Washington Heights Neighborhood, New York
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 38% of neighborhoods in New York
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in New York
Is Washington Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Washington Heights in New York, NY has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 106, which is 6% above the national average of 100. Washington Heights is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in New York.
Compared to the New York average (crime index 103), Washington Heights is 3% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 122, 22% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 69).
Washington 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
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
How Washington Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Washington Heights vs New York average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Washington 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
Washington Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Washington Heights, New York?
Washington Heights in New York, NY has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 106, which is 6% above the national average. Compared to the New York average, crime in Washington Heights is 3% higher. Washington Heights is safer than 38% of neighborhoods in New York.
Is Washington Heights a safe neighborhood in New York?
Washington Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in New York, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 122), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 69).
How does Washington Heights compare to the rest of New York?
Washington Heights's overall crime index is 106, compared to the New York average of 103. This means crime in Washington Heights is 3% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 93, 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 Washington Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Washington Heights is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 122 (22% 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 Washington Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Inwood, Hamilton Heights, Morningside Heights and Randalls and Wards Island. These areas are close to Washington Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Washington Heights?
Washington Heights has a population of approximately 139,542. The median household income is $52,877. The median home value is $676,264. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Washington Heights crime compare to the national average?
Washington Heights's overall crime rate is 6% above the national average (index 106 vs 100). Within New York, it is safer than 38% 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.