Staten Island consistently ranks as New York City’s safest borough, with crime rates significantly below both city and national averages. With serious crime rates of just 6.6 per 1,000 residents in 2024—less than half NYC’s citywide rate of 13.6 per 1,000—Staten Island offers families and homebuyers a unique combination of urban accessibility and suburban safety.
This comprehensive guide examines the latest 2024-2025 crime statistics, neighborhood-by-neighborhood safety profiles, and practical insights for anyone considering Staten Island as their next home. At Robert DeFalco Realty, we help families find safe, welcoming neighborhoods throughout Staten Island’s diverse communities.
Staten Island Crime Statistics: The Numbers That Matter
Overall Safety Profile
Staten Island’s reputation as NYC’s safest borough is backed by the most recent 2024 data. The serious crime rate, including property and violent crime types, was 6.6 serious crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024, compared to 13.6 serious crimes per 1,000 residents citywide—meaning Staten Island residents face less than half the crime risk of the average NYC resident.
Key 2024-2025 Crime Statistics:
- Serious Crime Rate: 6.6 per 1,000 residents (vs. 13.6 citywide)
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.92 per 1,000 residents (lowest in NYC)
- Property Crime Rate: 4.4 per 1,000 residents (vs. 9 per 1,000 citywide)
- Overall Crime Grade: C+ (52nd percentile nationally)
- Victim Probability: 1 in 235 for violent crime, 1 in 104 for property crime
- Crime Frequency: One crime occurs every 1 hour and 29 minutes
Crime Trends and Recent Changes
While Staten Island maintains its position as NYC’s safest borough, recent data shows some mixed trends. Based on first-quarter 2024 data and fall 2023 reports:
Recent Trend Analysis (2023-2024):
- Murder rates increased 129% in fall 2023 compared to the previous year (though absolute numbers remain low)
- First-quarter 2024 showed murder rates up 46% from 2001 baseline
- Rape incidents increased 7.9% over the long-term period
- Positive trends: Robbery rates dropped 17% since 2001
- Felony assaults rose approximately 52%
Important Context: Despite these percentage increases, Staten Island’s absolute crime numbers remain dramatically lower than other boroughs. With approximately 490,687 residents as of 2023, Staten Island continues to represent only 2.5% of NYC’s total violent crimes, according to detailed crime statistics from NeighborhoodScout.
Safest Neighborhoods in Staten Island
South Shore: Premium Safety and Family Living
The South Shore region consistently ranks as Staten Island’s safest area, with crime rates ranging from 1 in 173 in the southeast sections. This waterfront community offers the perfect blend of safety, luxury living, and family-friendly amenities.
Tottenville
Located at Staten Island’s southernmost tip, Tottenville offers waterfront living with exceptional safety records. This tight-knit community features:
- Crime rates well below national averages
- Strong community policing presence
- Family-friendly atmosphere with excellent schools
- Easy access to Staten Island Railway for Manhattan commutes
Annadale
One of NYC’s safest neighborhoods overall, Annadale provides:
- 92% safer than other NYC neighborhoods
- Median home prices around $841,000
- Strong sense of community with well-maintained streets
- Quality schools and family amenities
Great Kills
Situated on the southeastern coast, Great Kills combines safety with natural beauty:
- Low crime rates with strong community spirit
- Access to Great Kills Park (580 acres) with four beaches
- Tree-lined streets and waterfront proximity
- Excellent public transportation connections
Mid-Island: Balanced Living with Good Safety Records
New Dorp
Known for its walkability and colonial charm, New Dorp offers:
- Densely populated but well-managed community
- Classic residential architecture
- Strong local amenities and transportation links
- Crime rates below borough averages
Richmondtown
Steeped in historical significance, Richmondtown provides:
- Low crime rates with historical charm
- Family-friendly environment with cultural attractions
- Solid educational options and community engagement
- Balanced urban-suburban living experience
North Shore Areas: Variable Safety Levels
While generally safe, North Shore neighborhoods show more variation in crime statistics:
St. George
As the borough’s civic center, St. George features:
- Ferry terminal access to Manhattan
- Mixed safety profile due to higher foot traffic
- Cultural attractions and nightlife options
- 38% safer than average NYC neighborhoods
Areas Requiring More Caution: Based on crime data, visitors and residents should exercise additional awareness in certain North Shore neighborhoods, particularly New Brighton, Stapleton, and parts of Port Richmond during evening hours.
Staten Island vs. Other NYC Boroughs: Safety Comparison
2024 Crime Rate Rankings (serious crimes per 1,000 residents):
- Staten Island: 6.6 serious crimes per 1,000 residents
- Queens: 8.36 major crimes per 1,000 residents
- Brooklyn: 12.2 serious crimes per 1,000 residents
- Manhattan: Higher rates in tourist and commercial areas
- Bronx: Highest crime rates citywide
Staten Island’s Advantage: With serious crime rates of 6.6 per 1,000 residents compared to the citywide average of 13.6 per 1,000, Staten Island residents experience roughly half the crime risk of the average New Yorker.
Why Staten Island Is Safer
Several factors contribute to Staten Island’s superior safety profile:
Lower Population Density: As NYC’s least densely populated borough, Staten Island has fewer opportunistic crimes and less congestion-related incidents.
Suburban Character: The borough’s suburban feel promotes stronger neighborhood watch programs and community engagement.
Geographic Separation: Being physically separated from other boroughs creates natural barriers to crime migration.
Strong Community Policing: The NYPD’s 120th, 121st, 122nd, and 123rd precincts maintain excellent community relationships with quick response times.
Family Safety Considerations
School Safety and Quality
Staten Island offers excellent educational opportunities with safety-conscious environments:
Top-Rated Public Schools:
- Wagner High School
- Staten Island Technical High School
- New Dorp High School
Private and Parochial Options:
- St. Joseph by the Sea High School
- St. Joseph Hill Academy
- Numerous elementary and middle school options
Recreational Safety
The borough’s 170 parks and recreational facilities maintain high safety standards:
Major Parks with Strong Safety Records:
- Great Kills Park (580 acres, four beaches)
- Freshkills Park (2,200 acres)
- Clove Lakes Park
- Staten Island Greenbelt (2,800 acres)
Transportation Safety
Staten Island Ferry: Free, safe transportation to Manhattan with excellent safety record
Public Transit: While less extensive than other boroughs, existing bus and rail services maintain good safety profiles
Driving Safety: Lower traffic congestion reduces vehicle-related incidents
Practical Safety Tips for Staten Island Residents
General Safety Measures
Neighborhood Awareness: While Staten Island is generally safe, maintain situational awareness, especially in:
- Less populated areas after dark
- Park areas during off-peak hours
- North Shore neighborhoods during evening hours
Home Security: Standard urban precautions remain important:
- Secure doors and windows
- Install adequate lighting
- Consider security systems for peace of mind
Emergency Preparedness
Police Response: Staten Island precincts maintain excellent response times
- 120th Precinct: St. George, Stapleton, Park Hill
- 121st Precinct: Graniteville, Port Richmond, West Brighton
- 122nd Precinct: New Dorp, Oakwood, Todt Hill
- 123rd Precinct: Tottenville, Great Kills, Annadale
Healthcare Access: Multiple hospitals provide emergency services:
- Richmond University Medical Center
- Staten Island University Hospital
Real Estate and Safety Impact
Property Values and Safety Correlation
Staten Island’s safety profile significantly impacts real estate values:
Median Home Prices by Safety Rating:
- Safest neighborhoods (Tottenville, Annadale): $800,000+
- Mid-tier safety areas: $600,000-$750,000
- Higher-risk areas: $400,000-$600,000
Investment Perspective
The borough’s safety reputation creates several investment advantages:
- Lower insurance premiums
- Higher property appreciation in safe neighborhoods
- Strong rental demand from families
- Stable community values
For detailed market analysis of Staten Island’s premium residential areas, our real estate professionals can provide current pricing trends and investment projections.
Cost of Crime in Staten Island
According to 2025 projections, crime costs Staten Island residents approximately $397 per person annually—$67 less than the national average. This represents a total cost of $206,944,281 for the borough, breaking down to:
- Criminal justice system costs: 52.3%
- Direct victim costs: 36.0%
- Lost economic productivity: 11.6%
For homeowners, this translates to roughly $1,170 per household in crime-related costs, representing just 0.9% of median household income—significantly lower than more crime-prone areas.
Moving to Staten Island: Safety Checklist
Research Phase
- [ ] Review neighborhood-specific crime statistics
- [ ] Visit areas during different times of day
- [ ] Check local police precinct crime maps
- [ ] Research school safety ratings
- [ ] Evaluate proximity to emergency services
Community Integration
- [ ] Join neighborhood watch programs
- [ ] Connect with community organizations
- [ ] Establish relationships with local police community liaison officers
- [ ] Participate in local civic meetings
Working with experienced Staten Island real estate experts can streamline this process and connect you with established community networks from day one.
Conclusion: Staten Island’s Safety Advantage
Staten Island offers an exceptional combination of urban accessibility and suburban safety that’s unmatched among NYC’s five boroughs. With serious crime rates less than half the citywide average and a strong community-focused culture, the borough provides families and individuals with a secure foundation for metropolitan living.
While no area is entirely without risk, Staten Island’s comprehensive safety profile—from low crime statistics to excellent emergency services—makes it an attractive choice for anyone prioritizing security in their housing decisions.
The Bottom Line: For families, professionals, and retirees seeking the benefits of New York City living without compromising on safety, Staten Island delivers measurable security advantages backed by the latest 2024 crime data and strong community engagement. With serious crime rates of just 6.6 per 1,000 residents—less than half the citywide average—Staten Island remains NYC’s safest borough.
Ready to explore Staten Island real estate? Contact Robert DeFalco Realty at (718) 987-7500 to discover safe, family-friendly neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget. Our Staten Island real estate experts have over 30 years of experience helping families find secure homes in the borough’s safest communities.