Queens Crime Rate and Statistics [2024 Updated]

Queens is home to two major airports that keep New York City thriving as an international hub of commerce and tourism: JFK International and LaGuardia. Locals and visitors frequent Flushing Meadows Park and other major attractions. Like any densely populated area, Queens has high rates of crime. But is Queens considered safe? We’ll crunch the numbers and examine what Queens crime rate trends are shaping crime statistics in the popular borough.

Crime Rates in North Queens

Based on data from the New York Police Department, there were 521 felony assaults recorded in North Queens, as of March 10th, 2024. This reflects an 9.4% increase from the same time period the year prior.

So far this year, there have been 383 burglaries in North Queens. That figure is slightly up (2.5%) compared with the same type period in 2023. Grand larceny rates are down 10% compared to the year prior. There are 1,255 cases of grand larceny as of March 10th in 2024.

Shooting incidents are down by one-third so far this year. There has been a steep rise in misdemeanor assault cases so far this year, with 1,026 cases reported at police precincts in North Queens this quarter. That marks a 37.5% increase in this type of crime compared to last year.

Crime Rates in South Queens

The number of felony assaults in South Queens is up 26.6%. Over 500 incidents of that crime have been reported in 2024. Other crimes logged in South Queens include:

• Burglary (181)
• Grand larceny (629)
• Shooting victims (15)
• Shooting incidents (13)
• Misdemeanor assault (842)

The number of shooting victims in South Queens is up 62.5% compared to the year prior.

Violent Crime Rates Trending Down

In 2023, Queens experienced an overall decline in crime. Murders fell by 11%. Shooting incidents fell by 26%, and the number of shooting victims dropped from 976 to 705 — a 28% decrease.

Total reported major crimes dropped by .4%. The overall crime index reported by all police precincts went up 4%. The number of murders in Queens in 2023 dropped from 43 to 24. One precinct that saw an 8.6% increase in overall crime rates was Patrol Borough Queens North. Murder rates in the south of Queens dropped steeply last year compared to 2022, from 27 to 11. That marks a 59% decrease. Shooting victims dropped from 108 to 57.

Last year, NYC Mayor Adams released his plan to reduce gun violence across the city. His Blueprint for Community Safety includes funding and new approaches to addressing:

• Mentorship opportunities for young people
• Housing conditions, especially in public housing
• Public benefits
• The quality of public spaces and parks
• Employment and entrepreneurship
• Availability of well-paying jobs
• Mental health resources
• Community and police relations

The mayor allotted hundreds of millions of dollars for these initiatives, including $106 million to improve mental health resources for young people. The program also encourages greater collaboration between neighborhoods and police.

How Do I Interpret Crime Statistic Data?

Crime statistics data is useful for making generalizations, but they do not predict whether an individual will experience a crime on any given day. Many types of crimes are more likely to occur at night and in areas that are not well-lit. Even in areas that experience high rates of crime, you can greatly reduce the risk that you will be the victim of a crime by going out with friends and avoiding walking alone.

Something as simple as remembering to lock your car can reduce the chances of having property stolen from your vehicle.

FAQs

Q: Is It Safe to Walk in Queens at Night?

A: It is safe to walk in Queens at night if you take certain precautions. If you go out by yourself and walk through poorly lit areas, you will be at a higher risk of being robbed or assaulted. It can be helpful to be aware of neighborhoods that have high crime rates. If possible, avoid those areas at night.

Q: What’s the Crime Rate in Queens?

A: The crime rate in Queens is about 32.67 per 1,000 residents. The crime rate is just an average, though. There are areas of Queens that are far safer and other areas that experience higher rates of crime. The chance of being the victim of a crime in northwest Queens can be as high as 1 in 20. On the other hand, this figure changes to 1 in 72 on the east side of Queens.

Q: Is Queens a Nice Area in New York City?

A: Queens is a nice area of New York City. There are historic parts of the borough that offer a wide range of ethnic dining options, and Queens has some of the nicest hotels in the country. Major attractions in Queens include Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the park’s Queens Museum, and other major attractions.

Q: Where Does New York Rank in Crime?

A: New York City is considered a relatively safe city. For a city with a population of more than 8 million, crime is not out of proportion to other major U.S. cities. Many areas of crime are going down in New York City, and the city’s police force is taking proactive steps to reduce gun violence.

Schedule Your Queens Criminal Defense Consultation Today

Queens remains one of the most recognizable and most visited areas of New York City. Compared to last year, some crimes are on the rise while others are on the decline. Anyone planning to visit Queens can expect a safe experience as long as precautionary steps are taken.

If you were recently charged with a crime, The Vitaliano Law Firm can represent you. We have many years of experience helping clients navigate complex and often intimidating criminal justice systems. Our firm can provide aggressive defense to individuals accused of a wide array of crimes, such as health care fraud, embezzlement, white collar crime, homicides, drug crimes, and many more. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.