Stony Brook, NY Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 87% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Stony Brook Safe?
Yes — Stony Brook is safe overall
A safe city with below-average crime, though safety varies by neighborhood.
Stony Brook has a crime rate that is 47% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 311.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Stony Brook University earn an A+ safety grade, while Stony Brook rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Stony Brook.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 311
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
15% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 58
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
6% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Stony Brook Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
104 | +4% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
50 | -50% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
97 | -3% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Stony Brook Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Stony Brook?
Safety varies dramatically across Stony Brook's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Stony Brook
All Stony Brook Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stony Brook University | A+ | 4 |
| 2 | Stony Brook | A | 47 |
Stony Brook Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Stony Brook zip codes.
Stony Brook Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Stony Brook, NY?
Stony Brook, NY has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 47% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 311 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 58 chance for property crime. Stony Brook has lower crime than 87% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Stony Brook, NY safe to live in?
Stony Brook is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A-. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Stony Brook University is one of the safest areas, while Stony Brook has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Stony Brook is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Stony Brook?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Stony Brook are Stony Brook University, and Stony Brook. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Stony Brook?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Stony Brook include Stony Brook, and Stony Brook University. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Stony Brook?
The estimated violent crime rate in Stony Brook is 321.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 15% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 311 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.1 per 100K (17% below average); aggravated assault at 218.8 per 100K (18% below average); robbery at 64.0 per 100K (13% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Stony Brook?
The estimated property crime rate in Stony Brook is 1,714.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 6% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 58 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 135.9 per 100K (50% below average); larceny/theft at 1,270.7 per 100K (9% below average); vehicle theft at 308.2 per 100K (3% below average).
How does Stony Brook crime compare to the national average?
Stony Brook's overall crime rate is 47% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (4% above average), while burglary is 50% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Stony Brook has lower crime than 87% of them.
Is Stony Brook safe to visit?
Stony Brook is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 6% below 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 Stony Brook University, Stony Brook.
How does Stony Brook crime compare to the rest of New York?
New York as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Stony Brook's crime rate is 47% below the national average, making it safer the typical New York city.
What type of crime is most common in Stony Brook?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Stony Brook, with an estimated rate of 1,270.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 9% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,715 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (322 per 100K) in Stony Brook, which is consistent with national trends.