Gowanus Neighborhood, Brooklyn
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 34% of neighborhoods in Brooklyn
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Brooklyn
Is Gowanus Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Gowanus in Brooklyn, NY has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 126, which is 26% above the national average of 100. Gowanus is safer than 34% of neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Compared to the Brooklyn average (crime index 107), Gowanus is 19% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 148, 48% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 55).
Gowanus Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Brooklyn city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
67 | -33% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
How Gowanus Compares
Crime index by category: Gowanus vs Brooklyn average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Gowanus Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Gowanus Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Gowanus, Brooklyn?
Gowanus in Brooklyn, NY has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 126, which is 26% above the national average. Compared to the Brooklyn average, crime in Gowanus is 19% higher. Gowanus is safer than 34% of neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Is Gowanus a safe neighborhood in Brooklyn?
Gowanus is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Brooklyn, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Assault (index: 148), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 55).
How does Gowanus compare to the rest of Brooklyn?
Gowanus's overall crime index is 126, compared to the Brooklyn average of 107. This means crime in Gowanus is 19% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 105, and for property crime it is 95. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Gowanus?
The most prevalent crime type in Gowanus is Assault, with a crime index of 148 (48% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Gowanus?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill and South Slope. These areas are close to Gowanus and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Gowanus?
Gowanus has a population of approximately 18,971. The median household income is $86,040. The median home value is $1,738,237. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Gowanus crime compare to the national average?
Gowanus's overall crime rate is 26% above the national average (index 126 vs 100). Within Brooklyn, it is safer than 34% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.