The Bronx is famed as the birthplace of hip-hop and home of the New York Yankees. Bordered by the East Rivers and Harlem, the northernmost of the five boroughs has historically been viewed as the poorest part of New York City and high in crime. The Bronx does have a high rate of crime compared to other cities, although some areas are seeing improvement.
Overall, the Bronx gets an F when it comes to public safety and crime. This grade includes failing grades for violent and property crimes. On average, a crime occurs every three minutes in the Bronx. Ranked nationally, the Bronx is in the 4th percentile. This means that 96% of cities in the United States have lower crime rates.
The crime rate per 1,000 residents in the Bronx is 95. The crime rate varies by particular crime.
Property crime rates per 1,000 are higher in general than violent crimes in the Bronx.
Other crime rates include kidnapping (.3), drug crimes (23), vandalism (28), and identity theft (2).
The southeast and far north areas are generally considered the safest by locals. The statistical chances of experiencing a crime within a given year vary widely, depending on which part of the city you live in.
In the first month of 2024, the Bronx saw many precincts reporting upward trends across many major crimes. The 43rd Precinct, which includes White Plains Road and Parkchester, saw significant rises in crime. The area saw an increase in grand larceny crimes of 32.8% compared to the previous year.
The precincts that include Throggs Neck and Co-op City saw notable increases in many crimes, although grand larceny auto cases decreased by 34.1%. Murder rates went down in this part of the Bronx even as rape saw a 200% increase. The 47th Precinct saw grand larceny cases rise steeply (97.5%).
Areas of the Bronx that include University Heights, Morris Heights, Fordham, and Mount Hope saw only a marginal 6.8% increase in overall crime compared to the year prior. The only precinct that did not see an increase in reports of grand larceny was the 41st Precinct, which includes Longwood and Hunts Point.
Murder rates did not change significantly across the precincts. The 44th Precinct saw a notable drop in murder, from two cases to zero. This area covers Yankee Stadium, Bronx Terminal Market, and Grand Concourse.
One crime that dropped across every precinct but two was grand larceny auto crimes. The most notable decrease was in the 42nd Precinct, where a 47% decline in grand larceny auto crimes led to a drop from 36 to 19, a marked decline compared to last year.
The Bronx’s 52nd Precinct experienced increases in crimes that include robbery, rape, grand larceny, and even grand larceny auto. The number of cases of rape increased by 50% compared to 2023, from 2 to 3. Although grand larceny auto crimes generally dropped across the Bronx, the auto crime increased in the 52nd Precinct.
A: For past generations, living in the Bronx was considered something of a last resort for people who wanted to live in New York City. Now there are several nice and safe neighborhoods to live in. These include Riverdale, which is considered a more upscale part of the borough. Morris Park is another safe area in the Bronx. Bedford Park is close to the botanical gardens. Kingsbridge is next to Manhattan and has plenty of public transportation options.
A: Taking reasonable precautions can reduce the chances that you will become the victim of a crime in any city, including the Bronx. If you are visiting a city, do some research to see what the safer areas are and which areas you may wish to avoid. Traveling in groups is always a good idea. Avoid dark areas at night. Criminals often wait for people to enter poorly lit areas before robbing them. If you are unsure, ask locals for advice on staying safe.
A: Many precincts in the Bronx are seeing increases in violent crime even as overall crime in New York City continues to go down. Grand larceny crimes are up in Woodlawn, Wakefield, Williamsbridge, and Baychester. Murders are seeing a marginal decline. With the exception of two precincts, grand larceny auto crimes are trending down.
A: During the daytime and in the company of large crowds, you are unlikely to experience a serious crime like assault. Petty theft can still occur anywhere, so keep your wallet and valuables close by or strapped onto your body. Some neighborhoods are safer than others. Overall, the Bronx is safe to walk around as long as you take basic safety precautions.
A: Areas to the north are generally considered safer in the Bronx. Many areas in the Bronx are considered nice. Tourists frequent many sights in this borough, and many celebrities call this area home. Popular sites in the Bronx include Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden. Like the other boroughs, the Bronx is rich in history and well worth a visit.
Statistically, crime rates are higher in this borough than most of New York City and the country in general. While overall crime continues to go down in New York City, a disproportionate percentage of crime still occurs in this historic borough.
If you were recently arrested and charged with a crime, you can rely on The Vitaliano Law Firm to protect your rights. Our law firm serves all of New York City. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.