Central Harlem Neighborhood, New York

Crime Rate & Statistics

Average crime levels — comparable to the national average

Safer than 5% of neighborhoods in New York

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 142 / 300 High

Violent Crime 124

24% above national avg

Property Crime 109

9% above national avg

City Ranking

safer than other

New York neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in New York

Is Central Harlem Safe?

It's average — crime is comparable to the national average. Central Harlem in New York, NY has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 142, which is 42% above the national average of 100. Central Harlem is safer than 5% of neighborhoods in New York.

Compared to the New York average (crime index 103), Central Harlem is 39% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 147, 47% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 75).

Highest Risk

Vehicle Theft · Index 147 (47% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Burglary · Index 75 (25% below avg)

Central Harlem Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs New York	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	138	+38%	+25%	Moderate
Assault	131	+31%	+18%	Moderate
Robbery	92	-8%	+8%	Average
Rape	133	+33%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	75	-25%	-3%	Low
Larceny / Theft	104	+4%	-1%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	147	+47%	+22%	Moderate

How Central Harlem Compares

Crime index by category: Central Harlem vs New York average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Central Harlem 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

See the crime score for a specific address

Central Harlem Demographics & Context

Population

122,350

Median Income

$52,375

Home Value

$1,026,400

Median Age

Pop. Density

84,740/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 20.7%

Graduate Degree 16.4%

Housing

14%

86%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 13.1%

Black 66.5%

Hispanic 23%

Asian 3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Manhattanville Index: 162

Hamilton Heights Index: 133

B-

Morningside Heights Index: 68

A-

East Harlem Index: 135

C+

Randalls and Wards Island Index: 3

A+

Washington Heights Index: 106

B+

Central Park Index: 75

Upper West Side Index: 91

A-

Central Harlem Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

New York Crime Statistics

View all New York neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Central Harlem, New York?

Central Harlem in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 142, which is 42% above the national average. Compared to the New York average, crime in Central Harlem is 39% higher. Central Harlem is safer than 5% of neighborhoods in New York.

Is Central Harlem a safe neighborhood in New York?

Central Harlem has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 147), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 75). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in New York.

How does Central Harlem compare to the rest of New York?

Central Harlem's overall crime index is 142, compared to the New York average of 103. This means crime in Central Harlem is 39% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 124, and for property crime it is 109. 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 Central Harlem?

The most prevalent crime type in Central Harlem is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 147 (47% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Central Harlem?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Hamilton Heights, Morningside Heights, Randalls and Wards Island and Washington Heights. These areas are close to Central Harlem and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Central Harlem?

Central Harlem has a population of approximately 122,350. The median household income is $52,375. The median home value is $1,026,400. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Central Harlem crime compare to the national average?

Central Harlem's overall crime rate is 42% above the national average (index 142 vs 100). Within New York, it is safer than 5% 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 April 2026.