Syracuse, NY skyline

Syracuse, NY Crime Rate & Safety

Grade: D+

Higher crime than 91% of major U.S. cities

Safety varies across 26+ neighborhoods — Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

68%
Above Avg Crime
1 in 160
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 27
Property Crime Risk
62%
Safe Neighborhoods

Is Syracuse Safe?

Syracuse has a crime rate that is 68% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 160.

However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Skytop earn an A+ safety grade, while Near Eastside rates D. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Syracuse.

Crime Index Comparison

Syracuse
168
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.

Your Chance of Being a Victim

Elevated

Violent Crime

1 in 160

chance per year

National average: 1 in 263

64% higher than national average

Elevated

Property Crime

1 in 27

chance per year

National average: 1 in 55

100% higher than national average

Syracuse Crime Breakdown

Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 89% above avg
Lowest Risk
Rape · 31% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
165 +65% Moderate
Assault
172 +72% Moderate
Robbery
153 +53% Moderate
Rape
131 +31% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
159 +59% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
189 +89% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
184 +84% Moderate

Violent vs Property Crime

Crime Index by Category

Syracuse Crime Map

Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Where Is It Safe in Syracuse?

Safety varies dramatically across Syracuse's 26+ neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

Out of 26 neighborhoods in Syracuse

All Syracuse Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Skytop A+ 7
2 Sedgwick A 76
3 Strathmore A- 74
4 Far Westside A- 144
5 Meadowbrook A- 80
6 University Hill A- 77
7 University B+ 88
8 South Valley B+ 109
9 Northside B+ 110
10 Eastwood B+ 141
11 Elmwood B+ 108
12 Lakefront B 194
13 Westcott B 124
14 North Valley B- 132
15 Lincoln Park B- 173
16 Westside B- 177
17 Skunk City C+ 152
18 Brighton C+ 149
19 Washington Square C+ 162
20 Outer Comstock C+ 151
21 Salt Springs C+ 132
22 Near Northeast C 176
23 Downtown C- 181
24 Near Westside D+ 185
25 Southwest D 177
26 Near Eastside D 187

Syracuse Crime by Zip Code

Explore crime data for specific Syracuse zip codes.

Syracuse Demographics & Context

Population
407,942
Median Income
$38,893
Home Value
$96,329
Median Rent
$830
Ownership
39%

Racial Demographics

Hispanic / Latino 7.7%
White 63.2%
Black 22.5%
Asian 5.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Syracuse, NY?

Syracuse, NY has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 68% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 160 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 27 chance for property crime. Syracuse has higher crime than 91% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Is Syracuse, NY safe to live in?

Syracuse has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 62% of the city's 26 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Skytop is one of the safest areas, while Near Eastside has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Syracuse is strongly recommended.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Syracuse?

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Syracuse are Skytop, Sedgwick, Strathmore, Far Westside, and Meadowbrook. 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 Syracuse?

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Syracuse include Near Eastside, Southwest, Near Westside, Downtown, and Near Northeast. 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 Syracuse?

The estimated violent crime rate in Syracuse is 625.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 64% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 160 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.3 per 100K (65% above average); aggravated assault at 460.6 per 100K (72% above average); robbery at 112.9 per 100K (53% above average).

What is the property crime rate in Syracuse?

The estimated property crime rate in Syracuse is 3,672.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 100% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 27 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 429.2 per 100K (59% above average); larceny/theft at 2,655.1 per 100K (89% above average); vehicle theft at 587.7 per 100K (84% above average).

How does Syracuse crime compare to the national average?

Syracuse's overall crime rate is 68% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (89% above average), while rape is 31% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Syracuse has higher crime than 91% of them.

Is Syracuse safe to visit?

Visitors to Syracuse should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 100% 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 Skytop, Sedgwick, Strathmore.

How does Syracuse crime compare to the rest of New York?

New York as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Syracuse's crime rate is 68% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New York city.

What type of crime is most common in Syracuse?

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Syracuse, with an estimated rate of 2,655.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 89% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,672 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (626 per 100K) in Syracuse, which is consistent with national trends.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State