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Is New York safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, New York scores 65/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes. New York City remains generally safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though pickpocketing and scams are common in tourist areas and subway crime has risen recently. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
New York 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 16 October 2026
65
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime55/100FairCrime index 50.9 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment61/100FairMostly positive
Advisories85Good
Stability72Good
Health75Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:48:24Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-10-15T08:53:58.290000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Urban scale factor
8.8M residents
40
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
5.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
62
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery occur infrequently but are higher in isolated parks, poorly lit streets, and some outer-borough subway stations after dark.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in Times Square, Midtown, subway rush hours, and major tourist attractions.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
61/100
Reported feel60Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Feel safe walking alone after dark at 60.0% according to UN SDG data, with daylight safety perception higher; visitors report feeling secure in tourist zones but cautious in quieter areas after dark.
Yes. New York City remains generally safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though pickpocketing and scams are common in tourist areas and subway crime has risen recently.
New York scores 67/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index, with homicide rate at 5.8 per 100k and violent crime down year-to-date through May 2026. While overall risk of serious crime is low, visitors should stay alert for pickpocketing in crowded areas and scams targeting tourists, especially in Times Square and subway stations.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026New York City stabbing suspect facing hate crime charges— ABC News
- Oct 2026Protesters stage 'I Am Jane Doe' rally in New York City against sexual violence— Reuters
- Sep 2026Netanyahu came to New York; New Yorkers were ready for him amid heightened security— The Nation
- Jun 2026U.S. State Department warns Americans of growing security risks in historic region— New York Post
Common scams
- Fake ticket sellers near tourist attractions
- Taxi meter fraud or overcharging
- Costumed characters soliciting tips aggressively
- QR-code payment scams at street vendors
Full briefing
New York City’s tourist core remains heavily policed and generally safe from serious crime, with murders and shootings at historic lows as of mid-2026. The NYPD has expanded subway patrols and installed platform barriers, contributing to a safer transit environment despite recent upticks in subway-related crime. Visitors should still exercise caution in less populated areas after dark, particularly in outer-borough parks and dimly lit streets where isolated robberies are more likely.
Pickpocketing is a persistent concern in high-traffic zones like Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, and during subway rush hours, where thieves target distracted tourists. Scams are widespread but typically non-violent, ranging from fake ticket sellers near attractions to QR-code fraud at street vendors and overcharging by unlicensed drivers. Staying alert, using official transit apps, and avoiding unsolicited offers help mitigate these risks.
Recent events in October 2026 include a hate crime-related stabbing in the city and a large rally against sexual violence, both reflecting ongoing social tensions but not indicating elevated danger for typical travelers. Security was heightened during former Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s September visit, demonstrating the city’s capacity to manage large-scale events safely. For most visitors who stay in active, well-lit areas and use common-sense precautions, New York continues to offer a secure and welcoming experience.
Was this New York, United States report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 New York districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the New York safety map.
South BronxavoidHigher incidence of violent crime and robbery; avoid isolated areas and subway stations after dark.
Midtown ManhattancautionGenerally safe with heavy police presence; pickpocketing and scams common in tourist zones like Times Square.
HarlemcautionImproved safety with increased patrols; exercise caution after dark in less frequented streets despite cultural vitality.
Queens (Jackson Heights)cautionDense, diverse area with occasional petty crime; remain alert for pickpocketing in crowded markets and transit hubs.
Upper East SidesaferUpscale, tree-lined streets with low crime rates; ideal for solo travelers and families.
Upper West SidesaferHistoric, well-patrolled area with active nightlife and good safety record; popular with locals and tourists.
Greenwich VillagesaferTrendy neighborhood with active street life and consistent safety; well-patrolled and tourist-friendly.
Brooklyn (Williamsburg)saferTrendy, well-lit area with active nightlife and strong police presence; popular and generally safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
Is New York safe at night?
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging and armed robbery occur infrequently but are higher in isolated parks, poorly lit streets, and some outer-borough subway stations after dark.
After dark, be most careful around South Bronx, Midtown Manhattan, Harlem, Queens (Jackson Heights). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
New York safety FAQ (2026)
Is New York safe right now (2026)?
Yes. New York City remains generally safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though pickpocketing and scams are common in tourist areas and subway crime has risen recently. New York scores 67/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index, with homicide rate at 5.8 per 100k and violent crime down year-to-date through May 2026. While overall risk of serious crime is low, visitors should stay alert for pickpocketing in crowded areas and scams targeting tourists, especially in Times Square and subway stations. (Assessed 16 October 2026.)
Is New York safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this New York report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of New York should tourists avoid?
Field research flags South Bronx as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in New York (2026)?
- Fake ticket sellers near tourist attractions
- Taxi meter fraud or overcharging
- Costumed characters soliciting tips aggressively
- QR-code payment scams at street vendors
How does New York compare with other places in United States (2026)?
New York ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 65/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this new-york safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight (and U.S. reports lean more on the latest field research); the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: new-york.json (CC BY 4.0).