Which NYC Borough Has the Highest Crime Rate?
As one of the most populous cities in the United States, New York City is home to over 8.4 million residents and countless neighborhoods, each with its unique character and atmosphere. While some areas are considered safe and desirable, others may have a reputation for being rough around the edges. One of the most important factors to consider when deciding where to live, work, or visit is the crime rate.
The Numbers Say It All
According to the NYPD’s (New York City Police Department) 2020 CompStat2 reports, the crime rate varies significantly across the five boroughs that make up New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. So, which borough has the highest crime rate?
The Winner: Brooklyn
As it turns out, Brooklyn has the highest crime rate among all the NYC boroughs. According to the 2020 reports, Brooklyn saw a total of 51,449 crimes per 100,000 residents, with the highest rates in the Brownsville and East New York neighborhoods. This is approximately 20% higher than the citywide average of 43,145 crimes per 100,000 residents.
Top 5 Neighborhoods with the Highest Crime Rate in Brooklyn:
• Brownsville: With a total of 73,455 crimes per 100,000 residents, Brownsville has the highest crime rate in Brooklyn.
• East New York: East New York has a crime rate of 69,119 crimes per 100,000 residents, making it the second-highest in the borough.
• Borough Park: With a crime rate of 66,115 crimes per 100,000 residents, Borough Park ranks third on the list.
• Canarsie: Canarsie has a crime rate of 64,411 crimes per 100,000 residents, followed closely by:
• East Flatbush: East Flatbush rounds out the top 5 with a crime rate of 63,119 crimes per 100,000 residents.
Why Is Brooklyn’s Crime Rate So High?
Several factors contribute to Brooklyn’s higher crime rate:
• Economic Inequality: Brooklyn is one of the most economically divided boroughs in the city, with many residents living in poverty.
• Lack of Affordable Housing: Brooklyn’s affordable housing shortage forces many low-income residents to live in crowded and sometimes unsavory conditions, which can lead to a higher crime rate.
• Poor Infrastructure: Brooklyn’s infrastructure is often aging and under-maintained, leading to a higher risk of crime in some areas.
• Poverty and Unemployment: Brooklyn has some of the highest poverty rates in the city, with many residents struggling to find stable employment.
Crime Rates Across the Boroughs: A Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the crime rates across the five NYC boroughs:
| Borough | Total Crimes per 100,000 Residents | Citywide Average |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn | 51,449 | 43,145 |
| Manhattan | 29,391 | 43,145 |
| Queens | 36,441 | 43,145 |
| The Bronx | 46,159 | 43,145 |
| Staten Island | 21,191 | 43,145 |
As the data shows, Brooklyn has the highest crime rate among the five boroughs, with a significant gap between itself and the other boroughs. However, it’s essential to note that crime rates can fluctuate, and neighborhood-specific data is more relevant to an individual’s safety concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brooklyn has the highest crime rate among the five NYC boroughs, with specific neighborhoods like Brownsville and East New York having extremely high rates. While this information can be concerning for potential residents, visitors, or investors, it’s essential to consider the bigger picture and the various initiatives underway to improve public safety and reduce crime rates.
