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Top 23 Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn: 2023 Stats

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Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY at the evening
spurekar / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Attracting younger crowds, Brooklyn is one of the most sought-after boroughs in New York. It is located between Manhattans and Queens, offering easy access to both neighboring districts. Most neighborhoods in Brooklyn are safe to live in, but some have higher crime rates than others. Whether you’re a first-time New Yorker looking to relocate or a seasoned New Yorker looking for a new home, this guide can help you decide where to settle down. 

The table below shows a quick list of statistics for the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn:

NeighborhoodPopulationLivability scoreAvg. rent prices/monthOwner-occupied housing
Cobble Hill7,50389$2,80037%
Gowanus 10,57187$2,60031%
Prospect Heights17,34686$3,79532%
Brooklyn Heights21,19085$3,69646%
Park Slope44,32184$3,60044%
Fort Greene19,97983$4,10221%
Carroll Gardens13,78882$2,95034%
Red Hook20,96581$1,8005%
DUMBO2,16478$4,59552%
Mapleton-Flatlands206,90277$1,62051 %
Borough Park125,91476$1,80027%
Coney Island29,07575$1,90026%
Bay Ridge81,38774$1,84933%
Williamsburg156,70274$3,92514%
Boerum Hill28,24373$4,30024%
Midwood52,80773$2,31435%
Kensington 46,99072$1,80028%
Dyker Heights 47,32371$1,45052%
Bensonhurst258,09171$1,67535%
Gravesend 193,72870$1,65838%
Bushwick82,68670$2,40015%
Sheepshead Bay122,50069$1,68844%
Greenpoint105,70368$4,01019%

Note: The areas are ranked from the highest to the lowest based on livability scores. The scores above are calculated based on several factors, including the cost of living, housing, crime rates, amenities, employment, schools, and resident ratings for each area. Data was sourced from the NYC Department of City Planning’s Community District Profiles and NYC Crime Map and is correct as of March 2022. 

1. Cobble Hill

  • Safety score: 79% above national average
  • Best for: Families, young professionals, commuters

Located in the northwestern portion of Brooklyn, right next to the interstate I-278 that links it to the Brooklyn Bridge, Cobble Hill is one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY, for families, young professionals, and commuters. 

With a median household income of $116,530, Cobble Hill is one of the richest neighborhoods in the borough. Nevertheless, housing is affordable, with a median rent of $2,800 for a one-bed or $4,137 for a two-bed apartment. 

Non-family households constitute 52% of occupied housing units, but the area has a high concentration of family households compared to other neighborhoods: 48%. 

Giving off laid-back vibes, Cobble Hill has numerous schools and playgrounds, trendy boutiques, independent shops, and specialty food markets. Crime rates are low; most reports involve petty crimes such as theft. 

More of a village than a big town, Cobble Hill is a good choice if you want to live in a rich place without breaking the bank.


2. Gowanus 

  • Safety score: 84% above national average
  • Best for: Singles, couples, artists

With its eclectic crowd, Gowanus occupies the area southeast of Cobble Hill and also neighbors Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, and South Slope. 

The neighborhood is, in essence, a repurposed industrial area. A mix of converted warehouses and classic row houses make up most housing units in the district, attracting hipsters, artists, and other creative types.

Home to Barclays Center arena, Gowanus also has plenty of trendy bars, casual eateries, and entertainment venues. The crime rate is low, the median income is $103,150, and most residents in the area rent their homes. The district also attracts young professionals working in Manhattan.


3. Prospect Heights

  • Safety score: 98% above national average
  • Best for: Young professionals

One of the higher-end neighborhoods in the borough, Prospect Heights can easily be defined as the safest part of Brooklyn. Although the median income in the area is lower compared to Gowanus and Cobble Hill ($95,853), the crime rates are incredibly low – the lowest in all Brooklyn areas.

The neighborhood impresses with luxury condos and classic brownstones. A deeply-rooted Caribbean-American community profile brings cultural diversity, high-profile music, craft cocktail bars, and hip eateries. 

This neighborhood doesn’t have the best public schools, but it has lots of green spaces and entertainment venues. The median age of residents is 34, 68% of households are non-families, and over 37% of adults here have a bachelor’s degree or higher. 


4. Brooklyn Heights

  • Safety score: 71% above national average
  • Best for: Families

Brooklyn Heights is one of the poshest areas in the borough and one of the best neighborhoods for families in Brooklyn. 

With a crime rate that is over 70% lower than the national average, plenty of green areas, and unrivaled views of Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights is a lot quieter compared to its neighbors. Moreover, the neighborhood also has plenty of public and private schools. Sure, there is some crime, but most reports involve minor property crimes, such as houseplant theft.

The neighborhood has a high percentage of family households – 47%. The median income is $109,643, but the overall cost of living in this place is only 7% higher compared to the national average. 

The most common education level in the area is a bachelor’s degree, and most residents work in management, business and financial occupations, or office operations.


5. Park Slope

  • Safety score: 38% above national average
  • Best for: Families, LGBTQ+
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Another neighborhood suitable for families, but also for the LGBTQ+ community, is Park Slope. Although the crime rate is higher compared to the neighboring areas, the area still finds its place in the top 10 safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. 

Crime here is more frequent due to income disparities between residents. Nonetheless, the median household income exceeds $106,000. The neighborhood has a good homeowner to renter ratio, with 51% of households being families – 7% higher compared to the rest of New York.

Violent crime rates are also low. Most crime reports in the area include robbery, theft, and other property crimes.

Overall, the area is very down-to-earth. While the neighborhood doesn’t have many green areas, it neighbors sprawling Prospect Park. Schools are good by Brooklyn standards, and the residential areas provide a safe environment for raising kids.


6. Fort Greene

  • Safety score: 46% above national average
  • Best for: Black, expats, professionals

New Yorkers looking for a culturally diverse place to live can find what they seek in Fort Greene. Named after the namesake park, this residential area has a colorful community comprising white, black, Asian, and Hispanic residents. 

Other minor ethnic groups also find their place here and can make expats feel more than welcome. 

Like other Brooklyn neighborhoods, Fort Greene has a young spirit. The median age of residents is 33, and most are singles or couples. Family households make up only 29% of the neighborhood. 

The eclectic community is well educated, with most residents working in healthcare, finance, business management, and education. Perhaps the only downside of Fort Greene is the high cost of living. Since most residents rent their homes, the demand is high, and you can expect to pay $4,102 for a one-bed apartment, on average.


7. Carroll Gardens

  • Safety score: 28% above national average
  • Best for: Young families, professionals

Known for its Italian heritage, Carroll Gardens is one of the best areas in Brooklyn for young families and commuters to New Jersey or Manhattan. The neighborhood is lively and has many Italian coffee shops, eateries, cool bars, and hip boutiques. 

Like Fort Greene, the Carroll Gardens is built around the namesake park. The residential area consists of brownstones and front-garden residences, most of which are home to young professionals and young families.

With a median household income of $103,938 per year, Carroll Gardens is one of the richest areas in the borough. However, most residents rent their homes.

The average rent is lower compared to Fort Greene and, combined with the low crime rates; the neighborhood is an excellent choice for anyone looking for housing in Brooklyn.


8. Red Hook

  • Safety score: 80% above national average 
  • Best for: Black, creative professionals

Set southwest of Carroll Gardens and offering unique views of Governor Island, Red Hook is a hub for the black community in Brooklyn and one of the safest neighborhoods in the borough.  

Giving off laid-back seaside village vibes, the area attracts eclectic crowds, artists, and creative professionals. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the neighborhood has a mix of great eateries, art galleries, boutiques, and quirky bars. 

A peculiarity about this place is the low median income, which is only $28,503. However, this isn’t strange for a neighborhood that is mostly occupied by young renters who share their homes with one or more roommates. 

The median rent is one of the lowest in Brooklyn, with a three-bed apartment here costing less than a one-bed in Brooklyn Heights or Park Slope. Overall, the cost of living in Red Hook is 3% above the national average.


9. DUMBO

  • Safety score: 30% above national average
  • Best for: Families, professionals

Short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO is more of a small and exclusive community than a neighborhood. Overlooking Manhattan, the area brags with a median household income of $160,846 and is one of the richest in Brooklyn.

As you can expect, the cost of living reflects the high income and is about 33% higher than the national average. Nevertheless, 53% of households in the area are families, and 52% of residents own their homes.

The neighborhood is very small, counting just over 2,000 souls. However, this didn’t stop the community from transforming the area into one of the most vibrant spaces in Brooklyn. 

DUMBO is a trendy place to live, full of high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The entertainment scene is also lively, and there are plenty of green areas where you can unwind after a long day.


10. Mapleton-Flatlands

  • Safety score: 38% above national average
  • Best for: Families, black, Asian

Mapleton-Flatlands is one of the largest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, consisting of Mapleton to the west and Flatlands to the east. According to the Brooklyn safety map, it is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the borough, despite its cultural diversity – or perhaps thanks to it.

Counting over 200,000 residents from all walks of life, the area is a hub for middle-class residents. The average household income is $61,691 per year, with most residents working in healthcare, education, sales, and office occupations. 

Foreign-background communities are also well-represented in the neighborhood. Over 32% of inhabitants are black, but people with an Asian or Hispanic background will also feel welcome.

Overall, Mapleton-Flatlands is the best place to live if you’re looking for an inclusive neighborhood in Brooklyn that has it all, from affordable rent to good public schools, playgrounds, green spaces, and lots of amenities.


11. Borough Park

  • Safety score: 57% above national average
  • Best for: Families, expats 

Families looking for an affordable home in Brooklyn could find it in Borough Park. Smaller than Mapleton-Flatlands, but larger than most other neighborhoods in the borough, this area brags with low rent prices and a decent cost of living. 

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In fact, while a one-bed apartment in the area will cost you around $1,800, a three-bed apartment is only $2,200 per month.

Following the same trend as most Brooklyn neighborhoods, Borough Park doesn’t have a high ratio of homeowners. About 73% of residents rent their homes, 58% are married, and over 45% of residents have at least one child.

Families aside, the area also has a thriving community of foreign-born residents, the vast majority with a Hispanic or Asian background. 


12. Coney Island

  • Safety score: 54% above national average
  • Best for: Families, retirees

Originally part of the colonial town of Gravesend, Coney Island is now one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Located in the southwestern section of the borough, it is also New York’s coastal town and one of the main entertainment hubs in the city.

Despite the abundance of attractions, Coney Island is one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Yet, it is one of the safest, with crime rates that are over 50% below the national average.

The median household income is $23,108, but the rent is cheaper compared to other areas. Sure, some residents are under economic stress, but the area still attracts families and retirees. In fact, 22% of residents are at least 65 years old, and 27% fall in the 45-64 age range.

Economic stress aside, the neighborhood has an educated population. Nearly half of adults living here are college graduates, and most residents in employment work in healthcare, service occupations, office occupations, and sales.


13. Bay Ridge

  • Safety score: 28% above national average
  • Best for: Families

One of the best neighborhoods for families on the list of safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Bay Ridge is a laid-back place to live. You won’t find any of the crazy nightlife of DUMBO or Gowanus here, but you will find the perfect place in New York to settle if you dream of picket fences and 2.5 kids. 

Sure, you might not have the literal picket fence, but the relaxed way of life is more specific to suburbs and tranquil towns rather than the chaotic vibe of Brooklyn Downtown or Manhattan.

Gathering a mid-class crowd, Bay Ridge has a median household income of $58,825 per year. Only 33% of residents own their homes, but the rent is cheaper compared to other Brooklyn neighborhoods. 

Overall, the crime rates are low. However, there is a minimum risk of robbery. Property crime, mostly including theft, is also reported in the area. That said, the neighborhood is 28% safer than the national average. 


14. Williamsburg

  • Safety score: 18% above national average
  • Best for: Singles, LGBTQ+

Drawing the young, fashionable, and chic, Williamsburg is located northeast of DUMBO and faces Manhattan to the west. 

Accessible public transit makes the neighborhood perfect for commuters, especially those working in Manhattan or other neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The median household income is on the lower side – $38,969 – but considering that the median age of residents is 26, we can’t call the neighborhood impoverished. 

In fact, the median rent for a one-bed apartment is $3,925, most likely due to the fact that young adults generally share their homes with roommates.

Williamsburg is also one of the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods in Brooklyn. From gay rooms and rentals to buzzy cafes and cocktail bars, everyone in Williamsburg can enjoy a fun and peaceful life regardless of their gender or orientation.


15. Boerum Hill

  • Safety score: 58% above national average
  • Best for: Young professionals, families

Defined by residents as a “village in the city,” Boerum Hill is a neighborhood of brownstones and townhouses, trendy bars, restaurants, and indie shops. 

Attracting the upper-middle class, this quiet side of Brooklyn has a crime rate 58% below the national average and is one of the safest districts in New York.

Residents have a median income of $80,666 per year. Nonetheless, most of them rent their homes, paying around $4,300 for a one-bed apartment. 

Surrounded by Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, and Prospect Heights, Boerum Hill provides not only easy access to all these areas but also has good links with Manhattan, Queens, and even New Jersey.

This explains why many young professionals choose to live here. Families are also advantaged, thanks to the proximity of good schools, green spaces, and entertainment venues for all ages.


16. Midwood

  • Safety score: 16% above national average
  • Best for: Families 

With a community made up of people working in finance, education, social services, sales, and office occupations, Midwood is another neighborhood in Brooklyn ideal for families.

Located in the south-central part of the borough, the area features numerous playgrounds, parks, recreational centers, good schools, and treed streets lined with condos and townhouses. Throw in affordable rent compared to other areas in Brooklyn and 54% of family households, and you’ll understand what makes this neighborhood both attractive and safe.

The median income of residents is $52,146 per year, and 65% of homes are occupied by renters. The overall cost of living is higher in Midwood compared to other neighborhoods, but the low rates of violent crime make it a safe place for children.


17. Kensington 

  • Safety score: 15% above national average
  • Best for: Families 

Located in the central portion of Brooklyn, Kensington is an excellent choice for those who like the nostalgic vibe of old-school New York. The neighborhood is a mix of people and home styles, but it has lots of empty spaces and an airy feel. 

This patchwork of communities is made up of a variety of cultures and races, all working together to maintain the area safe. 

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Overall, the living cost in Kensington is high – about 45% higher than the national average. Nevertheless, the rent prices are affordable considering the median household income of $46,233 per year. 

As you’d expect from a neighborhood suitable for families, Kensington has plenty of good schools, playgrounds, and decent public transit options for commuters. 


18. Dyker Heights 

  • Safety score: 35% above national average
  • Best for: Families, expats

Home to one of the largest Asian communities in Brooklyn, Dyker Heights is another excellent neighborhood for families, but also for foreign-born nationals or people with an Asian, Hispanic, black, or American Indian heritage. 

The American-Italian community is also well-represented in the area. In other words, living here means stumbling upon hip Italian restaurants, cafes, and chic bars. 

Safety-wise, Dyker Heights has an overall crime rate 35% lower than the national average. The median income is $57,275, and most residents own their homes. Rent is also the most affordable in all Brooklyn, a one-bad apartment costing $1,450, on average. 

Larger housing units are also affordable, and the area offers numerous green spaces and good schools. The proximity to Bay Ridge is another advantage, allowing residents to enjoy Bay Ridge’s vibrant life at any time yet retreat to a quiet haven when the day is over.

The only downside is a lack of access to the NYC subway, which can make the area less desirable for commuters.


19. Bensonhurst 

  • Safety score: 51% above national average
  • Best for: Professionals, young families

Nestled in the southwestern section of Brooklyn, Bensonhurst offers residents a dense urban feel that attracts professionals and young families. Public schools in the area are above average, but the liberal lifestyle of people living in the area requires an open mind.

In addition to parks and playgrounds, the neighborhood also has lots of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and vibrant nightlife. 

Families make up 52% of Bensonhurst’s households, and most residents rent their homes. Together with Dyker Heights, this is one of the cheapest areas in Brooklyn.  

Most residents work in education and retail; this explains the lower median income, which is only $46,716. Nevertheless, Bensonhurst is a good place to live and one of the safest neighborhoods in New York. 


20. Gravesend 

  • Safety score: 40% above national average
  • Best for: Families, commuters

Occupying the south-central section of Brooklyn right next to Coney Island, Gravesend is a safe neighborhood for families and commuters. One of its greatest advantages is the easy access to public transportation that links it to the rest of the city. Moreover, the Shore Parkway belt connects the district to New Jersey and the JFK airport.

Almost 50% of households in Gravesend are occupied by families. Most residents rent their homes, and the average household income is $50,368 per year. 

That said, Gravesend is not only safe, but it actually has a thriving community. The neighborhood has numerous shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, parks, and playgrounds. Schools and daycare centers are also good compared to New York standards. Overall, the neighborhood is a good choice for singles, couples, and families alike.


21. Bushwick

  • Safety score: 33% above national average
  • Best for: Creative professionals

Artists and other creatives looking for an alternative to Gowanus or Red Hook might find their perfect home in Bushwick.

Similar to Gowanus and Red Hook, Bushwick evolved from an industrial area that is now home to converted warehouses and other eclectic housing units. The streets are marked by imaginative street art, and quirky coffee shops are often used as workspaces by freelancers and remote workers. 

Wealth-wise, Bushwick is easy to define as the neighborhood for middle-class creatives. The average household income is $41,768, which is higher than the median income in Red Hook but less than half of the median income in Gowanus. 

The only downside is the cost of living, which is only slightly lower than Gowanus. That said, the area is safe, and living next to Highland Park definitely has its perks.


22. Sheepshead Bay

  • Safety score: 39% above national average
  • Best for: Families, commuters

Bounded by Ocean Parkway and Belt Parkway, Sheepshead Bay sits between Gravesend to the west and Marine Park to the east. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Manhattan Beach to the south and is one of the best neighborhoods for commuters who need easy access to the JFK airport. 

Ideal for families, Sheepshead Bay, features an airy residential area with plenty of playgrounds, walking spaces, and a relatively balanced number of renter- and owner-occupied homes. 

The median household income is $52,378 per year, and you can expect to pay around $1,688 per month for a one-bed apartment or $2,450 for a two-bed. 

As you’d expect from a family-friendly neighborhood, the area has good schools. However, compared to the rest of Brooklyn, the average education level of residents is lower. Thus, most people in the area work in accommodation, food service, and sales.


23. Greenpoint

  • Safety score: 33% above national average
  • Best for: Creatives, young professionals

The northernmost neighborhood in Brooklyn, Greenpoint, is another hub for the creative bunch. The eclectic neighborhood exudes old-school vibes, meaning you can look forward to being on a first-name basis with your local barista. 

This neighborhood is by no means affordable, but it is much more affordable than Manhattan and offers very quick access to New York’s vibrant heart. Yet, you can expect to pay around $4,010 for a one-bed apartment in the area.

With such high prices and a median age of 33, one would expect a high median income. However, the median household income is only $78,426, meaning that most people share their homes. Renter-occupied units make up 81% of households. 

Nicknamed Little Poland, Greenpoint is also home to one of the largest Polish communities in the borough. 

Aside from the vibrant art and fashion scene, the neighborhood offers superb views of Manhattan, trend-setting eateries, traditional Polish shops and restaurants, and hidden gems around every corner.

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