Within its borders lies a less glamorous aspect of New York, a state typically idealized for its bustling cityscapes and prominent sites.
This exposé explores the core of New York’s most dangerous communities—from the dimly lit lanes of Herkimer to the treacherous streets of Albany—and examines the intricate web of elements that have contributed to these places’ notoriety.
Come along as we sift through the data and anecdotes that highlight New York’s less desirable areas and provide a sobering counter-narrative to the city’s well-known appeal.
| Neighborhood | Population | Median House Value | Median Income | Median Rent |
| Albany | 99,692 | $281,271 | $54,736 | $1,130 |
| Herkimer | 6,858 | $128,285 | $56,607 | $780 |
| Oneida | 10,326 | $173,929 | $56,044 | $840 |
| Binghamton | 47,617 | $160,958 | $42,031 | $805 |
| Watertown | 24,859 | $182,077 | $49,722 | $924 |
Albany
With 99,692 residents, Albany is a city with a median house value of $281,271 and a median income of $54,736. With a cost of living of 101, it is 1.0 times more expensive than the national average. The average cost of renting in Albany is $1,130.
The city does, however, confront difficulties, as evidenced by its 8.0% unemployment rate and 23.3% poverty rate. Albany continues to be a thriving municipality with a wide range of possibilities and a varied population despite these obstacles.
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Herkimer
The tiny town of Herkimer is located in Herkimer County in the center of New York. With 6,858 residents, Herkimer is a town with a median house value of $128,285 and a median income of $56,607.
A $780 median rent reflects the expense of living. However, a 6.1% unemployment rate presents obstacles to economic stability.
In spite of this, the neighborhood faces a 12.6% poverty rate. These figures depict a community where people live in a fabric that is shaped by a combination of economic possibilities and challenges.
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Oneida
At $173,929 in median house value and $56,044 in typical income, Oneida is a community of 10,326 people. The median rent, which is $840, is indicative of the cost of living.
Oneida’s economy is comparatively steady, as evidenced by its 3.0% jobless rate. But even in this prosperous community, there are still problems, as demonstrated by the 12.4% poverty rate, which shows that some residents are having trouble making ends meet.
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Binghamton
With 47,617 residents, the city of Binghamton has a median property worth of $160,958. Even with its reasonably priced home, the median salary of $42,031 indicates that its citizens face financial difficulties.
Additionally, renting is reasonably priced, with a $805 median rent. Nonetheless, the city has a high unemployment rate of 10.1%, which suggests a lack of jobs and unstable economic conditions.
Furthermore, Binghamton faces a poverty rate of 31.7%, highlighting the community’s ongoing socioeconomic inequalities.
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Watertown
Situated in Upstate New York, only 25 miles south of The Thousand Islands. With 24,859 residents, Watertown is a town with a median house value of $182,077 and a median income of $49,722.
If you decide to rent, the average monthly rent is $924. However, the town faces economic difficulties as seen by its 6.3% unemployment rate.
Moreover, Watertown has a 19.5% poverty rate, meaning a sizable section of the populace finds it difficult to make ends meet. These figures provide insight into the community’s opportunities as well as its people’ struggles.
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To Conclude
The charm of New York is not limited to the flashy lights of Manhattan. But it’s important to recognize the difficulties that some of its communities endure.
The economic prosperity of other regions is overshadowed by the unemployment and poverty that plague cities like Albany and Binghamton. Even while these figures present a depressing image, they can also act as a call to action.
New York can work toward a future where opportunity and safety are woven into the fabric of every city, not just the glitzy ones, by addressing these discrepancies.
