Staten Island Crime Rate and Statistics

Staten Island is the least populated borough of New York City, with a population of around half a million. Located in the southernmost part of the city, three bridges connect Staten Island to New Jersey to the south. Tourists and locals frequent Staten Island Zoo, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and Botanical Garden. While Staten Island remains a popular destination to live and visit, some areas of the city have high crime rates. Read on to explore the Staten Island crime rate based on recent data.

Crime Rate Statistics for Staten Island

By the fall of 2023, local news reports based on city data noted that murder rates had climbed 129% compared to the year prior. Staten Island is sometimes referred to as the “forgotten” borough because the larger boroughs, like Manhattan, garner more media attention.

DA Michael McMahon said at the time that his office has “work to do” to address the uptick in crime. McMahon cited an increase in crime by teenagers as one factor behind the spike in crime. Gang-related violence was another factor, he said.

Data released from New York City shows Staten Island crime numbers from the first quarter of 2024. Based on city data, murder rates are up 46% from 2001 in Staten Island. Rates of rape are up 7.9% over that same period. Robbery rates have dropped by 17% since 2001, while felony assaults have risen by about 52%.

Crimegrade.org gave the borough a crime safety rating of C+. A crime occurs in Staten Island once every 1 hour and 29 minutes. This places Staten Island on par with the average U.S. city. Staten Island is in the 51st percentile, meaning it is effectively in the middle when it comes to crime rates, compared to other cities in this country.

For every 1,000 residents, an average of 11 will experience a crime in any given year. For more dangerous areas, the number could be as high as 1 in 63. The southeast part of the city, which locals consider to be the safest, has a crime rate of 1 in 173.

What Parts of Staten Island Are Safer?

Higher rates of crime occur at Freshkills Park, Miller Field, South Beach, and Great Kills Park. When reading crime mapping data, it is important to remember that certain parts of cities are more prone to crime. Areas with many retail establishments are more likely to report theft. This could make the area a high crime area even though residents do not necessarily feel less safe there.

Other parts of a city, like parks and airports, see a higher influx of outsiders, which can lead to an increase in reported crime. Anytime there is a large population, there will be more of a chance of a crime occurring. As an area of New York City that borders New Jersey, many people travel through Staten Island. Any part of the country that sees large numbers of visitors will likely see high rates of crime.

The crime rate for any city is just an average. There are safer and more dangerous areas of any city. If you are planning on moving to Staten Island, researching which neighborhoods are safest can help you find an area of Staten Island that is comparatively safer.

What Can I Do If I’ve Been Accused of Committing a Crime?

Whether you have been accused of theft, battery, or another serious crime, a Staten Island defense attorney can work to protect your rights. You are innocent until proven guilty, and the state has a high bar to meet in proving your guilt. Your defense attorney will investigate your alleged offense and negotiate with prosecutors.

If it is your first offense, you may be given the opportunity to accept a lower offense charge through a process known as plea bargaining. If the evidence shows that you did not commit a crime, your lawyer will work to have your charges dropped.

FAQs

Q: Is Brooklyn or Staten Island Safer?

A: Although Staten Island recently saw a spike in murder rates, it is still considered one of the safer boroughs in New York City. Brooklyn is a much larger borough, so comparing the two parts of New York City is difficult. Generally speaking, locals describe Staten Island as a safer part of the city to live in.

Q: Is Staten Island a Good Area?

A: Staten Island has many parks and fun activities that make it a popular part of New York City. Tourists visit the borough for its historic role as the port of entry for millions of American immigrants over the past two centuries. Staten Island Zoo is a popular spot for locals and tourists, while the Botanical Garden is considered to be one of the finest in the country.

Q: Is It Safe to Go to Staten Island at Night?

A: Crimes are more likely to occur at night. So, it is less safe to go to Staten Island at night. Daylight crimes are less common because criminals know that it is easier to be seen or caught. Common nighttime crimes include auto theft, robbery, assault, and rape. One way you can lower your risk of experiencing a crime is to only go out with a large group of friends and to stay in well-lit areas of town.

Q: Is It Safe to Walk in Staten Island?

A: It is safe to walk in Staten Island. It helps to be mindful of which neighborhoods are less safe. Walking at night comes with a higher statistical risk of becoming the victim of a crime. Staten Island ranks in the middle when it comes to crime rates across the country.

Schedule Your Staten Island Criminal Defense Consultation Today

Staten Island is a safe city. Like any city, there are areas where visitors will be at increased risk of experiencing a crime. While murder rates recently rose in Staten Island, the overall trend for violent crime in Staten Island is on the decline.

If you have been accused of committing a crime, you will want to work with an experienced Staten Island criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights. To schedule a consultation with The Vitaliano Law Firm, please contact our office today.