New York City Boroughs Compared: Crime Rates in Manhattan and Brooklyn
New York City is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, diverse community, and bustling streets. It is home to more than eight million people and two of the most iconic boroughs: Manhattan and Brooklyn. Both of these boroughs are known for their unique personalities and are a hub of activity, but which one is safer? Crime rate has always been a significant concern among people. Therefore, in this article, we will be comparing crime rates to determine whether Manhattan or Brooklyn is safer.
The Numbers
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD) crime statistics, the total index crime rate in Manhattan in 2020 was 35,771 cases. In contrast, Brooklyn had a higher crime rate, with a total index crime rate of 51,502 cases. However, these numbers do not tell the entire story. To understand the crime rates in-depth, we need to examine the different types of crimes that are committed in both boroughs.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are a significant concern for any city, and they are often the ones that attract headlines. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2020, Manhattan had a total of 3,045 reported violent crimes. In contrast, Brooklyn had a higher number of reported violent crimes, with 4,907 cases. The highest number of violent offenses in Brooklyn was robbery, accounting for 2,949 of the total incidents. Meanwhile, Manhattan saw the highest number of reported assaults at 1,779 cases.
Property Crimes
Property crimes, such as burglary and grand larceny, are the most common types of crimes reported in New York City. In Manhattan, grand larceny is the most frequently reported property crime, accounting for 17,430 cases in 2020. In comparison, Brooklyn saw a higher number of property crimes than Manhattan, with 39,452 grand larceny cases reported. The highest number of burglaries in Brooklyn was 5,649 cases, compared to 2,253 cases in Manhattan.
Drug Crimes
Drug offenses are widespread in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. The most frequently reported drug crimes in both boroughs were marijuana-possession cases. In 2020, Manhattan had 2,689 marijuana-possession cases, while Brooklyn had 4,165. Both Manhattan and Brooklyn saw a higher number of marijuana-possession cases reported than any other drug offenses.
Conclusion
Comparing crime rates between Manhattan and Brooklyn shows that Manhattan is comparatively safer than Brooklyn. However, the difference is not significant enough to conclude that one borough is entirely safe or dangerous. Both boroughs have their safety concerns and individual neighborhoods with varying levels of safety.
The higher crime rates of Brooklyn can be attributed to its larger population and its vast areas with diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Brooklyn also has more neighborhoods with high crime rates than Manhattan. On the other hand, Manhattan has a smaller land area than Brooklyn, and more police presence to ensure safety in its numerous business districts and tourist attractions.
When comparing crime rates, it is essential to consider the quality of life factors. Living in a safe neighborhood is important, and both Manhattan and Brooklyn offer numerous safe neighborhoods with great amenities such as parks, schools, and transportation. Manhattan is known for its upscale neighborhoods, such as the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Greenwich Village,while Brooklyn has trendy neighborhoods such as Williamsburg, Park Slope, and Brooklyn Heights. The quality of life in such places is significantly higher, and crime rates are comparately lower.
In conclusion, Manhattan may be safer than Brooklyn overall, but there are still neighborhoods in Brooklyn that are safe to live. Therefore, before moving into any neighborhood, it is essential to research and understand its crime rates and the general quality of life one may expect. By doing so, you can better ensure your safety and well-being while living in New York City.