For most of us, when we think of New York, we think of the beautiful corners that we all favor and maybe even some of our most well-known tourist attractions. While all of those amazing places are great to keep in mind, it never hurts to read up on the most dangerous places in New York.

Before we really jump into this article, though, let us state that the purpose of this piece is not to shine a negative light on the dangerous cities in New York, but to provide information to those who are curious about these sort of facts. All of the locations on this list have something to offer, other than being among the most dangerous places in New York, and that’s important to remember! For this article, to determine the most dangerous places in New York, we mainly focused on a crime report put together by the FBI, as well as Neighborhood Scout’s list of dangerous cities in New York.

1. Newburgh
Newburgh, NY 12550, USA
Anthony Quintano/Flickr
A location that consistently makes the cut for the most dangerous places in New York, Newburgh remains our most dangerous city. Considering this city's size and population, its crime report numbers are much higher than you would hope for. Only safer than 8% of America's cities, you have a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime here.
2. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, NY, USA
Robert Sanderson/Flickr
A place that many are often surprised to see have such high crime rates, the city of Niagara Falls makes it way to the top of our list. If you thought Newburgh's crime index number was bad, then this one may shock you even further. This city is only safer than 2% of all of the cities in the United States! Here you have a 1 in 84 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Our advice? Take your visit to the American Falls during the day, and you'll have no need to worry.
3. Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie, NY, USA
Kama Guezalova/Flickr
One of the many cities you'll find along the Hudson River, you have a 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime here. When you look at the FBI crime report and take into consideration how small of a city Poughkeepsie is, its high violent crime numbers are overwhelming. Sadly, the city also tends to keep high numbers when it comes to rape. With all of this said, the crime index for Poughkeepsie is 17, a better number than our first two cities on this list.
4. Binghamton
Binghamton, NY, USA
Chris Waits/Flickr
Be careful, in this city; you have 1 in 144 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime! Binghamton is only safer than 4% of all of America's cities. The city may have a smaller population, but it's numbers for rape, murder, and violent crime are nothing to be ignored.
5. Rochester
Rochester, NY, USA
Terry Robinson/Flickr
Just like the city of Jamestown, in Rochester, you'll only be safer than 6% of our other cities in the United States. The largest city included on our list, your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime here are just 1 in 119. The city also has a high number of reported rapes, murders, and cases of arson.

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6. Jamestown
Jamestown, NY 14701, USA
Mark Fischer/Flickr
Curious to know what your chances are of becoming a victim of a violent crime in this city? Just 1 in 136. Jamestown is another one of our cities that, for its small size, has a high number for statistics, like violent crime, rape, and larceny-theft. Here, you'll be safer than only 6% of America's other cities.
7. Schenectady
Schenectady, NY, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
An area that holds a lot of local history, this city is only safer than 8% of the cities you'll find in the United States. Schenectady has high property crime numbers, but its violent crime and rape statistics are the most concerning. Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime here is just 1 in 114.
8. Elmira
Elmira, NY, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
One of New York's smaller cities, the rural area of Elmira can be a bit dangerous. Safer than 12% of America's cities, you have a 1 in 318 chance of becoming a victim of crime here. The city also holds high numbers when it comes to theft, so watch your belongings at night!
9. Middletown
Middletown, NY 10940, USA
Wikimedia
Considering this city's small size, it's quite shocking to hear that it's only safer than 14% of America's cities. The city holds high numbers when it comes to property crime and theft. Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime here? 1 in 222.
10. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Mt Vernon, NY, USA
Adam Moss/Flickr
The least dangerous of all the dangerous cities in New York, Mount Vernon is safer than 32% of all the cities you'll find in our country. This city may not be one of the smallest on our list, but it does have a significantly high number of murders and acts of violent crime. Your chances of becoming a victim while you're here? 1 in 139.

So, are you surprised? Did you know these were the most dangerous places in New York? Can you think of any other dangerous places to avoid in New York? If so, tell us!

Curious about what other spots are considered the most dangerous places in New York? Then read about The Top 15 Most Dangerous Places In New York based off of other statistics that we found.

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Most Dangerous Places In New York

Daniella DiRienzo | January 06, 2022

What are the most dangerous hikes in New York?

There are lots of great hikes in the Big Apple. There are some perilous trails in the state, too. Among the most dangerous hikes in New York are those within the Hudson Valley and Catskills. The area is most known for its stunning scenery and beautiful mountains. However, each year, numerous hikers suffer fatal falls and injuries for an array of reasons, including inexperience, veering off the trail, and improper gear or footwear. In 2020, forest rangers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, conducted 492 search and rescue missions - more than 20% of those  missions occurred within the Hudson Valley and Catskill region, cementing its reputation as one of the most dangerous hiking destinations in New York.

Are there any other dangerous cities in New York?

Aside from the cities mentioned above, there are several other dangerous cities in New York. In 2021, the website 24/7 Wall St. named Buffalo the most dangerous city in New York. The ranking is based on the city’s crime rates. In Buffalo, property crimes totaled 7,844, resulting in a ratio of 3,080.6 per 100,000 residents. Though lower, the rate of violent crime was also rather high. According to statistics, violent crime in Buffalo totaled 2,592, which means out of every 100,000 residents, 1,018 have the chance of being the victim of a violent crime.

What are some other dangerous places to avoid in New York?

When it comes to dangerous places to avoid in New York, there are several roadways and intersections that belong on that list. One roadway, in particular, is East 170th Street and Grand Concourse. Located within a bustling shopping district with major roads intersecting, it’s a recipe for disaster. According to Transportation Alternatives, the 180-foot-wide, 4.5-mile-long road encourages speeding and reckless driving. The roadway isn’t just dangerous for drivers, though. Pedestrians should also consider it one of the dangerous places to avoid in New York. To cross the street, pedestrians have to brave seven lanes of traffic with two median strips and three turning lanes. What’s more, according to the NYC Department of Transportation, the northernmost part of the city has the most pedestrians struck at night, which means extra caution should be used when out walking in the wee hours.

 

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