberies are common on the streets and around public transportation, and violent crimes like fights and armed robberies also happen occasionally. Residents of these most hazardous neighborhoods in New York are especially concerned about property crimes like car thefts and burglaries. Hunts Point has an overall crime rate of 6047 per 100,000 residents, which is 2.1 times higher than the average for New York City, which is 2885 per 100,000 residents.

While the overall violent crime rate in New York City is 744, Hunts Point has a violent crime rate of 2484 per 100,000 residents. This most dangerous area of New York City has a violent crime rate that is 3.3 times higher than the city as a whole. The Hunts Point neighborhood has a property crime rate of 3,563 per 100,000, compared to 2,141 per 100,000 in New York City overall. This analogy will deter individuals from visiting the most hazardous location in New York City.

9. Fordham, The Bronx

Total Crime Rate: 4761/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1583/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 3178/100k people

One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC is the Bronx’s Fordham area. When compared to the norm for New York City overall, the neighborhood’s crime rate is very high. While the overall crime rate in New York City is 2,885/100,000, the area’s overall crime rate is 4,761/100,000. Compared to the rate in New York City, this is 1.65 times greater. Robbery, auto theft, and burglary are common crimes in the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City.

Many commercial and residential areas are the focus of these crimes, and citizens continue to worry about crime even after the local police have taken steps to improve security and surveillance. There are 3,178 property crimes for per 100,000 individuals. There are 1,583 violent crimes for per 100,000 individuals. The rate of violent crime is 2.1 times greater than NYC’s total rate of violent crime. The neighborhood’s high level of business activity and dense population may be contributing factors to this. However, a lot of locals are trying to make the neighborhood safer by being more watchful and working together.

10. Jamaica, Queens

Total Crime Rate: 3187/100k people
Violent Crime Rate: 1117/100k people
Property Crime Rate: 2070/100k people

Jamaica is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC and has a high crime rate. It is situated in Queens, New York City. Compared to the city average, the crime rate in the Jamaica area is much higher. The neighborhood’s overall crime rate is 3,187 per 100,000 residents, whereas the city of New York as a whole has a rate of 2,885 per 100,000 residents. The Jamaica neighborhood has a violent crime rate that is 1.5 times greater than the overall rate for New York City. Episodes of violence, burglaries, and robberies are common in this neighborhood.

Robberies typically take place in busy places and business districts, particularly at night or during peak hours. The majority of burglaries occur in residential neighborhoods and on public transit, including buses and subway stations. Because of its commercial centers and transportation hubs, this neighborhood draws larger crowds, which may also raise the risk of criminal activity. Individual disputes or gang battles may be the subject of sporadic violent episodes, particularly in places with a lot of people or in nightclubs. Because of these criminal issues, Jamaica is a neighborhood to avoid in New York.

How can Students Stay Safe in New York?

Students must be safe in New York City, even if living and studying there might be an exhilarating adventure. Here are some ideas to help you stay safe in this busy city, from safeguarding your living areas to managing late-night train rides.

1. Transportation Safety

Make sure to use crowded, well-lit subway stations.
Use licensed yellow/green taxis or reliable ride-sharing applications.
If this is your first time in New York, take a confirmed airport transfer service from the airport to your student housing.
To report suspicious activity, use the NYPD’s (New York Police Department) Transit Watch app.

2. Housing Safety

When leaving, always lock the door.
Learn to know the building security personnel and your neighbors.
Make sure that campus security and other emergency numbers are easily accessible.

3. Personal Safety

Do not wear earbuds or use phones when strolling.
If at all possible, keep costly objects hidden.
Follow your gut and leave if something doesn’t feel right.

4. Campus Safety

Keep your phone’s campus security number handy.
Learn the locations of the emergency blue lights.
Be familiar with the emergency exits and procedures in your building.

In conclusion, while New York City is one of the most vibrant and exciting places in the world, it’s essential to stay aware of dangerous neighborhoods in NYC with higher crime rates. Neighborhoods such as Brownsville, Mott Haven, and East New York have historically struggled with violent crime, gang activity, and theft, making them riskier for visitors and residents alike. Though the city has made significant efforts to improve safety, some areas still require extra caution, especially at night.

That said, crime rates can vary within neighborhoods, and being informed is the key to staying safe. Always research specific locations, avoid poorly lit streets, and trust your instincts when exploring the city. NYC has many safe and welcoming areas, so knowing where to go and where to be extra cautious can help ensure a positive experience. By staying alert and making smart choices, you can enjoy everything New York has to offer while minimizing risk.