Is Ellensburg or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ellensburg is safer than New York City (Safety Score 30/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 21% lower. Ellensburg has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 88% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 449.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ellensburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ellensburg, WA
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ellensburg | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,409.1 | 3,039.7 | -630.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 227.4 | 671.4 | -444.1 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 3.9 | +1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 92.0 | 23.4 | +68.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.7 | 187.5 | -165.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 108.3 | 456.2 | -348.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,181.7 | 2,368.3 | -186.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 243.6 | 154.7 | +88.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.9 | 2,015.0 | -158.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 81.2 | 198.5 | -117.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellensburg or New York City safer?
Ellensburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ellensburg has a violent crime rate of 227.4 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. Ellensburg has lower violent crime.
About Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, a Kittitas Valley city, is home to Central Washington University and a rich rodeo tradition. Its location east of the Cascade Mountains contributes to its drier climate and agricultural roots, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,472, Ellensburg has a total crime rate of 2,409.1 per 100,000 residents.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.