Dorchester Neighborhood, Howard Beach
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Summary: Dorchester, Howard Beach Crime Rate (2026)
Dorchester in Howard Beach, NY has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 10, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Howard Beach
Is Dorchester Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Dorchester in Howard Beach, NY has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Howard Beach average (crime index 91), Dorchester is 41% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 170, 70% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 3). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Dorchester Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Howard Beach city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
170 | +70% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
8 | -92% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
3 | -97% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
44 | -56% | Low | |
How Dorchester Compares
Crime index by category: Dorchester vs Howard Beach average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Dorchester Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Dorchester Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Dorchester, Howard Beach?
Dorchester in Howard Beach, NY has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 132, which is 32% above the national average. Compared to the Howard Beach average, crime in Dorchester is 41% higher.
Is Dorchester a safe neighborhood in Howard Beach?
Dorchester is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Howard Beach, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 170), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 3).
How does Dorchester compare to the rest of Howard Beach?
Dorchester's overall crime index is 132, compared to the Howard Beach average of 91. This means crime in Dorchester is 41% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 68, and for property crime it is 46. 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 Dorchester?
The most prevalent crime type in Dorchester is Assault, with a crime index of 170 (70% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Dorchester?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lindenwood, Rockwood Park, Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach. These areas are close to Dorchester and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Dorchester?
Dorchester has a population of approximately 213. The median household income is $60,862. The median home value is $180,651. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Dorchester crime compare to the national average?
Dorchester's overall crime rate is 32% above the national average (index 132 vs 100). 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 May 2026.