The Empire State is home to 8.5 million people and is the fourth most populous state in the country. When most people think of New York, they think New York City, which happens to be the most populated city in the United States. Living in New York is a dream for some and a necessity for others due to work. We’re giving you the 50 safest cities in the state based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 382 for violent crime and 1,718 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000. If living in the great state of New York is in your future, you’ll be safe in one of these cities.
Related: Check out our New York Public Recordsguide.
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#1 Kent
Named after an early settler’s family, the town of Kent is located in northern Putnam County. This town of 13,500 residents is home to a number of lakes and reservoirs that also serve as a water supply for New York City. Kent is the safest place to live in New York, with no violent crime and the chance of being affected by property crime just .06%.
#2 Port Washington
Port Washington is considered a hamlet within and governed by the town of North Hempstead. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, this community of 15,800 residents is known for its golf courses, marinas, parks, and yacht clubs. It is also a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of just 10.5 and a .06% chance of being involved in a property crime here.
#3 Scarsdale
Located in the northern suburbs of New York City, Scarsdale is considered both a town and a village. Home to 17,100 residents, Scarsdale has been named on CNN Money’s list of “top earning towns” with a median family income of almost $300,000. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 11.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime just .08%.
#4 East Aurora
Also both a village and town, East Aurora is located in Erie County southeast of Buffalo and has a population of 6,200 residents. The town is known as the birthplace and headquarters of Fisher-Price and was named by Niche as one of the best towns to raise a family in New York. The violent crime rate here is 14.4, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is 1.1%.
#5 Tarrytown
A village of 11,200 residents, Tarrytown is located in the town of Greenburgh in Westchester County, approximately 25 miles north of midtown Manhattan. The village was on the underground railroad route during the Civil War and was once a favorite residence of John D. Rockefeller. Tarrytown is certainly a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 17.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime just .08%.
#6 Floral Park
Located on Long Island in Nassau County, Floral Park is an incorporated village of 15,800 residents. Once a part of Queens, the village incorporated in 1908 and consists of Cape Cod-style homes. Floral Park is a safe place to live in the city, with a violent crime rate of 18.7 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just .03%.
#7 Eastchester
Located in southern Westchester County, Eastchester is a town of 32,300 residents. Within the town are the villages of Bronxville, Tuckahoe, and Eastchester. This historic town is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 20.2 and a 1.1% chance of being affected by property crime here.
#8 Shawangunk
A town in southwestern Ulster County, Shawangunk was first settled by Europeans around 1670. Home to 14,300 residents, the town sits at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains and the nearby Catskills. The violent crime rate here is 20.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is just .08%.
#9 Garden City
Located in central Nassau County, Garden City is a village in the town of Hempstead with 22,300 residents. The village was the site of the start of Charles Lindbergh’s landmark transatlantic flight and is home to Adelphi University’s main campus. The violent crime rate in Garden City is 22.2, and residents have a 1.4% chance of being affected by property crime.
#10 Mamaroneck
A town in Westchester County, Mamaroneck was listed by Movoto as one of the top 10 places to live in the New York. Home to 29,100 residents, the town contains the villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck and is a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate here is 24.7, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is 1.2%.
#11 North Castle
Also located in Westchester County, the town of North Castle is home to 11,800 residents. North Castle is home to three hamlets: North White Plains, Banksville, and Armonk, which is also known as the home of IBM’s world headquarters. The violent crime rate here is 25, and residents have just a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#12 Stony Point
Considered a part of the New York City area, Stony Point is located in Rockland County, west of the Hudson River. This town of 15,000 residents is home to nine hamlets as well as the historic Stony Point Light lighthouse. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 26.1 and the chance of being involved in a property crime just .05%.
#13 Suffern
A village in the town Ramapo in Rockland County, Suffern is home to 10,700 residents. The area has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War and is currently home to Avon’s Global R&D facility. The violent crime rate here is 27.5, and residents of Suffern have just a .05% chance of being affected by property crime.
#14 Lloyd
Located in Ulster County, the town of Lloyd sits on the opposite side of the Hudson River from the city of Poughkeepsie. Home to 10,800 residents, Lloyd has several hamlets and is home to Franny Reese State Park. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 27.5 and the chance of being involved in a property crime just 1.2%.
#15 Fishkill
Considered a suburb of New York City, Fishkill is both a town and a village in Dutchess County. Home to 22,100 residents, the town’s name is derived from the Dutch phrase vis kill, which means “fish creek.” This is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 29.9 and the chance of being affected by property crime here at 1.4%.
#16 Carmel
Located in southern Putnam County, the town of Carmel is home to 34,300 residents. The town is home to several hamlets as well as the second oldest working courthouse in the state. The violent crime rate in Carmel is 34.7, and residents have just a .08% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#17 Yorktown Heights
Located in Westchester County, Yorktown Heights is home to just 1,700 residents and is located within the town of Yorktown. Just 45 miles from New York City, the area is a popular hiking destination with its Turkey Mountain and surrounding land. The violent crime rate here is 35.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime is just 1%.
#18 Lewiston
Both a town and a village, Lewiston is located in Niagara County and is home to 16,200 residents. The town was formed in 1818 and shares an international border with Canada. The violent crime rate in Lewiston is 36.8, and you’ll have just a .09% chance of being involved in a property crime here.
#19 Harrison
Located in Westchester County, Harrison is both a village and town that is home to 27,400 residents. Located about 22 miles northeast of Manhattan, Harrison is home to many corporate headquarters such as Mastercard, Pepsico, and Polar Air Cargo. The violent crime rate here is 39.6, and your chance of being affected by property crime is just .07%.
#20 Orchard Park
Located east of Buffalo in Erie County, Orchard Park is a growing town of 29,000 residents. The town has a total area of 38.5 square miles, and its Ralph Wilson Stadium is home to the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. The violent crime rate here is 41.1 and residents have a 1.4% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#21 Lancaster
Also located east of Buffalo in Erie County, the town of Lancaster was incorporated in 1833 and has 41,600 residents. The town has experienced rapid growth in recent years and has the largest high school in the county. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 41.9 and the chance of being affected by property crime just 1.4%.
#22 Bethlehem
Located south of Albany in Albany County, Bethlehem is named after its biblical namesake and has a population of 33,600 residents. The town contains over a dozen hamlets, and its eastern border is aligned with the Hudson River. The violent crime rate here is 47.4, and your chance of being involved in a property crime in Bethlehem is just 1.3%.
#23 Blooming Grove
Located in Orange County, the town of Blooming Grove is home to 18,000 residents. The Brotherhood Winery in the town’s Washingtonville Village is known as the oldest continuously operating winery in the U.S. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 48.9 and residents have less than a 1% chance of being affected by property crime here.
#24 Ogden
A town in Monroe County, Ogden is home to 19,800 residents. The town encompasses 36.8 square miles and is the site to a portion of the Erie Canal. Ogden is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 50 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.1%.
#25 East Fishkill
Sitting to the east of the town of Fishkill, East Fishkill is also located in Dutchess County in the state’s Hudson Valley. This town of 29,000 residents is home to the Hudson Valley Research Park, which is where IBM and other tech companies fabricate silicon chips for their products. The violent crime rate here is 51.3, and residents have just a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#26 Mount Pleasant
Located in Westchester County, Mount Pleasant is a town of six villages and numerous hamlets. Home to 43,700 residents, the town is also the location of the John D. Rockefeller estate, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The violent crime rate in Mount Pleasant is 52.8, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is less than 1%.
#27 Woodbury
Woodbury is both a town and a village in Orange County with a population of 11,400 residents. The town is most known for being home to the Woodbury Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet malls in the world. The violent crime rate here is 55.5, and residents have a 3.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#28 Geddes
Located in Onondaga County in a western suburb of Syracuse, the town of Geddes is home to 17,100 residents. The town was established in the mid-19th-century and was prominent in the salt, iron, and pottery business. The violent crime rate in Geddes is 56.7, and your chance of being affected by property crime here is 2%.
#29 Vestal
Located in Broome County between the Pennsylvania border and the Susquehanna River, Vestal is home to 28,000 residents. The town is also home to Binghamton University and an extensive system of 21 town-operated parks. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 57.1 and a 2.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#30 Colonie
Located in Albany County, the town of Colonie is considered the largest suburb of Albany, with 81,500 residents. Founded in 1895, the area was once the location of many Shaker community farms. The violent crime rate in Colonie is 59.1, and your chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.7%.
#31 Webster
Named after orator and statesman Daniel Webster, Webster is located in the northeast corner of Monroe County. This town of 42,600 residents is bordered on the north by Lake Ontario and has been named as the “Number 1 Sportstown in New York” by Sports Illustrated. The violent crime rate here is 60.6 and residents have a 1% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#32 Lynbrook
An incorporated village located inside the town of Hempstead in Nassau County, Lynbrook is home to 19,400 residents. The town’s name was derived by taking the name Brooklyn, dividing it and then re-arranging it and was a tribute to many of its original residents. The violent crime rate here is 61.2, and your chance of being affected by property crime is just .08%.
#33 Bedford
Located in Westchester County, Bedford is a town of 17,300 residents. The town contains three hamlets and several locations that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 62.7 and the chance of being involved in a property crime less than 1%.
#34 Niskayuna
Located in southeastern Schenectady County, Niskayuna has a population of 21,700 residents. The town is home to the world headquarters of the four GE Global Research Centers. This is considered a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 68.3 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.6%.
#35 Guilderland
Named for the Gelderland province of the Netherlands, the town of Guilderland is located in Albany County west of the city of Albany. Home to 35,300 residents, the town covers 58.7 square miles and has ten hamlets. The violent crime rate here is 68.3, and residents have a 1.9% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#36 Schodack
Located in Rensselaer County, the town of Schodack is southeast of Albany. Home to 12,700 residents, the town is bordered on the west by the Hudson River and is served by its own central school district. The violent crime rate in Schodack is 70.7, the chance of being affected by property crime here is less than 1%.
#37 Saugerties
A town in Ulster County, Saugerties is home to 19,400 residents and over twenty hamlets. The town sits on the western bank of the Hudson River, and part of the town lies inside Catskill Park, a protected Forest Preserve in the Catskill Mountains. The violent crime rate here is 71.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is 1.7%.
#38 East Hampton
Located in Suffolk County at the eastern end of Long Island, East Hampton is home to 21,400 residents. The town has 70 miles of shoreline and eight state parks, with its Gardiners Island being one of the largest privately owned islands in the U.S. The violent crime rate here is 71.5, and residents have a 2.1% chance of being affected by property crime.
#39 Amherst
A town in Erie County near Buffalo, Amherst is home to 122,300 residents. Considered the largest suburb of Buffalo, the town is home to four colleges including the north campus of the University of Buffalo. The violent crime rate in Amherst is 74.8, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.9%.
#40 Brighton
Located in Monroe County southeast of the city of Rochester, Brighton is home to 36,600 residents. Portions of the Erie Canal pass through the town as does the Erie Canal Heritage Trail, known as one of the longest continuous off-road trails in the country. The violent crime rate here is 76, and residents have a 2.5% chance of being affected by property crime.
#41 Hamburg
Named after the city in Germany, the town of Hamburg is located in Erie County and is home to 56,900 residents. The town has sixteen different hamlets and its western border sits adjacent to the shores of Lake Erie. The violent crime rate in Hamburg is 77.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.8%.
#42 Glenville
Located in Schenectady County north of the Mohawk River, the town of Glenville has a population of 29,400 residents. The town is regarded as a bedroom community to nearby Schenectady and Albany, and it is split among three public school districts. The violent crime rate here is 77.6, and residents have a 1.8% chance of being affected by property crime.
#43 Rotterdam
Founded by Dutch settlers and named after the Netherlands port, the town of Rotterdam is located in Schenectady County. Home to 29,000 residents, the town has several hamlets and sits on the southwestern bank of the Mohawk River. The violent crime rate here is 78.5, and residents have a 3.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#44 Ulster
Located in Ulster County, the town of Ulster is home to 12,300 residents. The town encompasses 28.9 square miles and is bordered to the east by the Hudson River, with portions of the town sitting inside Catskill Park. The violent crime rate in Ulster is 80.7, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 4%.
#45 Camillus
Located in central New York in Onondaga County, Camillus is a town of 24,100 residents. Considered a suburb of Syracuse, the town has several hamlets and many planned residential neighborhoods. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 82.3 and the chance of being involved in a property crime just 1.2%.
#46 East Greenbush
A town in Rensselaer County and a suburb of Albany, East Greenbush is home to 16,400 residents. The town has several hamlets and has recently developed the Papscanee Preserve, dedicated to the Mohican natives of the area. The violent crime rate here is 84.6, and residents have a 2.3% chance of being affected by property crime.
#47 Wallkill
Located in Orange County, Wallkill is a town of 27,400 residents that was established in 1772. Wallkill supported the American Revolution through its manufacture of gunpowder and was one of the towns to reject the Woodstock festival as a host in the 1960’s. Living in Wallkill is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 86.5 and the chance of being involve in a property crime here just 2.3%.
#48 North Greenbush
A town in the western part of Rensselaer County, North Greenbush is home to 12,000 residents. The town has three distinct hamlets and is served by four different school districts. The town also hosts a minor league baseball team and is a safe place to live. The violent crime rate here is 90.6, and residents have a 1.6% chance of being affected by property crime.
#49 Warwick
An affluent town located in southwest Orange County, Warwick is home to 32,000 residents. The town has three villages and eight hamlets, and is known for its popular annual festivals such as the Summer Arts Festival, The Hudson Valley Jazz Festival, and Applefest. The violent crime rate in Warwick is 92, and your chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.1%.
#50 New Hartford
Located in Oneida County in Central New York, New Hartford is the largest suburb of Utica. First settled in the 1700’s, the area became known as a pioneer of manufacturing for such things as carpeting, textiles, and nails. The violent crime rate here is 92.4, and residents have a 4.3% chance of being affected by property crime.
