Fulton, NY Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Fulton, NY

What is Fulton's overall crime grade?

Fulton, NY earns an overall crime grade of A- for 2026, which places it among the safer small cities in upstate New York. This grade reflects a combination of violent and property crime metrics relative to cities of comparable size and population density. With roughly 1,103 residents per square mile and a population of about 11,209, Fulton's crime performance is notably strong given that cities with higher poverty rates (Fulton's stands at 23.8%) and unemployment rates (6.2%) often see elevated crime figures. The A- grade signals that while Fulton is not entirely without incident, it consistently outperforms many peer communities in overall public safety.

What types of crime are most common in Fulton?

In Fulton, property crimes make up the majority of reported incidents — a pattern typical for small cities in the Northeast. Theft, including larceny and vehicle break-ins, accounts for the largest share of offenses, followed by vandalism and occasional burglary reports. Violent crimes such as assault represent a much smaller fraction of total incidents and remain relatively rare for a city of this size and economic profile. Substance-related offenses have also been documented in certain pockets of the city, though these tend to be concentrated rather than widespread. Fulton's A- crime grade reflects the fact that serious or repeat violent incidents are uncommon, and most reported crimes fall into lower-severity categories.

How does Fulton's crime rate compare to similar cities?

Fulton's A- overall crime grade puts it ahead of many comparable upstate New York cities. Considering that Fulton has a poverty rate of 23.8% — well above the national average — and a median household income of just $46,223, its safety performance is particularly noteworthy. Cities with similar economic profiles frequently score in the C or D range. Fulton's relatively low population density of 1,103 people per square mile and tight-knit community character appear to contribute to this favorable outcome. By contrast, larger urban centers in Oswego County and surrounding regions tend to report higher per-capita crime figures across both violent and property categories.

Are there specific neighborhoods in Fulton with higher or lower crime activity?

While Fulton's overall grade is an A-, crime activity is not distributed evenly across all areas. Neighborhoods closer to the downtown commercial corridor and certain blocks near the Oswego River waterfront tend to see a higher concentration of property crime and minor disturbances, consistent with areas that have higher foot traffic and mixed-use zoning. Residential areas closer to Fulton City School District campuses and established family neighborhoods toward the city's outer edges generally report fewer incidents and benefit from stronger community oversight. Consulting the interactive crime map on this page allows you to filter by incident type and time frame to pinpoint specific blocks — a far more precise tool than relying on general neighborhood reputation alone.

Is Fulton, NY safe for families?

Based on the available data, Fulton is a reasonably safe city for families. Its A- crime grade indicates that the risk of encountering serious violent crime is low relative to national benchmarks. The city's median rent of $782 per month and median home value of approximately $79,296 make it one of the more affordable places to raise a family in the region, and affordability often correlates with residential stability — a factor that supports safer neighborhoods. That said, Fulton's 23.8% poverty rate is a real economic stressor for many households, and families should still practice standard precautions: securing property, staying informed via the crime map, and engaging with local neighborhood watch programs. On balance, Fulton offers a family-friendly environment with manageable safety concerns.

What is the safest time of day in Fulton?

Like most small cities, Fulton sees the majority of its property crime incidents — particularly theft and vandalism — concentrated during evening and late-night hours, when foot traffic drops and lighting conditions are less favorable. Daytime hours, especially in well-trafficked areas near schools, parks, and the downtown district, are generally associated with lower incident rates. Violent incidents, while rare given Fulton's A- crime grade, are also more likely to be reported after dark. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use the crime map's time-frame filter to identify patterns specific to their neighborhood or route, as local hotspot timing can vary block by block.

How can I report a crime or suspicious activity in Fulton?

Residents can report crimes or suspicious activity directly to the Fulton Police Department via their official website at fultonpd.com. For emergencies, always dial 911. Non-emergency reports can be made by phone or in person at the department. Community reporting is a meaningful contributor to Fulton's strong A- safety grade — cities where residents actively engage with local law enforcement consistently see better crime deterrence outcomes. Participating in neighborhood watch initiatives and sharing observations through official channels helps keep Fulton's crime data accurate and actionable for everyone using this crime map.