521 West 159th Street Neighborhood, New York
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Summary: 521 West 159th Street, New York Crime Rate (2026)
521 West 159th Street in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 20, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in New York
Is 521 West 159th Street Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. 521 West 159th Street in New York, NY has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the New York average (crime index 103), 521 West 159th Street is 87% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 190, 90% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 21). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
521 West 159th Street Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and New York city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Assault
|
24 | -76% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
21 | -79% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
How 521 West 159th Street Compares
Crime index by category: 521 West 159th Street vs New York average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
521 West 159th Street Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
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521 West 159th Street Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in 521 West 159th Street, New York?
521 West 159th Street in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average. Compared to the New York average, crime in 521 West 159th Street is 87% higher.
Is 521 West 159th Street a safe neighborhood in New York?
521 West 159th Street is generally considered a safe neighborhood in New York, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Murder (index: 190), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 21).
How does 521 West 159th Street compare to the rest of New York?
521 West 159th Street's overall crime index is 190, compared to the New York average of 103. This means crime in 521 West 159th Street is 87% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 96, and for property crime it is 54. 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 521 West 159th Street?
The most prevalent crime type in 521 West 159th Street is Murder, with a crime index of 190 (90% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near 521 West 159th Street?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Morningside Heights and Inwood. These areas are close to 521 West 159th Street and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of 521 West 159th Street?
521 West 159th Street has a population of approximately 37. The median household income is $37,752. The median home value is $96,667. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does 521 West 159th Street crime compare to the national average?
521 West 159th Street's overall crime rate is 90% above the national average (index 190 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.