Orange County, New York, lies to the north of New York City and is characterized as a suburban county. With a population of approximately 384,000 individuals, it encompasses an area spanning 839 square miles.
While generally regarded as a secure and prosperous place for residence, there are certain sections within Orange County that exhibit a higher susceptibility to crime and violence. Drawing from multiple sources’ crime statistics and maps, the subsequent paragraphs delineate the top five hazardous neighborhoods within Orange County:
1. Middletown:
Middletown, situated in the western part of Orange County adjacent to Sullivan County, accommodates around 28,000 residents and exhibits a crime rate of 12.5 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants. This area has the highest prevalence of violent crimes within the county, tallying 76 instances during 2019.
Among the predominant violent crimes are assault, robbery, and rape. Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and arson are also relatively high. Particularly, the most precarious zones within Middletown are concentrated in its southern and eastern sectors, marked by higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse.
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2. Newburgh:
Found in the eastern section of Orange County, along the Hudson River, Newburgh’s population comprises roughly 28,000 individuals, experiencing a crime rate of 11.8 per 1,000 residents. Newburgh reports a significant number of violent crimes, with 331 cases documented in 2019.
Common violent offenses include assault, robbery, and murder. The city also contends with numerous property crimes, including theft, fraud, and vandalism. The northern and western parts of Newburgh are known for elevated gang activity, prostitution, and gun-related violence.
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3. Port Jervis:
Located in the southwestern expanse of Orange County, bordering Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Port Jervis has an approximate population of 8,000 and a crime rate of 10.8 per 1,000 residents. While its count of violent crimes stands at a moderate level, with 86 instances noted in 2019, assault and robbery predominate.
Property crimes, encompassing burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, are also elevated. The areas in the southern and eastern regions of Port Jervis manifest higher instances of poverty and societal challenges.
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4. Blooming Grove:
Sited in the central area of Orange County, neighboring Rockland County, Blooming Grove is inhabited by approximately 12,000 people, witnessing a crime rate of 9 per 1,000 inhabitants. Although the frequency of violent crimes is relatively low, accounting for 11 occurrences in 2019, property crimes such as theft and fraud are more prevalent.
Notably, Blooming Grove also grapples with a heightened incidence of alcohol-related crimes and arrests. The northern sector of Blooming Grove, characterized by commercial and industrial establishments, experiences a higher concentration of crime.
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5. New Windsor:
Situated in the eastern part of Orange County along the Hudson River, New Windsor is home to around 25,000 residents and reports a crime rate of 8 per 1,000 inhabitants. Noteworthy is its remarkably low number of violent crimes, registering 20 instances during 2019, primarily comprising assault and robbery.
Property crimes, including theft and burglary, are also comparatively infrequent. Nevertheless, certain areas within New Windsor exhibit slightly elevated crime rates, notably around Stewart International Airport and Route 32.
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In Conclusion:
These five neighborhoods, as per available data and information, stand out as the most perilous within Orange County. It’s essential to acknowledge that crime rates can be influenced by various factors and sources, rendering these rankings neither definitive nor absolute.
Additionally, crime rates don’t inherently reflect a neighborhood’s quality of life or overall safety. Other factors might contribute to the appeal or desirability of these areas for residents or visitors.
