Brooklyn is one of New York City’s five boroughs, and it’s bursting with culture, history, and a whole lot of unique neighborhoods. From Coney Island’s boardwalk to the brownstones of Park Slope, Brooklyn offers something for everyone.
But when choosing a place to live or visit, safety is key. Whether you’re raising a family, starting a career, or just exploring the city, knowing you’re in a secure environment makes all the difference.
So, which Brooklyn neighborhoods offer the most peace of mind? We’ve analyzed crime statistics to bring you a rundown of some of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY.
Understanding Crime Statistics in Brooklyn
Before we dive into the specific neighborhoods, let’s talk about how we define “safe” and how crime statistics are measured. This will help you better understand the information and make informed decisions.
Defining “Safe”: What does it mean in a Brooklyn neighborhood?
A neighborhood’s safety rating is based on a number of different types of crime. It’s important to distinguish between violent crimes, such as assault, murder, and robbery, and property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Crime rates are usually measured per 100,000 residents. This allows us to compare neighborhoods with different population sizes in a standardized way.
Comparing Brooklyn Crime Rates to National Averages
It’s important to remember that crime rates are relative. Brooklyn, like any urban area, may have higher crime rates than some national averages. However, some neighborhoods are significantly safer than others. We’ll use national averages as a benchmark for comparison as we explore the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Borough Park: A Model of Safety
If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in Brooklyn, Borough Park may be just the ticket. The crime statistics are remarkably low, especially when compared to national averages. Here’s a quick look:
- Assault: 208.8 (national: 282.7)
- Murder: 0.6 (national: 6.1)
- Robbery: 55.4 (national: 135.5)
- Burglary: 67.6 (national: 500.1)
- Theft: 525.4 (national: 2,042.8)
- Motor Vehicle Theft: 35 (national: 284)
Borough Park is known for its strong community and tight-knit Orthodox Jewish population, which may contribute to its low crime rates.
Exploring Other Safe Havens: Bay Ridge, Park Slope, and Kensington
Beyond Brooklyn’s most well-known neighborhoods, several other areas offer a blend of safety and community charm.
Bay Ridge: A Coastal Community with a Low Crime Rate
Located along the waterfront, Bay Ridge offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a diverse population. Here’s a look at the crime statistics per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average:
- Assault: 476 (national: 282.7)
- Murder: 1.7 (national: 6.1)
- Robbery: 67.8 (national: 135.5)
- Burglary: 87.6 (national: 500.1)
- Theft: 1,089.2 (national: 2,042.8)
- Motor Vehicle Theft: 76 (national: 284)
Park Slope: Brownstones and Safety
Known for its charming brownstones and proximity to Prospect Park, Park Slope has a reputation for good schools and a progressive vibe. Here are its crime statistics per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average:
- Assault: 346.9 (national: 282.7)
- Murder: 0 (national: 6.1)
- Robbery: 147.1 (national: 135.5)
- Burglary: 133.9 (national: 500.1)
- Theft: 1,883.7 (national: 2,042.8)
- Motor Vehicle Theft: 52.7 (national: 284)
Kensington: A Quiet Residential Retreat
If you’re looking for a quieter, more affordable option, Kensington offers a diverse community and convenient access to Prospect Park. Here are the crime statistics per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average:
- Assault: 396.3 (national: 282.7)
- Murder: 0 (national: 6.1)
- Robbery: 67.8 (national: 135.5)
- Burglary: 81.7 (national: 500.1)
- Theft: 571.8 (national: 2,042.8)
- Motor Vehicle Theft: 41.7 (national: 284)
More Safe Brooklyn Neighborhoods: Midwood, Greenpoint, and DUMBO
Brooklyn has a lot to offer, and that includes a variety of safe and welcoming neighborhoods. Here are a few more to consider.
Midwood: Suburban Calm in the City
Midwood is mostly residential and has a more suburban feel than some other Brooklyn neighborhoods. It’s home to large Orthodox Jewish and Russian communities.
In 2023, Midwood reported lower crime rates compared to the city average. There were approximately 200 incidents of assault, 2 murders, 50 robberies, 75 burglaries, 300 thefts, and 40 motor vehicle thefts.
Greenpoint: A Blend of History and Hipness
Greenpoint has transformed over the years from a primarily Polish enclave to a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood. It’s known for its waterfront views and vibrant arts scene.
Crime statistics for Greenpoint in 2023 show approximately 150 assaults, 1 murder, 40 robberies, 60 burglaries, 250 thefts, and 30 motor vehicle thefts, making it a relatively safe place to live.
DUMBO: Art, Innovation, and Safety
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a hub for technology companies and artists. It has amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and a generally upscale vibe.
DUMBO’s 2023 crime statistics are among the lowest in Brooklyn, with approximately 80 assaults, 0 murders, 20 robberies, 30 burglaries, 100 thefts, and 15 motor vehicle thefts. This makes it one of the safest places to live in Brooklyn.
Rounding Out the List: Gravesend, Dyker Heights, and Carroll Gardens
Looking for a few more options? Here are some other Brooklyn neighborhoods often cited for their safety and community feel.
Gravesend: A Family-Oriented Community
Gravesend is a diverse, family-friendly neighborhood with a strong Italian-American identity. While specific crime statistics can fluctuate, recent data shows that Gravesend experiences relatively low rates of violent crime compared to other parts of Brooklyn. For example, the rates for assault, robbery, and murder are significantly lower than the borough averages. However, property crimes like burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft occur at rates comparable to or slightly above the Brooklyn average. It’s worth checking the most current statistics from the NYPD for the most up-to-date information.
Dyker Heights: Christmas Lights and Community Spirit
Dyker Heights is famous for its over-the-top Christmas decorations and boasts a tight-knit community atmosphere. It’s primarily a residential area, offering a quieter pace of life. Recent crime statistics indicate that Dyker Heights generally enjoys lower rates of violent crime, including assault, robbery, and murder, than many other Brooklyn neighborhoods. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are also typically lower than the borough average. Like Gravesend, motor vehicle theft rates may be closer to the average, so it’s always wise to consult the latest NYPD data.
Carroll Gardens: Brownstone Charm and a European Vibe
Carroll Gardens is known for its beautiful brownstones, strong Italian heritage, and a growing number of trendy restaurants and boutiques. Crime statistics for Carroll Gardens suggest a generally safe environment, with violent crime rates, including assault, robbery, and murder, below the Brooklyn average. Property crimes like burglary and theft are also typically lower than the borough average. As with any urban area, it’s still a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Check the latest NYPD data for the most current crime stats.
Summary
Brooklyn has many safe neighborhoods, each offering its own unique vibe. While safety is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle when you’re deciding where to live.
Do your homework, and really get to know a neighborhood before you commit. Walk around, talk to the people who live there, and see if it feels like home.
Ultimately, the “safest” neighborhood is the one that best fits your needs and preferences.