Harlem vs Washington Heights: Safety Comparison

Side-by-side safety comparison for two of NYC’s most popular neighborhoods. Which is safer for renters in 2026?

Updated August 12, 2026

	Harlem Manhattan	Washington Heights Manhattan
Safety Grade	F	D
30-Day Incidents	634	478
Violent Crime	46	11
Robbery	6	12
Drug Activity	7	0

Verdict

Washington Heights is currently safer with 478 incidents vs 634 in Harlem. Safety grades: Harlem (F) vs Washington Heights (D).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harlem or Washington Heights safer?

Washington Heights currently has fewer incidents (478 vs 634 in the last 30 days) and a D safety grade.

Which has more violent crime?

Harlem: 46 violent incidents. Washington Heights: 11. These counts reflect the last 30 days.

Compare Other Neighborhoods

• Harlem vs Park Slope
• Harlem vs Williamsburg
• Harlem vs Astoria
• Harlem vs Crown Heights
• Harlem vs Bushwick
• Harlem vs Bed-Stuy
• Harlem vs Upper West Side
• Harlem vs Hell's Kitchen