Is Watertown or Yonkers Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Yonkers is safer than Watertown (Safety Score 62/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,327 per 100,000 versus 4,528 for Watertown — 71% lower. Watertown has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Yonkers is 8.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Yonkers — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Watertown, NY
Yonkers, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Watertown | Yonkers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,527.9 | 1,326.5 | +3,201.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 599.3 | 311.8 | +287.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 1.9 | -1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 166.5 | 9.2 | +157.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 63.4 | -26.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 395.4 | 237.2 | +158.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,928.6 | 1,014.7 | +2,913.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 387.0 | 118.1 | +268.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,420.9 | 742.2 | +2,678.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 120.7 | 154.4 | -33.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Watertown or Yonkers safer?
Yonkers is safer with a total crime rate of 1,327 per 100K vs 4,528 for Watertown — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Watertown has a violent crime rate of 599.3 per 100K while Yonkers has 311.8. Yonkers has lower violent crime.
About Watertown, NY
Watertown, NY, a city along the Black River, boasts the first department store in the nation, founded by F.W. Woolworth. Situated just south of Fort Drum, it serves as a regional hub for Jefferson County. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 24,029, Watertown has a total crime rate of 4,527.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Yonkers, NY
Yonkers, the fourth most populous city in New York, sits directly north of Manhattan along the Hudson River. Home to Sarah Lawrence College, it was once a major industrial center, known for Otis Elevator. Its diverse population reflects a mix of urban and suburban living. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 206,557, Yonkers has a total crime rate of 1,326.5 per 100,000 residents.