Upper West Side vs Harlem: Safety Comparison

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

Updated March 24, 2026

Upper West Side
Manhattan
Harlem
Manhattan
Safety Grade A D
30-Day Incidents 145 36
Violent Crime 2 2
Robbery 0 2
Drug Activity 5 13

Verdict

Harlem is currently safer with 36 incidents vs 145 in Upper West Side. Safety grades: Upper West Side (A) vs Harlem (D).

Full Upper West Side Report Full Harlem Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Upper West Side or Harlem safer?

Harlem currently has fewer incidents (36 vs 145 in the last 30 days) and a D safety grade.

Which has more violent crime?

Upper West Side: 2 violent incidents. Harlem: 2. These counts reflect the last 30 days.

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