Is the Bronx Safe?

New York City is one of the safest big cities in America. However, that doesn’t mean it’s without its rough areas. The Bronx, in particular, has earned itself the reputation as being among the most dangerous areas in New York. 

Crime Rates and Safety in the Bronx

The Bronx has a reputation for being relatively unsafe as it's the NYC borough with the highest crime rates. While the Bronx does feature neighborhoods with some of the highest crime rates in NYC, it isn’t much more dangerous than many other urban areas of the same population. But tourists and visitors are wise to avoid certain Bronx neighborhoods and always be on alert when visiting the borough.

Here is a closer look at the crime rates in the Bronx compared to other NYC boroughs and major US cities. 

The Bronx vs Other Boroughs in NYC

The Bronx has the highest rate of violent crime in the city. The rate of violent crime in the Bronx is close to twice what it is in Brooklyn and Manhattan and nearly three times that of Queens and State Island. 

It has a slightly lower rate of property crime than Manhattan, which experiences a lot of theft due to the amount of tourist traffic and highly concentrated population.

But the rate of property crime in the Bronx is still considerably higher than in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Based on these statistics, the Bronx is the most dangerous borough in New York City.

*crime rate = number of crimes per 1000 people

The Bronx vs the Most Dangerous Cities in the US

Although the Bronx is the most dangerous borough in Manhattan, it’s still relatively compared to some of the most dangerous cities in the US. Detroit, Memphis, and Saint Louis all feature a rate of violent crime that is more than double that of the Bronx, and the rate in Baltimore is still about 75% higher. So while the Bronx is dangerous by NYC standards, it’s far safer than some other large US cities. 

Both Memphis and Saint Louis feature a rate of property crime that is close to 3x higher than the Bronx, and in Detroit and Baltimore, it’s over 1.5x higher. The population of the Bronx is also more than double any of the other cities listed, yet it’s still considerably safer. 

The Bronx’s Crime Rate Map

For more information on crime in the Bronx, you can check the interactive Bronx Crime map on the NYC opendata site.  

The Safest Neighborhoods in the Bronx

• Country Club
• Morris Park
• Riverdale
• Pelham Bay
• Spuyten Duyvil 
• Bedford Park
• Baychester
• Laconia
• Throgs Neck
• Kingsbridge

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in the Bronx

• Mott Haven
• Hunts Point
• Tremont 
• High Bridge
• Port Morris
• Soundview
• Longwood
• Norwood
• Wakefield
• Belmont 

The Bronx Safety FAQs

Is the Bronx Safe at Night?

As it's the least safe borough in NYC it's not recommended to visit the Bronx at night, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area, but it all depends on the neighborhood and what business you have there. If you stick to some of the safer, wealthier areas, you shouldn’t have a problem. But if you venture off into some of the more dangerous neighborhoods, you may feel uncomfortable. If you are a tourist, it’s best to avoid the borough after dark unless you are with a large group and have a specific reason to be there. 

Is the Bronx Safe to Visit Alone? 

Some areas of the Bronx are perfectly safe to visit alone; however, you should still take precautions. Stick to busy, well-lit streets, and don’t venture off into any side alleys. Also, don’t engage with any strangers or look like you don’t know where you’re going. As long as you stick to the safer neighborhoods and be aware of your surroundings, you shouldn’t have a problem visiting the Bronx alone.