Is New York City or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Pittsburgh is safer than New York City (Safety Score 24/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 11% lower. New York City has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where New York City has a 65% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 26.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than New York City, NY?
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City, NY
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New York City | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,039.7 | 2,708.6 | +331.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 671.4 | 428.5 | +243.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.9 | 11.4 | -7.4 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 51.7 | -28.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 187.5 | 124.2 | +63.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 456.2 | 239.9 | +216.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,368.3 | 2,280.1 | +88.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.7 | 232.7 | -77.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,015.0 | 1,704.4 | +310.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.5 | 343.0 | -144.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City or Pittsburgh safer?
Pittsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New York City has a violent crime rate of 671.4 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh has lower violent crime.
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.
About Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 per 100,000 residents.