Southwest Area Neighborhood, Ithaca

Crime Rate & Statistics

B

Good safety — crime rates are below the national average

Safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Ithaca

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 198 / 300 High
Violent Crime 172
72% above national avg
Property Crime 191
91% above national avg
City Ranking
31%
safer than other
Ithaca neighborhoods

Is Southwest Area Safe?

Southwest Area in Ithaca, NY has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average of 100. Southwest Area is safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Ithaca.

Compared to the Ithaca average (crime index 129), Southwest Area is 69% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 199, 99% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 92).

Overall, Southwest Area 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
Rape · Index 199 (99% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Robbery · Index 92 (8% below avg)

Southwest Area 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
198 +98% High
Assault
198 +98% High
Robbery
92 -8% Average
Rape
199 +99% High
Property Crime
Burglary
186 +86% High
Larceny / Theft
188 +88% High
Vehicle Theft
198 +98% High

How Southwest Area Compares

Crime index by category: Southwest Area vs Ithaca average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Southwest Area 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

Southwest Area Demographics & Context

Population
934
Median Income
$34,422
Home Value
$255,256
Median Age
52
Pop. Density
1,070/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 21.3%
Graduate Degree 18.3%

Housing

38%
62%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 73.9%
Black 9.8%
Hispanic 4.8%
Asian 5.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Spencer Road Index: 124
A
South Side Index: 97
B+
Downtown Ithaca Index: 174
B
Washington Park Index: 158
B+
West Hill Index: 92
A
South Hill Index: 129
A
Waterfront & Inlet Island Index: 180
C+
North Side Index: 186
C+
Southwest Area 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 Southwest Area, Ithaca?

Southwest Area in Ithaca, NY has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average. Compared to the Ithaca average, crime in Southwest Area is 69% higher. Southwest Area is safer than 31% of neighborhoods in Ithaca.

Is Southwest Area a safe neighborhood in Ithaca?

Southwest Area is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Ithaca, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Rape (index: 199), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 92).

How does Southwest Area compare to the rest of Ithaca?

Southwest Area's overall crime index is 198, compared to the Ithaca average of 129. This means crime in Southwest Area is 69% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 172, and for property crime it is 191. 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 Southwest Area?

The most prevalent crime type in Southwest Area is Rape, with a crime index of 199 (99% 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 Southwest Area?

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

What are the demographics of Southwest Area?

Southwest Area has a population of approximately 934. The median household income is $34,422. The median home value is $255,256. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Southwest Area crime compare to the national average?

Southwest Area's overall crime rate is 98% above the national average (index 198 vs 100). Within Ithaca, it is safer than 31% 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.