South Side Neighborhood, Ithaca

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Ithaca

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average
Low 97 / 300 High
Violent Crime 93
7% below national avg
Property Crime 124
24% above national avg
City Ranking
50%
safer than other
Ithaca neighborhoods

Is South Side Safe?

South Side in Ithaca, NY has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average of 100. South Side is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Ithaca.

Compared to the Ithaca average (crime index 129), South Side is 32% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Ithaca as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 165, 65% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 33). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Overall, South Side is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk
Assault · Index 165 (65% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 33 (67% below avg)

South Side Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Ithaca city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
95 -5% Average
Assault
165 +65% High
Robbery
79 -21% Low
Rape
33 -67% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
79 -21% Low
Larceny / Theft
155 +55% High
Vehicle Theft
138 +38% Moderate

How South Side Compares

Crime index by category: South Side vs Ithaca average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

South Side Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

South Side Demographics & Context

Population
1,242
Median Income
$47,430
Home Value
$275,479
Median Age
34
Pop. Density
10,007/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 24.8%
Graduate Degree 22.8%

Housing

36%
64%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 64.4%
Black 16.5%
Hispanic 8.3%
Asian 6.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Downtown Ithaca Index: 174
B
Washington Park Index: 158
B+
South Hill Index: 129
A
Southwest Area Index: 198
B
East Hill Index: 146
B
North Side Index: 186
C+
Waterfront & Inlet Island Index: 180
C+
Spencer Road Index: 124
A
South Side Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Ithaca Crime Statistics
View all Ithaca neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in South Side, Ithaca?

South Side in Ithaca, NY has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 97, which is 3% below the national average. Compared to the Ithaca average, crime in South Side is 32% lower. South Side is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Ithaca.

Is South Side a safe neighborhood in Ithaca?

South Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Ithaca, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 165), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 33).

How does South Side compare to the rest of Ithaca?

South Side's overall crime index is 97, compared to the Ithaca average of 129. This means crime in South Side is 32% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 93, and for property crime it is 124. 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 South Side?

The most prevalent crime type in South Side is Assault, with a crime index of 165 (65% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near South Side?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown Ithaca, Washington Park, South Hill and Southwest Area. These areas are close to South Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of South Side?

South Side has a population of approximately 1,242. The median household income is $47,430. The median home value is $275,479. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does South Side crime compare to the national average?

South Side's overall crime rate is 3% below the national average (index 97 vs 100). Within Ithaca, it is safer than 50% 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 March 2026.