Ithaca, NY Crime Rate & Safety

Ithaca, NY has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 3% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 255 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 36 chance for property crime. Ithaca has higher crime than 69% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Ithaca has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 88% of the city's 16 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Cornell University is one of the safest areas, while Waterfront & Inlet Island has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Ithaca is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Ithaca are Cornell University, West Hill, Fall Creek, Cornell Heights, and Spencer Road. 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 Ithaca include Waterfront & Inlet Island, Collegetown, East Hill, Downtown Ithaca, and Southwest Area. 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 Ithaca is 392.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 255 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.7 per 100K (13% above average); aggravated assault at 265.8 per 100K (1% below average); robbery at 76.8 per 100K (4% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Ithaca is 2,794.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 53% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 36 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 254.6 per 100K (6% below average); larceny/theft at 2,084.4 per 100K (49% above average); vehicle theft at 455.8 per 100K (43% above average).

Ithaca's overall crime rate is 3% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (49% above average), while burglary is 6% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Ithaca has higher crime than 69% of them.

Visitors to Ithaca should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 53% 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 Cornell University, West Hill, Fall Creek.

New York as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Ithaca's crime rate is 3% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New York city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Ithaca, with an estimated rate of 2,084.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 49% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,795 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (392 per 100K) in Ithaca, which is consistent with national trends.