Schenectady, NY Crime Rate & Safety

Schenectady, NY has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 69% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 169 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 29 chance for property crime. Schenectady has higher crime than 91% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Schenectady has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 75% of the city's 12 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Pine Bush is one of the safest areas, while Hamilton Hill and Vale has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Schenectady is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Schenectady are Pine Bush, Fort Hunter / McCormack Corners, Union Street, Downtown, and Stockade. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Schenectady include Hamilton Hill and Vale, Central State, Eastern Avenue, Mont Pleasant, and Northside. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Schenectady is 590.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 55% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 169 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.4 per 100K (68% above average); aggravated assault at 433.8 per 100K (62% above average); robbery at 102.7 per 100K (39% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Schenectady is 3,408.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 86% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 29 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 387.9 per 100K (44% above average); larceny/theft at 2,486.0 per 100K (77% above average); vehicle theft at 534.8 per 100K (68% above average).

Schenectady's overall crime rate is 69% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (77% above average), while rape is 34% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Schenectady has higher crime than 91% of them.

Visitors to Schenectady should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 86% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Pine Bush, Fort Hunter / McCormack Corners, Union Street.

New York as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Schenectady's crime rate is 69% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New York city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Schenectady, with an estimated rate of 2,486.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 77% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,409 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (590 per 100K) in Schenectady, which is consistent with national trends.