| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Albany/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,742 | n/a (estimate) | 3,665 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 9 | n/a | 8.8 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 74 | n/a | 72.5 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 183 | n/a | 179.2 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 568 | n/a | 556.3 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 834 | n/a (estimate) | 817 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 319 | n/a | 312.5 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,298 | n/a | 2,250.8 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 291 | n/a | 285.0 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,908 | n/a (estimate) | 2,848 | 1,720 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Albany crime rate is higher than the national average by 73%. Specifically, there were 834 violent crimes in Albany, equivalent to 817 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 127.5%. Furthermore, Albany recorded 2908 property crimes, amounting to 2848 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 61.8%.
With a violent crime rate of 817 crimes per 100,000 residents, Albany is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Albany ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 123 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Albany. Based on the results of the surveys (115 responses), 25% of people felt that there was very little crime in Albany and felt safe walking alone at night. While 75% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Albany, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Albany presents a total crime rate that is 73% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Albany experiences an average of 10.25 daily crimes, comprising 2.28 violent incidents and 7.97 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Albany has increased by 6.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Albany, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 4%, while property crime has increased by 9.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Albany is a safe place to live.
There are more than 22 different neighborhoods in the Albany area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Albany include Buckingham Lake-Crestwood, Campus Area-University District and Melrose. While Mansion Area, Second Avenue and West Hill have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.
In Albany, 86.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Albany, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
The median home price in Albany is $336,771, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Albany | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 456 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Averill Park, NY | 1,508 | 125 | 566 | 691 |
| Altamont, NY | 1,812 | 127 | 573 | 700 |
| Voorheesville, NY | 2,868 | 129 | 586 | 715 |
| Niverville, NY | 1,442 | 133 | 602 | 735 |
| Nassau, NY | 1,154 | 158 | 717 | 875 |
| Castleton-on-Hudson, NY | 1,529 | 166 | 752 | 918 |
| Menands, NY | 3,993 | 180 | 814 | 994 |
| Albany, NY | 99,012 | 817 | 2,848 | 3,665 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bend, OR | 99,174 | 168 | 1,362 | 1,530 |
| Mission Viejo, CA | 98,783 | 99 | 1,186 | 1,285 |
| Compton, CA | 98,731 | 1,272 | 3,145 | 4,417 |
| Brockton, MA | 98,714 | 599 | 1,346 | 1,945 |
| Longmont, CO | 99,360 | 469 | 2,619 | 3,088 |
| Albany, NY | 99,012 | 817 | 2,848 | 3,665 |
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