Though it’s not as dangerous as it formerly was, Harlem, New York still has a higher crime rate than the US average. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Harlem was a nasty neighborhood and was thought to be one of New York City’s main hubs for narcotics and violence.
But since then, there has been a decrease in crime overall, and certain areas of Harlem are now just as safe as any other area of New York City.
Harlem Crime Statistics
Harlem has a total crime rate of 4,336 offenses per 100,000 residents, which is 40% more than the rest of NYC and 88% higher than the national average.
With 1,328 violent events per 100,000 population, Harlem has a much higher rate of violent crime than the rest of the United States by 259%. Moreover, property crime is 55% greater than the national average.
With a violent crime rate that is 438% greater than the national average, East Harlem is widely regarded as the worst area of Harlem.
Though it does see occasional crime, Central Harlem—which is anything above Central Park and below 155th between 5th Ave and St. Nicholas Ave—is largely safe.
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Comparison of Harlem With Other NY Parts
Despite having a high crime rate, Harlem is not the most dangerous area of New York City. The rate of crime in several Bronx areas is significantly greater.
For example, Mott Haven has a violent crime rate that is 605% greater than the average for the country, and Hunts Point has 572% more violent crimes than the US as a whole.
There are plenty of unsafe neighborhoods in Brooklyn. In comparison to the national average, the violent crime rate in Brownsville is 337% higher, and in Bedford-Stuyvesant, it is 268% higher.
There are crimes in Manhattan, too. Chinatown has a 440% greater violent crime rate than the US as a whole, while Midtown has a 385% higher rate than the national average. Therefore, in comparison to many other areas of New York City, Harlem isn’t very dangerous.
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Official’s Efforts to Reduce Crime in Harlem, NY
New York state officials have been making major progress in lowering crime rates throughout the state, especially in neighborhoods like Harlem. Here are some significant initiatives and their results:
Gun Violence Prevention: Since taking office, the state has seen a 160% rise in gun seizures, with 1,443 gun seizures reported in 2023, according to Governor Kathy Hochul. Stronger Red Flag rules, which led to 1,385 red flags and the confiscation of 2,549 firearms, are partially to blame for this.
Decrease in Gun Violence: Albany and other cities taking part in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program reported a 28% drop in gun violence in 2023.
Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy: In Albany County, auto thefts have dropped by 19% as a result of the Comprehensive Auto-theft Reduction Strategy (CARS).
Community activities: Targeted law enforcement, more police presence, and community activities have all contributed to Harlem’s consistent decline in total crime.The number of violent crimes, including robberies and homicides, has drastically dropped.
Comparison of Crime Rates: Harlem’s crime rate currently stands at level with that of other comparatively safe neighborhoods in New York City, like the Upper West Side and the East Village.
These initiatives are a part of a larger dedication to neighborhood crime prevention and public safety in New York.
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To Conclude
The old perception of Harlem as a dangerous neighborhood is no longer totally true. Although crime rates have significantly decreased and certain regions are very safe, they are still higher than the national average. The crime rate in Harlem is not as high as it is in other areas of New York City.
Positive outcomes have been demonstrated by the state’s and the local community’s ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence through community engagement, targeted law enforcement, and education.
The future of Harlem appears bright, as long as community development and public safety activities are prioritized, the neighborhood will probably become both safe and lively.
