East Harlem Neighborhood, New York
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 12% of neighborhoods in New York
Safety at a Glance
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in New York
Is East Harlem Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. East Harlem in New York, NY has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 135, which is 35% above the national average of 100. East Harlem is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in New York.
Compared to the New York average (crime index 103), East Harlem is 32% 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: 153, 53% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 73).
East 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 | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
153 | +53% | High | |
How East Harlem Compares
Crime index by category: East Harlem vs New York average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
East Harlem Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
East Harlem Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in East Harlem, New York?
East Harlem in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 135, which is 35% above the national average. Compared to the New York average, crime in East Harlem is 32% higher. East Harlem is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in New York.
Is East Harlem a safe neighborhood in New York?
East 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: 153), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 73).
How does East Harlem compare to the rest of New York?
East Harlem's overall crime index is 135, compared to the New York average of 103. This means crime in East Harlem is 32% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 126, and for property crime it is 112. 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 East Harlem?
The most prevalent crime type in East Harlem is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 153 (53% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near East Harlem?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Randalls and Wards Island, Morningside Heights, Central Park and Hamilton Heights. These areas are close to East Harlem and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of East Harlem?
East Harlem has a population of approximately 121,742. The median household income is $45,495. The median home value is $1,007,881. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does East Harlem crime compare to the national average?
East Harlem's overall crime rate is 35% above the national average (index 135 vs 100). Within New York, it is safer than 12% 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.