Morningside Heights Neighborhood, New York
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 55% of neighborhoods in New York
Safety at a Glance
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in New York
Is Morningside Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Morningside Heights in New York, NY has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 68, which is 32% below the national average of 100. Morningside Heights is safer than 55% of neighborhoods in New York.
Compared to the New York average (crime index 103), Morningside Heights is 35% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than New York as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 145, 45% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 77).
Morningside Heights 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
|
100 | 0% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
How Morningside Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Morningside Heights vs New York average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Morningside Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Morningside Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Morningside Heights, New York?
Morningside Heights in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 68, which is 32% below the national average. Compared to the New York average, crime in Morningside Heights is 35% lower. Morningside Heights is safer than 55% of neighborhoods in New York.
Is Morningside Heights a safe neighborhood in New York?
Morningside Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in New York, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 145), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 77).
How does Morningside Heights compare to the rest of New York?
Morningside Heights's overall crime index is 68, compared to the New York average of 103. This means crime in Morningside Heights is 35% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 114, and for property crime it is 100. 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 Morningside Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Morningside Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 145 (45% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Morningside Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Hamilton Heights, Upper West Side, Central Park and Randalls and Wards Island. These areas are close to Morningside Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Morningside Heights?
Morningside Heights has a population of approximately 38,000. The median household income is $80,060. The median home value is $1,199,576. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Morningside Heights crime compare to the national average?
Morningside Heights's overall crime rate is 32% below the national average (index 68 vs 100). Within New York, it is safer than 55% 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.