Crime rates tend to fluctuate each year, depending on a number of factors, and New York is no different. Cities in New York have their own crime rates that change each year. Knowing the New York state crime rate by city is helpful for residents and visitors to help them navigate safely.
What Is Crime in New York?
Crime refers to an act or a form of omission that is against the law. These actions are punishable by the authorities. Most crimes in New York and other states are placed in one of two categories: violent crimes and property crimes. There are also white collar crimes and drug-related crimes.
If a person is charged, the charge will be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is the least serious charge of the two, resulting in lighter penalties (such as fines and jail time or alternatives to jail, such as probation or community service). Felonies are more serious and usually have minimum sentences, depending on the offense.
Crime Trends Across Major Cities in New York
It is no secret that New York City is by far the most populous city in New York State. Other notable cities include Rochester, Albany, and Buffalo. All of these see their fair share of crime throughout the city.
New York City Crime Rates
New York City experienced notable declines in crime in 2024. There was a 3% decrease in the overall crime index, resulting in 3,662 fewer incidents. Overall index crime in December fell by 15.5% from the same month in 2023, the greatest one-month drop since February 2021. Overall, the city saw 123,744 total crimes, broken down as follows:
- -377 murders
- -1,748 rapes
- -16,556 robberies
- -29,417 felony assaults
- -13,029 burglaries
- -48,423 grand larcenies
- -14,194 grand larceny auto
Rochester Crime Rates
Rochester also experienced a decreased crime rate in 2024 compared to that of 2023. In 2024, there were 37 reported homicides with 45 victims, a 26% decrease from 2023 and the second consecutive year of reduction. Motor vehicle thefts had a dramatic drop in recorded cases, from 3,943 in 2023 to 2,068 in 2024, showing an improvement in overall property crimes.
Violent crime is most common in Rochester’s northeast, northwest, and southwest Crescent neighborhood regions. The neighborhoods of North Clinton and Lyell-Otis had the most homicide reports in 2024.
Rochester also saw fewer shootings than normal, totaling 205 victims, with 28 being fatal and 177 being nonfatal (compared to 288 in 2023).
Buffalo Crime Rates
The city of Buffalo has seen significant declines in certain crimes in 2024, including shootings, robberies, and homicides. In 2024, there were 150 shooting victims compared to over 350 in 2020 and 2021. 2024 also saw 30 homicides. This number was doubled in 2021 and hit 54 in 2022. In addition, motor vehicle thefts dropped, but overall theft increased.
Albany Crime Rates
The city of Albany, the state’s capital, also experienced a decline in crime rates in 2024 as compared to 2023. There was an overall decrease of 15% for all crimes. Murders fell 40%, while property crimes saw an overall decrease, including robberies and larcenies. However, a few crimes saw an increase. For instance, rape reports increased by 32% as compared to 2023.
Recent Changes That Impact Criminal Law
Laws are constantly evolving. Sometimes, new laws are enacted, or existing ones receive updates to keep up with the current times. One new law is the Clean Slate Act.
The Clean Slate Act requires some criminal records to be sealed as of November 16, 2024. According to this law, qualified crimes will be sealed after eight years, while the majority of misdemeanors will be sealed three years following sentencing or release. Background checks and job prospects for people with past convictions are greatly impacted by this law.
Currently pending in the legislative process, Senate Bill 2025-S4768 aims to change the penal code by making the solicitation or facilitation of specific crimes a designated offense for the purposes of hate crimes. This would increase the range of offenses covered by hate crime laws if it were passed.
Factors That Affect Crime Rates
Crime rates are influenced by a number of factors that all work together. These are usually social, economic, and environmental. Some factors that influence crime rates include:
- -Economic factors. Factors such as high unemployment, poverty, and low income all contribute to crime rates. When individuals do not have their basic needs met, they are more inclined to commit crimes to fulfill them, especially property crimes.
- -Policing. Weak or non-existent police forces lead to increased crime, as the repercussions are low or do not exist. This also can include police injustice, when tensions may rise in the community, leading to increased crime in the area.
- -Educational access. When areas do not have adequate schooling, programs, and treatment services (especially for addiction and mental health), this can result in increased crime rates, especially among juveniles.
- -Urban density. While being an urban area does not directly mean that it will lead to increased crime, these areas tend to have higher populations, which means that the number of crimes will likely be higher than those with smaller populations.
Seeking Legal Counsel When Accused of a Crime
If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime in New York, it is important to seek legal help right away. A criminal lawyer can protect you against illegal searches and safeguard your rights. They can help you understand the charges against you and advocate for an optimal outcome, such as reduced charges or dismissals. An attorney can also fight for you in court and negotiate on your behalf.
Additionally, court-based Help Centers offer information about the law. They can also inform you of court procedures. While they do not typically provide legal advice, these centers can help with navigating the court system.
Contact a Criminal Lawyer You Can Trust Today
If you have been charged with a crime in New York, a criminal lawyer in NYC at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can assist you with the upcoming legal process. Contact us today to get started.
