Lower East Side Neighborhood, New York
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 26% of neighborhoods in New York
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in New York
Is Lower East Side Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Lower East Side in New York, NY has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average of 100. Lower East Side is safer than 26% of neighborhoods in New York.
Compared to the New York average (crime index 103), Lower East Side is 13% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 137, 37% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 78).
Lower East Side 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
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
How Lower East Side Compares
Crime index by category: Lower East Side vs New York average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Lower East Side Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Lower East Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Lower East Side, New York?
Lower East Side in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 116, which is 16% above the national average. Compared to the New York average, crime in Lower East Side is 13% higher. Lower East Side is safer than 26% of neighborhoods in New York.
Is Lower East Side a safe neighborhood in New York?
Lower East Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in New York, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 137), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 78).
How does Lower East Side compare to the rest of New York?
Lower East Side's overall crime index is 116, compared to the New York average of 103. This means crime in Lower East Side is 13% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 117, and for property crime it is 102. 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 Lower East Side?
The most prevalent crime type in Lower East Side is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 137 (37% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Lower East Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include East Village, Nolita, NoHo and Stuyvesant Town. These areas are close to Lower East Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Lower East Side?
Lower East Side has a population of approximately 36,120. The median household income is $64,744. The median home value is $1,389,824. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Lower East Side crime compare to the national average?
Lower East Side's overall crime rate is 16% above the national average (index 116 vs 100). Within New York, it is safer than 26% 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.