| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Schenectady/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,804 | n/a (estimate) | 4,179 | 2,151 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 11.9 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 29 | n/a | 43.2 | 29.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 118 | n/a | 175.9 | 112.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 353 | n/a | 526.1 | 283.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 508 | n/a (estimate) | 757 | 429 | 370 |
| Burglary | 315 | n/a | 469.4 | 162.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,773 | n/a | 2,642.3 | 1,422.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 208 | n/a | 310.0 | 137.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,296 | n/a (estimate) | 3,422 | 1,722 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Schenectady is 79.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Schenectady, there were 508 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 757 per 100,000 individuals, 104.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2296 property crimes, amounting to 3422 per 100,000 residents, 75.1% higher than the U.S. average.
With a total of 4179 crimes per 100,000 people, the Schenectady crime rates stand at 79.79 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Schenectady, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
With a violent crime rate of 757 crimes per 100,000 residents, Schenectady is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Schenectady ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 133 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Schenectady ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Schenectady, there were a total of 8 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Schenectady. Based on the results of the surveys (63 responses), 21% of people felt that there was very little crime in Schenectady and felt safe walking alone at night. While 79% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Schenectady is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Schenectady has an overall crime rate that is 80% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 7.68 daily occurrences, comprising 1.39 violent crimes and 6.29 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Schenectady as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Schenectady crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Schenectady has increased by 34.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 40.3% and property crime has increased by 33.6%.
Schenectady reports an unemployment rate of 5.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Schenectady crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Schenectady, the cost of living is 5.04% lower than the national average.
In Schenectady, the median home price stands at $113,200, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Schenectady | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 188 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Country Knolls, NY | 5,306 | 149 | 599 | 749 |
| Altamont, NY | 1,754 | 152 | 611 | 763 |
| Voorheesville, NY | 2,789 | 170 | 681 | 850 |
| Stillwater, NY | 1,959 | 189 | 760 | 950 |
| Hagaman, NY | 1,452 | 199 | 800 | 999 |
| Menands, NY | 3,889 | 211 | 848 | 1,060 |
| Hampton Manor, NY | 5,161 | 214 | 858 | 1,072 |
| Schenectady, NY | 65,336 | 757 | 3,422 | 4,179 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sammamish, WA | 65,265 | 59 | 917 | 977 |
| Rowlett, TX | 65,426 | 236 | 1,485 | 1,721 |
| Castle Rock, CO | 65,176 | 32 | 1,163 | 1,195 |
| Auburn, AL | 65,508 | 131 | 1,160 | 1,291 |
| Jupiter, FL | 65,139 | 119 | 720 | 839 |
| Schenectady, NY | 65,336 | 757 | 3,422 | 4,179 |
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