| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Schenectady/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,590 | n/a (estimate) | 3,775 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 10.2 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 39 | n/a | 56.8 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 69 | n/a | 100.6 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 328 | n/a | 478.1 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 443 | n/a (estimate) | 646 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 275 | n/a | 400.8 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,721 | n/a | 2,508.4 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 151 | n/a | 220.1 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,147 | n/a (estimate) | 3,129 | 1,720 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Schenectady is 78.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 443 violent crimes reported in Schenectady, equivalent to 646 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 79.8%. Additionally, Schenectady recorded 2147 property crimes, amounting to 3129 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 77.8%.
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 7 murders, translating to 10 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 conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Schenectady residents. Out of the respondents (67 in total), 21% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Schenectady were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 79% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Schenectady a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Schenectady has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 78%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 7.1 daily incidents, encompassing 1.21 violent crimes and 5.88 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Schenectady as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Schenectady has increased by 24.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Schenectady, 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 increased by 22.4%, while property crime has increased by 24.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Schenectady is a safe place to live.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Schenectady crime rates. The population density in Schenectady is 6182.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Schenectady, the cost of living is 4.88% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Schenectady has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.82 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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 |
| Altamont, NY | 1,812 | 127 | 573 | 700 |
| Round Lake, NY | 1,289 | 128 | 582 | 710 |
| Voorheesville, NY | 2,868 | 129 | 586 | 715 |
| Stillwater, NY | 2,025 | 154 | 696 | 850 |
| Hagaman, NY | 1,494 | 165 | 748 | 914 |
| Menands, NY | 3,993 | 180 | 814 | 994 |
| Waterford, NY | 2,222 | 187 | 845 | 1,032 |
| Schenectady, NY | 66,726 | 646 | 3,129 | 3,775 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Harlingen, TX | 66,722 | 258 | 2,719 | 2,977 |
| Jupiter, FL | 66,688 | 123 | 653 | 776 |
| San Clemente, CA | 66,681 | 183 | 1,268 | 1,451 |
| East Orange, NJ | 66,655 | 486 | 1,953 | 2,439 |
| Noblesville, IN | 66,802 | 84 | 538 | 622 |
| Schenectady, NY | 66,726 | 646 | 3,129 | 3,775 |
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