The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In New York


The most dangerous places in New York are Herkimer and Albany for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in New York research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in New York.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 210 New York cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in New York is Herkimer based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in New York is 878 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in New York is 5,954 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in New York is Highlands.

  • New York is the 36th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In New York Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


New York has its fair share of dangerous cities.

You might think that most of the problems occur around New York City, but the most dangerous places in New York are spread evenly across the state.

This research aims to help you navigate these dangerous cities when deciding what city to call home. To determine the most dangerous places in New York, we used Saturday Night Science to review the FBI’s latest crime report for violent crime and property crime statistics for the 210 cities with over 5,000 residents.

So grab a bagel, pizza, and a garbage plate, and learn more.

The Most Dangerous Cities In New York For 2024

  1. Herkimer
  2. Albany
  3. Watertown
  4. Oneida
  5. Binghamton
  6. Rochester
  7. Schenectady
  8. Syracuse
  9. Troy
  10. Buffalo

What’s the most dangerous city in New York? The most dangerous city in New York is Herkimer.

If you want to know where the rest of the most dangerous places in New York are, look at the list below. Or head to the bottom for a complete list of crime everywhere in New York.

For more New York reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In New York For 2024

Herkimer, NY

Source: Wikipedia User Kenneth C. Zirkel | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 7,289
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 878 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,954 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Herkimer: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

In the heart of New York, within Herkimer County, sits the small town of Herkimer. Despite its modest 7,289, this village ranks as the most dangerous place to live in the state for the year 2024. It holds the fourth highest position in violent crimes with a staggering 878/100k violent crime rate.

With a property crime rate of 5,954/100k, Herkimer tops the charts in New York State.

Albany, NY

Source: Wikipedia User UpstateNYer | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 98,104
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 929 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,781 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 11
More on Albany: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The capital of New York, Albany, ranks as the state’s second most dangerous place to live for 2022. Albany experienced 3,710 property crimes over the year, with more than one burglary every day and a car theft every other day, on average.

Additionally, Albany has the second highest violent crime rate in the state,with residents facing a 1 in 107 chance of being attacked in 2022. So make sure you buddy up if you’re going for a jog at Washington Park.

Watertown, NY

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 24,558
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 635 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,108 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Watertown: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located just 25 miles south of The Thousand Islands in Upstate New York, Watertown ranks as the third most dangerous city the state has to offer.

On the bright side, Watertown experienced zero murders in 2022. On the definitely not-bright side, the city also had the fourth highest rate of rape in New York.

Watertown residents also had a 1 in 24 chance of being the victim of a property crime, so you’ll want to watch out for porch pirates here.

Oneida, NY

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 10,268
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 603 (15th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,109 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Oneida: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The community of Oneida became famous in the 19th century for a local religious organization. Known as the Oneida Community, this group ultimately morphed into a famous silverware manufacturer. You can still pick up a set of Oneida knives, forks, and spoons at your local Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Let’s focus on those knives for a minute. This city of 10,268 people, located in central New York, also represents one of the most dangerous spots in the state. For a sleepy-seeming town located near the scenic Oneida Lake, this location has surprisingly high rates of larceny and sexual assault.

Binghamton, NY

Source: Wikipedia User ConfluenceOfRivers | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 47,259
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 672 (11th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,694 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Binghamton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

When people think about the mean streets of New York, they’re usually imagining New York City, not Binghamton. But it turns out there’s nowhere in The Empire State with meaner streets than Binghamton, where the overall crime rate is nearly twice as high as the national average.

How bad is it in Binghamton? Well, the city averages one violent crime each day and had the third highest burglary rate in the whole state for 2022. In other words, you can enjoy a day out at

Otsiningo Park, but you’d best be on your way home when the sun starts setting.

Binghamton is located just north of the Pennsylvania border, at the junction of I-81, I-86, and I-88.

Rochester, NY

Source: Flickr User | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 210,270
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 731 (Tenth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,580 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 66
More on Rochester: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

We continue the Upstate New York trend with Rochester, New York’s 3rd biggest city. With 7,529 property crimes in 2022, residents of Rochester face a whopping 1 in 7,529 chance of having their stuff stolen or damaged.

On top of that, Rochester averages four violent crimes each day. That includes the state’s highest murder rate.

At least residents can stop and smell the lilacs at Highland Park to, you know, get their minds off all the murder going on.

Schenectady, NY

Source: Wikipedia User Daniel Case | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 67,101
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 757 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,421 (17th most dangerous)
Murders: 8
More on Schenectady: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located in eastern New York, near the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, is the city of Schenectady. Founded by Dutch colonists in the 17th century, it has a population of 67,101. It is currently ranked as the seventh most dangerous place to live in New York for 2024.

The city reported 508 violent crimes, including 8 murders and 118 robberies. Furthermore, there were 2,296 cases of property crime, including 315 burglaries. The high incidence of these crimes makes Schenectady one of the most dangerous places to live in New York.

Syracuse, NY

Source: Wikipedia User John Marino from Pittsburgh | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 145,179
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 891 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,051 (26th most dangerous)
Murders: 17
More on Syracuse: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Syracuse is home to The Great New York State Fair, but it’s also home to a whole lot of crime. Syracuse had the third highest violent crime rate in New York, with 17 murders in 2022.

On top of that, Syracuse experienced the highest burglary rate in the state, so property crime is quite prevalent as well.

That being said, Syracuse is one of New York’s biggest cities, so if you stick to one of Syracuse’s safest neighborhoods, you should have nothing to worry about.

Troy, NY

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 50,106
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 672 (12th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,350 (19th most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Troy: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The city of Troy, New York, is located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River in Rensselaer County. With a population of 50,106, Troy is no stranger to crime. The city had 337 violent and 1,679 property crimes in the last reporting year. This earned Troy the ninth spot for the most dangerous places to live in New York.

The city saw 5 murders, 18 rapes, and 82 robberies. Furthermore, there were 232 cases of aggravated assault and 248 burglaries, contributing to its high crime rank.

Buffalo, NY

Source: Wikipedia User | GFDL

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 275,710
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 736 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,210 (23rd most dangerous)
Murders: 67
More on Buffalo: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The Bills may have never won a Super Bowl, but at least Buffalo gets the tenth place medal for…being extremely dangerous. Congratulations?

New York’s second-biggest city is especially bad when it comes to violent crime, with the ninth highest rate statewide. That translates into about 1 in 135 chance of being the victim of violence over the course of a year — not great.

Besides having the second highest murder rate in New York, Buffalo also shines in property crime, with the 13th highest burglary rate. It’s going to take a lot of Buffalo wings to get over these numbers.

Crime By City In New York

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Herkimer 7,289 6,832 878 5,954 0
2 Albany 98,104 4,711 929 3,781 11
3 Watertown 24,558 4,743 635 4,108 0
4 Oneida 10,268 4,713 603 4,109 0
5 Binghamton 47,259 4,367 672 3,694 0
6 Rochester 210,270 4,312 731 3,580 66
7 Schenectady 67,101 4,178 757 3,421 8
8 Syracuse 145,179 3,942 891 3,051 17
9 Troy 50,106 4,023 672 3,350 5
10 Buffalo 275,710 3,946 736 3,210 67
11 Jamestown 28,208 3,704 790 2,914 2
12 Malone 5,274 4,152 474 3,678 1
13 Niagara Falls 48,129 3,660 806 2,854 5
14 Utica 63,906 3,976 568 3,408 1
15 Johnson City 15,107 4,428 403 4,024 0
16 Newburgh 28,819 3,580 1,103 2,477 3
17 Ithaca 31,576 4,075 304 3,771 2
18 Gloversville 14,656 3,268 539 2,729 1
19 Oswego City 17,299 3,838 398 3,439 0
20 New York 8,236,567 2,885 744 2,141 438
21 Olean 13,671 3,569 416 3,152 0
22 Ogdensburg 9,933 3,845 302 3,543 1
23 Endicott 13,397 3,090 500 2,590 0
24 Lockport 20,212 2,998 573 2,424 0
25 Cortland 17,061 3,973 263 3,710 0
26 Corning 10,900 3,018 486 2,532 1
27 Norwich 6,474 3,042 432 2,610 0
28 Cheektowaga 79,606 3,555 276 3,278 1
29 Batavia 15,438 2,927 414 2,513 0
30 Poughkeepsie 32,202 2,459 614 1,844 5
31 Newark 8,939 3,848 201 3,646 0
32 Geneva 12,365 2,547 452 2,094 2
33 Albion 5,620 2,758 338 2,419 0
34 Salamanca 5,837 2,398 599 1,798 0
35 Canandaigua 10,479 2,500 438 2,061 0
36 Watervliet 9,954 2,481 442 2,039 0
37 DeWitt 25,623 3,457 214 3,243 0
38 Elmira 26,820 3,247 219 3,027 2
39 Port Jervis 8,738 2,208 514 1,693 0
40 Gates 28,222 2,816 230 2,586 0
41 Liberty 5,367 2,124 577 1,546 1
42 Colonie 81,035 3,380 132 3,247 2
43 Lackawanna 19,692 2,148 401 1,746 1
44 Auburn 26,531 2,378 244 2,133 3
45 Saratoga Springs 28,436 2,159 334 1,825 0
46 Mount Vernon 71,690 2,022 461 1,560 4
47 Monticello 7,386 2,247 297 1,949 0
48 Ellicott 5,350 3,252 130 3,121 0
49 Ilion 7,629 2,896 144 2,752 0
50 Kingston 24,203 2,309 256 2,053 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in New York for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in New York. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in New York, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for New York.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered New York cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 210 cities in New York.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 210 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in New York — Herkimer. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in New York and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In New York FAQs

No, New York is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #14 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in New York ranks 26th most dangerous in the United States — 1.63% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Empire State ranks 4most dangerous in the United States — 27.82% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

No, New York is not a dangerous city. New York ranks as the #154 safest out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though New York might be considered safe you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Ardon Heights is the safest in New York, while Midtown is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in New York ranks 82nd highest in America — 34.44% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 204th highest in the United States — 21.53% better than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In New York

Most Dangerous Cities In New York Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In New York

So what is the most dangerous city in New York? After analyzing 210 cities in New York, Herkimer takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in New York based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Herkimer ranks as the most dangerous city in New York for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in New York are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Herkimer and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What’s the most dangerous city in New York? The most dangerous city in New York is Herkimer.

If you want to know where the rest of the most dangerous places in New York are, look at the list below. Or head to the bottom for a complete list of crime everywhere in New York.

Learn more about the safest places in New York.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in New York:

  1. Cairo (Pop. 6,853)
  2. Whitestown (Pop. 8,948)
  3. Malverne (Pop. 8,477)
  4. Rye (Pop. 16,243)
  5. Chester (Pop. 8,571)
  6. Bedford (Pop. 16,989)
  7. Kirkland (Pop. 8,329)
  8. Lewisboro (Pop. 11,912)
  9. Sleepy Hollow (Pop. 12,088)
  10. Highlands (Pop. 8,412)

For more New York reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

2 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In New York

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *