Tompkins County Crime & Safety

Tompkins County, New York

Safety Score

22/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2020.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

140.4

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1880.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

22/100

Higher = safer

State avg 56/100

State Safety Rank

#53

of 60 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Tompkins County, New York

Tompkins County faces higher crime activity

Tompkins County has a safety score of 96.8, which is lower than many of its neighbors. Its total crime rate of 2,020.4 per 100,000 residents is closer to the national average of 2,385.5 than other rural New York counties.

Below the state safety average

The county's crime rate of 2,020.4 is nearly double the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its 96.8 safety score reflects a more active environment than the 98.3 state average.

A statistical outlier in the region

Tompkins County reports crime rates more than triple those of neighboring Tioga (575.0) and Steuben (583.4). Much of this difference stems from higher property crime rates in the Ithaca area.

Property crime is the major factor

Violent crime in Tompkins is 140.4, which is higher than the state average of 125.0. However, property crime is the primary driver at 1,880.0, suggesting a high frequency of thefts or burglaries.

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Because property crime rates are elevated, residents should prioritize alarm systems and secure entry points. Eight local agencies work to manage these numbers and protect the community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Tompkins County, NY?

Tompkins County has a total crime rate of 2020.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (140.4 per 100K) and property crimes (1880.0 per 100K).

Is Tompkins County, NY safe?

Tompkins County has a safety score of 22/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #53 out of 60 counties in New York for safety (1 = safest).

How does Tompkins County crime compare to the New York average?

The county's crime rate of 2,020.4 is nearly double the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its 96.8 safety score reflects a more active environment than the 98.3 state average.

What types of crime are most common in Tompkins County?

Violent crime in Tompkins is 140.4, which is higher than the state average of 125.0. However, property crime is the primary driver at 1,880.0, suggesting a high frequency of thefts or burglaries.

How is crime data measured and reported for Tompkins County?

Crime data for Tompkins County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Tompkins County?

Tompkins County has a safety score of 22/100, which is below the New York average of 56/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.