Violent crime remains a concern across New York, but while most counties saw crime rates decline in 2023, some areas in Central New York continue to rank among the state’s most impacted regions. New York City boroughs continue to have the highest violent crime rates in the state, but Upstate New York is not without its crime hotspots. In 2023, Onondaga County ranked eighth statewide for violent crime, with a rate of 342.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

Violent Crime Rates in Central New York: How the Region Compares to the Rest of the State

Oneida County also made the top 15, placing 15th with a rate of 254.5 per 100,000 people. While some counties saw a decline in violent crime, others—such as Cayuga County—experienced significant increases. Cayuga County’s violent crime rate jumped 44% between 2022 and 2023, marking the largest increase statewide.

Herkimer County and Albany County were the only locations in the top 15 to see an increase in crime, rising by 5.22% and 4.85%, respectively. Meanwhile, Erie and Monroe counties reported slightly lower crime rates than Onondaga County, ranking just behind it in the state’s top crime listings.

Read More: New York Teacher Arrested For Child Sex Crimes In Virginia

Overall, 39 of New York’s 62 counties saw a decrease in violent crime in 2023, following a statewide trend of declining crime rates. However, some Central New York counties remain among the state’s most impacted areas.

Top 15 NY counties by violent crime rate

CountyViolent crime countViolent crime rateViolent crime rate change
1Bronx16,5491231.0−4.59%
2New York (Manhattan)10,721677.2−17.75%
3Kings (Brooklyn)15,469609.4−8.91%
4Queens11,526516.4−1.88%
5Albany1,349423.74.85%
6Schenectady582360.8−7.03%
7Richmond (Staten Island)1,723354.3−1.53%
8Onondaga1,601342.4−5.78%
9Erie3,123327.3−3.11%
10Monroe2,194291.4−2.08%
11Broome555280.8−13.36%
12Chautauqua349277.2−0.43%
13Herkimer156259.95.22%
14Rensselaer416259.7−8.85%
15Oneida582254.5−12.81%

16 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- February 2025

Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 2/01/2025:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

The Most Deadly and Dangerous Places in New York

We all know New York has no shortage of stunning natural landscapes and thrilling adventures, but some of those jaw-dropping spots come with a serious warning label. Whether you're a hiker, a road-tripper, or someone looking for a day of exploration, it’s important to stay aware of where things can get dangerous. From waterfalls with unseen ledges to treacherous hiking trails, here’s a roundup of the most dangerous places in New York.