Albany, NY Crime Rate & Safety

Albany, NY has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 71% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 157 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 27 chance for property crime. Albany has higher crime than 92% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Albany has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 53% of the city's 36 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, McKownville is one of the safest areas, while Arbor Hill has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Albany is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Albany are McKownville, Buckingham Pond / Crestwood, Whitehall, Helderberg, and Dunes. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Albany include Arbor Hill, Ten Broeck Triangle, South End, Sheridan Hollow, and North Albany / Shaker Park. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Albany is 638.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 68% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 157 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.7 per 100K (74% above average); aggravated assault at 466.6 per 100K (74% above average); robbery at 115.3 per 100K (56% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Albany is 3,636.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 99% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 27 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 431.4 per 100K (60% above average); larceny/theft at 2,618.2 per 100K (87% above average); vehicle theft at 587.2 per 100K (84% above average).

Albany's overall crime rate is 71% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (87% above average), while rape is 43% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Albany has higher crime than 92% of them.

Visitors to Albany should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 99% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include McKownville, Buckingham Pond / Crestwood, Whitehall.

New York as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Albany's crime rate is 71% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New York city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Albany, with an estimated rate of 2,618.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 87% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,637 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (639 per 100K) in Albany, which is consistent with national trends.