Upper West Side Neighborhood, New York
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 67% of neighborhoods in New York
Safety at a Glance
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in New York
Is Upper West Side Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Upper West Side in New York, NY has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 91, which is 9% below the national average of 100. Upper West Side is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in New York.
Compared to the New York average (crime index 103), Upper West Side is 12% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 117, 17% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 45).
Upper West 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
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
How Upper West Side Compares
Crime index by category: Upper West Side vs New York average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Upper West 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
Upper West Side Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Upper West Side, New York?
Upper West Side in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 91, which is 9% below the national average. Compared to the New York average, crime in Upper West Side is 12% lower. Upper West Side is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in New York.
Is Upper West Side a safe neighborhood in New York?
Upper West Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in New York, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 117), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 45).
How does Upper West Side compare to the rest of New York?
Upper West Side's overall crime index is 91, compared to the New York average of 103. This means crime in Upper West Side is 12% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 75, and for property crime it is 91. 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 Upper West Side?
The most prevalent crime type in Upper West Side is Assault, with a crime index of 117 (17% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Upper West Side?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Central Park, Upper East Side, Morningside Heights and Hell's Kitchen. These areas are close to Upper West Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Upper West Side?
Upper West Side has a population of approximately 212,201. The median household income is $133,548. The median home value is $1,554,021. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Upper West Side crime compare to the national average?
Upper West Side's overall crime rate is 9% below the national average (index 91 vs 100). Within New York, it is safer than 67% 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.