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In 2025, New York City made strides in public safety as both shootings and murders dropped to historic lows. But, while many major crime categories showed a decline compared to the previous year, the overall picture is more complex. The city has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic crime levels, and certain alarming trends, particularly in violent crime, are raising concerns for law enforcement and residents alike.

Despite the headline successes, data reveals that felony assaults have risen for six consecutive years, hitting levels not seen since 1997. This troubling statistic highlights a significant issue, as felony assaults outnumber murders by a staggering ratio of 97 to 1. After a promising start to 2025, major crime rates increased in the latter months of the year, which raises questions about the sustainability of the positive trends observed earlier.

According to recent reports, the total number of all reported offenses in New York City is approximately 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels, marking the highest figures since at least 2006. This includes a wide array of crimes such as harassment and misdemeanor assaults, which are far more visible in daily life and contribute to a pervasive sense of insecurity among New Yorkers.

2025: Crime Rates and Trends

In 2025, New York City saw a modest decline in major crime compared to 2024, reflecting an ongoing downward trend from pandemic peaks. However, the overall major crime rate remained significantly higher than in 2019, the last full year before COVID-19 disrupted communities and resulted in a violent crime surge. The following highlights illustrate the shifts in crime trends:

• Shooting incidents are at their lowest since records began in 1993.
• Murders in 2025 are lower than any year since the 1950s, with the exception of 2017 and 2018.
• Increased days without shooting or murder incidents were reported, providing a clearer measure of safety.

Despite these declines, it is crucial to note that New York is recovering more slowly than many other major cities in America. Since 2019, the city recorded only a 3.1% reduction in murders, which is significantly less than the national average. This lagging recovery, despite being safer raises concerns about the long-term implications for public safety strategies.

Concerning Trends in Violent Crime

One of the most alarming trends is the rise in felony assaults, defined as those that cause serious physical injury or involve dangerous instruments. Notably, total felony assaults have surged by 84% since 2008 and are 44% higher than in 2019. Misdemeanor assaults, while seeing a slight decline of 3.3% in 2025, remain at concerning levels overall. The rates of total assaults, both felony and misdemeanor, are still 23.2% higher than they were in 2019.

Domestic violence continues to be a significant contributor to serious crime, with 39% of felony assaults classified as domestic violence. These incidents are often underreported due to their occurrence behind closed doors and require a multifaceted approach involving law enforcement, social services, and judicial systems.

Subway Crime and Public Perception

The subway remains a focal point of crime concerns, as it represents a crucial public space for millions daily. Crime incidents on subways, while rare, have a disproportionate impact on public perception of safety. In 2025, a total of 34,559 crimes were reported on the subway, with fare evasion being a significant contributor to the numbers. Importantly, the overall crime rate per subway ride remains about 13.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels, adding to public anxiety.

Despite claims from officials that crime is at the lowest level in a generation, it is crucial to consider the context of these numbers, especially in light of the ongoing challenges facing the city.

What Lies Ahead for New York City’s Crime Landscape

The new administration under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which began on January 1, 2026, has promised a shift in public safety policy that leans toward community safety and civilian interventions rather than relying solely on police enforcement. This approach may address the rising rates of assaults and the persistent issue of domestic violence, but challenges remain.

In addition to local crime dynamics, federal immigration enforcement has increased, creating fear among immigrant communities. These actions can disrupt community relationships and further complicate the city’s public safety landscape. The mayor’s administration will need to navigate these complexities while building public trust.

hate crimes have turn into a significant concern, with 68% more reported than in 2017, disproportionately affecting Jewish individuals among other groups. This indicates broader societal issues that the administration will need to address as it formulates policies aimed at enhancing public safety.

As New York City embarks on this new chapter, the focus will be on balancing community safety, effective policing, and fostering trust among residents. The path forward will require ongoing evaluation of crime trends and proactive strategies that resonate with the city’s diverse population. Engaging with the community and addressing its concerns will be paramount in shaping a safer New York City.

As we look toward 2026, the implications of these trends on public policy will be critical. An open dialogue between law enforcement, community members, and policymakers will be essential to navigating these challenges. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences regarding crime and safety in New York City.